A New Path for Moms: How a Tax Credit Made a Difference

A single mother of five found her life turning around when she received almost ten thousand dollars from a state tax program. The money helped her buy a safer car, new beds and clothes for all the children, and it gave her the financial breathing room to finish a bachelor’s degree and start an MBA. Her story began when she left her former home in 2022, carrying only a few items and an urgent need for stability. The lack of proper seatbelts in her car forced her to leave her eldest teen at home, a risky decision that highlighted how tight the budget was. United Way’s WomenGive program stepped in with a child‑care scholarship, letting her choose culturally appropriate care for the younger kids while she attended Colorado State University. WomenRise added a monthly cash grant that covered immediate household needs, proving how targeted support can change daily life.While studying and working at the campus Native American Cultural Center, she qualified for a refundable tax credit that gave families with children under 17 money back on their taxes. The nearly $10, 000 refund was a turning point, allowing her to meet safety and basic needs for the entire family. With that foundation, she became more than a student: she joined advisory boards on missing and murdered Indigenous people, helped research the legacy of boarding schools, and ran an Indigenous summer camp. Her work reflects a deep commitment to her community and the next generation. Her future plan is to start a nonprofit that supports Native American youth, inspired by the help she received. She warns that cutting this tax credit would hurt thousands of single mothers, many already living in poverty. Studies show the program cuts child poverty by about a third when combined with other tax benefits. She calls on lawmakers to restore the credit, emphasizing that resources like this are vital for single moms striving for a stable and hopeful future.