Comfort Counts

When the COVID lockdown happened and schools started closing last year, many working parents were suddenly faced with the challenge of how to continue working without the childcare now required for their children to be at home. When Aarin recognized the problem these families in her neighborhood were facing, she immediately offered the basement in her home and her supervision, so these parents who were essential workers could continue going to work each day to support their families. Aarin transformed her basement into a fully functioning school, providing 9 students with a school-like environment as she helped them with lessons, projects, and tech support 5 days per week. The group of 4 first graders, 3 third graders, 1 fourth grader, and 1 fifth grader were all “quarantined together” and benefited from the structured learning environment.

Aarin acted as the point of contact with the teachers and took care of any follow-up that was needed. She did so without compensation and simply felt like this is what she could offer to help. “I can’t say how much of a blessing this has been to us”, one of the parents commented. Another mom said, “She’s a saint for taking 9 children for the majority of the pandemic. I don’t know what I would have done.”

It would have been easy for her to focus solely on her own children, but she wanted to help her neighbors. For some time, Aarin even worked a part-time job in the evenings at home on top of it. She said it got pretty busy there for a while. Her “school” continues today with a few of the children still attending part-time as their regular schools transition back to in-person classes.
Aarin, you’ve made a difference in your community and you’re our Cool Hero!