Hi, my name is Jessamyn. I have two children – Gavin who is 11 years old and Zoey who is 8. When we’re not in school, we enjoy being outdoors, whether it is hiking and skiing, or walks to the park and the natural areas. We’re also big hockey fans! I currently attend Colorado State University, studying environmental geology.

Things were not always this easy. I moved to Colorado three years ago after my husband and I went through a divorce. I decided to come here because I have some friends and family in the area. However, the move was a huge challenge, not only in my life, but my children’s as well. We've slowly learned to build a new normal again. We took it one day at a time, and sometimes, it was really stressful. Gradually, we all adjusted to our new life.

I had heard about United Way’s WomenGive program before and I wish I had taken advantage of the opportunity sooner. Before I got into the program, if my children had a day off from school, I would stay home with them instead of going to my own classes. That way I wouldn’t have to pay for a full day of childcare. The scholarship has been such a huge help, and it has provided me so much relief knowing that I don’t have to figure out how I am going to pay for daycare every month.

WomenGive makes a continual impact on my whole family. It’s huge to know that such an important need is taken care of. It’s a daily reminder that someone did this for us, and I have one less stressful thing to worry about.

This program has made it possible for me to continue my education, and I recently graduated in December 2015. Looking forward, I would really like to work with natural resource sustainability and management and gain experience in my field, and someday start an environmental consulting business. Eventually, I plan to get my masters degree.

This wouldn’t be possible without United Way’s WomenGive program, and I want to say thank you! To all the members and supporters of WomenGive, you make it possible for me to provide a normal life to my children and give us a better future.

Interested in learning more about WomenGive, or want to become a member? Click here.