Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, December 20, 1993 TAG: 9312200028
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BETSY BIESENBACH STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Kathleen has been just great," Lawhorn said. "If you're going through a bad time, she's someone who will listen to you. She's been a big help."
Lawhorn, 41, came to the center, which receives money raised through the Good Neighbors Fund, in May and October for help with utility bills and food.
Although her husband has a steady job, he doesn't make enough to support her, their two children and their 17-year old daughter's two infants. When the second baby was born prematurely six months ago, her daughter had to quit work to care for them.
Lawhorn hasn't worked since she suffered a back injury at her job as a nursing assistant. When she recovered, her position had been filled. She quickly got a another job, but lost it when she hurt her back again. She has been looking for work ever since, but she believes employers are reluctant to hire her because of her history of injuries.
The family receives food stamps and fuel assistance, and the babies are enrolled in the Women Infants and Children feeding program, but Lawhorn's husband's salary is their only source of income.
A few months before Lawhorn lost her second job, the couple had bought new furniture. Because both she and her husband were working, they thought they could afford it.
Soon afterward, their stove and refrigerator gave out, and they had to buy new ones. Most of their creditors have been very understanding, she said, but a local hospital is taking them to court over unpaid medical bills. Lawhorn's husband has insurance, but it doesn't cover everything.
At the end of November, the Lawhorns' car tags expired, and there was no money to renew them. Her husband's truck broke down at the same time, and he often has to walk to work, despite painful arthritis.
Lawhorn has worked all her life. To keep busy, she volunteers at the Salvation Army, screening applicants for aid.
"It's a chance to get out of the house and meet people," she said.
Lawhorn doesn't know when or if times will get better for her family. Her daughter has applied for a scholarship at Virginia Western Community College, and if she goes to school or work, Lawhorn would be happy taking care of the grandchildren.
"They are my life," she said.
Checks should be made payable to Good Neighbors Fund and mailed to Roanoke Times & World-News, P.O. Box 1951, Roanoke 24008.
Names - but not the amounts of donations - of contributing businesses, individuals or organizations, as well as memorial and honorific designations, will be listed. Those requesting that their names not be used will remain anonymous. If no preference is stated, the donor's name will be listed.
Gifts cannot be earmarked for any particular individual or family. Gifts are tax-deductible.
by CNB