Letters

A helping hand?

The original intention of the SSI/DSHS programs were set up to assist the disabled or impoverished - e.g.

those born with mental/physical ailments that make it difficult for them to do what others are more easily able to accomplish; And/or those who find themselves placed in an unexpected situation in which they are ill prepared for and in need of temporary assistance due to illness, accident, single parent etc.

The SSI/DSHS system was NOT designed for and does not have the funds or capability to support those whom are able but not willing to support themselves.

This leads us to the real needs of the adults caught in this system.

These adults may have had legitimate situations that originally placed them in need of some temporary help, but they also seem to remain there due to personal choice and/or a poor system that supports it.

We fully understand that some folks may not be able to continue in their old profession, but why not invest themselves into a new line of work? Everybody can do something.

Speaking from my own past experience, back in the ‘80s my (then) husband was diagnosed with a crippling disease known as MS. His primary love was doing physical work.

But, no longer able to do so, he resolved to go back to school and pursue an accounting degree; knowing that if his health continued to decline and he ended up in a wheelchair it would be a career in which he could manage.

This placed me in the position as sole provider.

Starting at 4 a.m., I worked 11-hour days, two jobs M-F, 6 a.m.

until 5:30 p.m.

and helped in the evenings with homework as needed.

On weekends I mowed, tended our garden and did housework.

Not having the luxury of owning a personal computer or access to online classes back then, he had to get out of bed and get to class just like any other student.

Unfortunately the MS took his life before he could complete the schooling and begin his new career.

We never took a single cent from SSI or DSHS.

However, online schooling isn’t for everyone. Some students may need to place themselves in a classroom setting where there is more support. The reward of feeling good about providing for their own families again will be worth every effort. One of the college academics counselors at our son’s school is permanently bound to a wheelchair; He is a perfect and inspiring example.

No big surprise to anyone that our SSI/DSHS system has become toxic. Temporary assistance seems to have turned into a “permanent reliance” that isn’t good for anyone; not the recipients, not the taxpayers and not the economy. You’ve heard of a deal breaker. The current system is not only a deal breaker but also a dream breaker! I do not mind giving people a little help to get back on their feet, but when so much is provided that we keep them from pursuing their dreams and finding self-worth.

Our home was built about 125 years ago; one of the very first in LaCrosse. For the past 40 years it has been owned by our family. Nearly 20 years ago we found ourselves in a position of trying to raise a family on what gradually became a less than reliable paycheck. But, because we had a dream and a Blessing from God, we made a decision to rely on ourselves by starting our own business.

This letter all came about because some members of our neighborhood have complained about the activities necessary to keep that business running. Yep, you guessed it, we are the ones trying to carry the burden of those complaining adults and their children whom we believe are receiving our tax dollars.

Rob & Rene’ Hinderer,

LaCrosse