April moved to Seattle from California in the 70’s and never looked back. As single mother of four, she had to work hard to make it and was always encouraged by the opportunity and beauty that the Pacific Northwest provided.  April worked many different jobs but spending time with children had always been her passion. In 2009 she opened a day care in her home and looked after the toddlers in her neighborhood.

In October of 2012, April came home to discover that a broken pipe had caused flooding in her basement and playroom, the most functional areas of the daycare. The damage was significant and the daycare had to close. With little help from her landlord or renter’s insurance, the flood left April with thousands of dollars in repairs and no income. Getting the repairs finished has been further complicated by the onset of medical problems and the accompanying bills.

Although things have gotten better for April, she is working two part-time jobs, money is still tight. In December of 2014, April applied for Energy Assistance to help keep her gas on. Thankfully, Byrd Barr Place had Bridge the Gap funding and was able to pledge the $280 needed to keep April’s gas from being disconnected. “I am so thankful for all of your help, I wouldn’t be able to make it without you.”