Why Cassie LIFTs
This is my story: no statistics, no political appeals,
I just want to let you into my life a little bit.
I have a very blessed life—I’ve attended highranking educational institutions, I lived in a safe
neighborhood growing up, and I have a great career
ahead of me. But what you might not know is that
my family and I are living below the federal poverty
line. Another thing you might not know is that
several of your friends are, too.
My parents have had decent jobs, but after my
dad became disabled, we have relied on thrifty
spending, extra work, and government assistance.
I helped my parents pay my high school tuition
by washing lunch tables every day and earning
scholarships when I entered. I attended a private
college on scholarship and by working through my
university and during the summers.
I have a lot, there’s no denying that. But if my mom
lost her job, we’d have no steady household income,
no health insurance, we would lose our house, and
we’d be living off of the social security money they
give my dad.
Cassie
ANANDAPPA
LIFT-CHICAGO
Even though I’m talking about me, this is the
situation for many Americans, including the middleand upper-class people in this country with degrees
and work experience who have lost their jobs, their
homes, or their health these past few years. These
people are good, hard-working citizens who have
unfortunate events happen in their lives and who
need help getting back on their feet. Poverty isn’t
just about people pan-handling on the street or
holding up cardboard signs asking for food or a job.
There is no one image for poverty. I’m living proof.
Imagine someone you love—a parent, a sibling, a
friend—who has a comfortable life. Now imagine
that person got sick, lost their job and health
insurance, and had to sell everything, even their
home. The shelter where they are now staying
wouldn’t even let them keep their dog. Imagine how
they would feel. Likely alone and confused, they
might not know what to do next, who to call, or who
would even be willing to help them.
And poverty could mean you, your friend, or your
next-door neighbor who are trying their best but
are lacking the resources to really turn their lives
around.
If you choose to support LIFT by funding us, please
know that your support means real impact on
our work. It supports the physical resources—
computers, phones, office space, paper supplies,
fax machines, etc.—to help our community. As you
consider donating, please think about my story or
even your own and know that you would be making
a difference in lives everyday.
To watch Cassie tell her story
scan the QR code or visit
www.liftcommunities.org/newyork
It’s the little things—helping people write
a resume, making phone calls, providing
resources, and being an emotional support—
that help people help themselves, and give them
some of the opportunities that most of us have.
Sometimes they’re even as small as using the
internet or knowing who to contact when searching
for housing. By doing this, LIFT tries to fight poverty.
LIFT IMPACT REPORT 2012
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