Substitute Teaching in Maine (house, school, living in)

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I was asked to substitute teach at a rural school for three days shortly before Christmas. The students had been asked to write what they wished for this Christmas. Their replies were difficult to read.

"I wish that Susies Mom's boyfriend won't be mean on Christmas."

"I wish that Nancy's Mom will be alive on Christmas."

"I wish that Bill's house will be warm on Christmas."

They continued. Not one of those young students asked for anything for themselves; no video games, no snowmobiles, ATVs or firearms. They were a community of kids, grown up too soon and very much aware of the conditions nearly all of them shared. Over 90% of the students in that school were on free or reduced lunch.

Take a look around you this season. Reach out to someone in your own way. There are needs in Maine; needs not met by government.

[Nor'Eastah]

Originally Posted by Northern Maine Land Man

Take a look around you this season. Reach out to someone in your own way. There are needs in Maine; needs not met by government.

You are absolutely right.

We were astonished, after moving here, how so many Mainers are living in poverty or near-poverty, yet either don't fully realize it, or are just so used to it that they just deal with it, and keep on keepin' on.

We used to donate a good deal in Rhode Island (another mostly poor state), but have switched the bulk of our donations to Maine. And not just during the holidays, either. Need knows no season.

[Northern Maine Land Man]

I had a neighbor who made it on a social security check of $185 a month. He grew his own vegetables and lived on pickerel from the lake - year round. He cut his own firewood and mended his worn out clothes.

[TheKezarWoodsman]

i cant even begin to think how one could live on 185 a month (just over 2k a year), even without the immense expenses of being a diabetic, or elderly,. May i ask how long ago that was?

[Northern Maine Land Man]

He died about six years go at the age of 84. I know a man today who is about 75 years old. He built his home by dragging the used boards into the woods on a toboggan, by hand. He lives there year round. I check on him. People may have read about the North Pond Hermit. He was a thief and lived quite comfortably. I don't think either of my guys ever stole anything.

Some people in Maine "make do".

[Msp079]

I work for a inner city Charter school in CT....I have a 8th grade female who literally has nothing...Her father is a crack addict, mother was shot and killed in front of her and 2 younger brothers, and she wears all her younger brothers shoes and clothes..So the wife and I decided this year we were going to do any gifts for each other but rather give back...We went to the store and bought her some clothes, shoes, etc and giving it to her today...I know she is going to be totally shocked...Holidays are about family, friends, and giving to the less fortunate.