Title: Nebraska Mom Launches Foundation to Aid Families with School Bus Passes: A Community’s Response to Rising Costs
In Crete, Nebraska, a determined mother is taking matters into her own hands to address a pressing issue affecting local families—access to affordable transportation for students. Mishelle Kortus, a resident of this tight-knit community, has founded the 4 Mile Foundation to support families struggling to cover the costs of school bus passes, a burden many are grappling with as expenses continue to rise.
The challenge stems from Nebraska’s school transportation policy, which stipulates that students living within four miles of their school are not eligible for free bus rides. As Kortus explains, her family lives just a stone’s throw from this cutoff—3.9 miles away. “Walking to school would take almost an hour and a half,” she shared. With the absence of sidewalks and streetlights, the daily trek poses significant safety concerns. “Anything can happen to her between here and school,” she added, illuminating a struggle many parents face in rural areas where infrastructure may not support safe travel for children.
The financial strain is alarming, too. Kortus recalls a time just five years ago when the cost for one child’s annual bus pass was around 0. Fast forward to today, and that number has soared to over 0. “I thought, ‘You know what? I’m tired of getting stuck with these things that someone up higher thinks we should have to come up with and pay,’” she expressed emphatically. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many in the middle class who are finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with rising living costs, often without a safety net.
Recognizing the growing need for assistance, Kortus mobilized local businesses to help fund the foundation, ensuring that families in Crete can access the transportation their children need to succeed in school. “We need help. Prices are going up, and there’s just no help for the middle class,” she said, highlighting a gap in support for families faced with financial hardships.
With the funds raised, Kortus has begun to pay for bus passes for families in need directly, but her vision extends beyond just transportation. She wants the 4 Mile Foundation to be a resource for any pressing needs families might have, whether that’s covering school lunches, utility bills, or other unforeseen expenses. “I want to help people with that last tenth of a mile that you’re struggling with,” she declared, emphasizing her commitment to holistic support.
On Thursday, Kortus is set to take a significant step in realizing her mission when she presents a check to the local school that will cover an entire year of bus fees for one student. This moment will not only provide essential services for a child but will also serve as a beacon of hope for other families struggling with similar challenges.
This initiative takes on added importance against a backdrop of rising living expenses nationwide. Many families are feeling the pinch from inflation, making it increasingly challenging to manage everyday costs. By addressing this crucial gap in school transportation, the 4 Mile Foundation not only helps ease financial burdens but also underscores the importance of community support in difficult times.
The foundation’s work highlights the essential role that local organizations can play in fostering family stability and educational access. In a world where economic disparities can widen, grassroots efforts such as Kortus’s are vital for ensuring no child is left without the means to reach their educational opportunities safely.
As the 4 Mile Foundation continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of individual initiative in making a difference. By rallying community support and focusing on the pressing needs of families, Kortus is not only addressing immediate transportation challenges but is also fostering a spirit of solidarity and resilience in Crete.
Stay tuned for updates on the 4 Mile Foundation’s journey and their impact on the community, as more families discover the support they need in these trying times.
