VIDEO: Father of five uses United Way partner agencies, now runs his own business

Here's a transcript:

United Way - Larry and Waypoint

by John Richard for United Way

Larry:

“The kids were separated from one another and I was carrying through the unimaginable to get my children back in my custody but I pressed on. I have five kids. I had to do everything that a single mother would do but I was able to tap into the services here at Waypoint.”

Karin Beal:

“Because of United Way support, we're able to provide quality childcare to families that are struggling financially.”

Larry:

“In the morning, they pick them up here and they take them to their individual schools. Other than that, I would be stressed out running the kids to Monroe, Grant Wood, running a kid over here.”

“I'm in the landscaping business. They say, you gotta be here at 7 o'clock, you gotta be there punching in that clock at 7 o'clock. I can't take on so much work. When 5 o'clock or 5:30 come, whatever's going on, it has to stop. I have to pick the children up.”

Karin Beal:

“Without United Way support, Larry's family could be on a completely different path. His tenacity has made sure that he's successful but it would have been an additional barrier for him to overcome.”

Larry:

“Now I got time to go back to school. I got my business certificate and my most recent success is; I just signed a contract on September the 22nd, with the City of Cedar Rapids, on the flood damaged properties. So thank God for Waypoint, United Way and every other not for profit organization because it helps a disadvantaged business person, like me, out. It gives me an opportunity, you know, to work, you know, that's a great thing. Thank God for Waypoint.”