LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — It may be a new year, but for many parents they're still dealing with the same pandemic problems.
2020 was a tough year for Aileen Boyd. After losing her casino job in March, this mother of six struggled to survive on unemployment.
"His daycare cost was, really, taking pretty much my whole unemployment check every week. We definitely have struggled, oh yeah. I’ve had my points where I’ve broken down and cried," said Boyd.
Little did she know, a new program from the Economic Opportunity Board is providing parents with up to $100 dollars per child, per week, to help cover the cost of childcare.
"It was so simple. It was so easy. I didn’t even realize it and it helped so much," said Boyd, describing the application process.
"We still have a lot of funds left to help parents. We’re hoping to help as many as we can," said Nicole Wessendorf, communications and outreach coordinator with E.O.B.
Wessendorf says, in order to qualify, your children must be between the ages of 0 and 12, you have to be a resident of Clark County, and you must have been affected in some way by COVID-19.
"Part of this childcare provider is just supporting parents as they try to re-navigate the workforce, whether it's working from home or having lost their job. This money will also be able to take some stress off of them, since we know childcare is one of the biggest monthly expenses they can face," said Wessendorf.
Within a week of receiving this childcare assistance, Aileen felt the relief.
"It definitely freed me up and gave me peace of mind to know that I don’t have to worry about paying his daycare every single week and being broke after I paid his daycare," said Boyd.
This program freed Aileen up to not only to find a new job, but to keep it too.
"You really have nothing to lose. It was a very simple process," said Boyd, encouraging others who are struggling to apply.
If you're interested in applying for this childcare assistance, the E.O.B. is looking for parents in need and childcare providers as well.
For more information and to fill out an application, click this link.
