I’m worried about the families in my neighborhood now that kids are getting out of school for the summer. How can I help?

Dear Grace,

When my kids were little, money was always tighter in the summer. Now that I’m older and don’t have to worry about all that, I forgot how much of a pain summer vacation can be for parents. But my neighbor is a schoolteacher, and she was saying that she’s worried about the kids this summer. She said some of her students go hungry in the summer, and spend a lot of time home alone because their parents can’t pay for camps or day care. 

I know it’s none of my business, but there are plenty of families in my building. I can remember how stressed I felt figuring out summer schedules when my kids were young. I am on a strict budget myself, but I have plenty of free time to offer…maybe there’s something I can do to help? What do you think?

– Old But Not Useless, Nashville area

Dear Not Useless,

Your letter warmed my heart. What I love about this community of women is how generous you are—eager to give back even when times are tight. The truth is, you don’t need money to make a difference. You’re absolutely right: summer can be an incredibly hard time for families. Just by noticing what’s happening around you and asking how you can help, you’re already part of the solution. We all have a role to play in making our communities better, and usually, by getting involved, we make our own lives better too.

Start with a conversation.

The best way to know how to help is to ask (check out this column I wrote to a woman who wanted to support her struggling neighbor). Chat with the families in your building—maybe even share how tough summers used to be when your kids were little. That kind of honesty opens the door to connection. You never know what someone’s going through until they feel safe enough to tell you. Find out what they are concerned about and what they could use help with. A simple “I’ve got some extra time this summer if you ever need a hand” can go a long way.

Tap into your superpower.

You don’t need money to be useful. We all have different skills and strengths to offer. Real change happens when we get involved in our community in a way that matches our unique gifts and passions. I already know a few of yours: You’ve got time, compassion, and experience raising kids—and those are superpowers. Maybe one parent needs a trusted neighbor to watch their kids for a couple of hours, or help with a ride across town. You remember how overwhelming it was to patch together summer schedules. How wonderful it is that now you’re in a position to be the helper you once needed!

Be part of the solution.

Stepping up and helping out your neighbors makes you part of the solution, but you can’t do it alone. During the school year, public schools are a safe place for kids to eat breakfast and lunch, learn, play, and grow. (Check out how important public schools are to our readers here!) When schools are out for the summer and that safe place is gone, many kids and parents are out of luck. 

Fortunately, some towns have low-cost childcare or free summer meal programs for kids, but for parents who are struggling to make ends meet, it’s hard to get connected to the resources they need. Do a little digging on what programs are available in your town and pass along what you find to families who might be interested. And if your community doesn’t offer those things, reach out to a local representative and ask why not. Raising these questions helps build a community where more people’s needs are met.

It’s true, Not Useless—working families are struggling. Over half of American households are living paycheck to paycheck. Between 2023 and 2024, families with children saw the highest increase in homelessness compared to anyone else, and over half of middle and low-income parents are struggling to afford food to feed their children. Without affordable childcare, food, and housing, many parents are doing their best under impossible conditions. But neighbors like you give me hope. Across the country, women like you are stepping up: offering rides, dropping off food, and sharing resources (learn more here!). When we look out for each other, we create the kind of community we all want to live in. Times might be tough, but so are we! And you may be “old,” but you’re anything but useless!

Love, 

Grace

P.S. A reader recently asked me what it looks like to get involved and make a change in her community. Check out this image we created for her…you might find it helpful too, Not Useless!