A 27-year-old mother of three, Canethia Miller, recently admitted to spending a significant portion of a nearly $11,000 grant from a program aimed at aiding low-income families on a lavish five-day vacation to Miami. This program, known as “Strong Families, Stronger Futures,” was introduced in Washington, DC, to assist mothers living near the poverty threshold. Miller was among 132 selected participants last year, as reported by the Washington Post.
Opting for a one-time payment of $10,800 instead of monthly installments of $900, Miller quickly allocated over $6,000 of these funds towards the vacation for herself, her three sons, and their father. She expressed her desire to enjoy the money by saying, “I wanted to blow it. I wanted to have fun.”
During the getaway, Miller ensured her children had fresh outfits each day, purchasing a total of 15 new sets of clothing. She also indulged in a $180 makeover, which included hair and nail services, to rejuvenate her appearance and step away from the everyday stresses of motherhood. “I didn’t have to look like a working, stressed mom,” she reflected on her transformed look for the trip.
The vacation was packed with luxurious experiences, including steak dinners, new toys and gadgets for her children, and a boat tour showcasing Miami’s opulent mansions. Miller viewed this as an opportunity to motivate her children, aspiring to show them what could be attainable through hard work.
Upon returning, Miller allocated the remaining funds towards bills and the purchase of a used vehicle. She acknowledged the financial strain she faced, especially after the birth of her third son, which led her to halt her social work studies to focus on her family. Residing in a subsidized apartment and relying on additional government assistance, she candidly shared the challenges of managing her monthly food stamps.
Despite the lavish spending, Miller has since opened a savings account with an initial goal of saving $50, attributing this newfound financial prudence to the insights gained from the “Strong Families, Stronger Futures” program. She is poised to start a new remote job with an hourly wage of $30, a role she believes was secured through the confidence and financial literacy fostered by the program. Miller emphasized the importance of financial education in her community, expressing a desire to leave a meaningful legacy for her children.
The program’s administering organization, Martha’s Table, based in DC, has yet to comment on the situation as per the Washington Post’s outreach.
Why the photo of Muriel Bowser?