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Young family of six burdened but not broken by economic difficulties

By Sara Winkler on November 29, 2010 6:00 am in Featured, Metro / 6 comments

 
Young family of six burdened but not broken by economic difficulties

Living without a vehicle is just one of the difficulties the couple, who have been married for two years, dealt with recently. They moved from Alma to Maple View Estates mobile home park, 11025 E. Pickard St., about a year ago because it was more affordable.

Jennie lost her job a few months ago as employee at an Adult Foster Home in Ithaca, where she worked for five years to support her family.

“When she worked,” Eric said, “I stayed home with the kids.”

Eight-year-old Gage Sehl, left, shows his strength by lifting up his sister Destiny, right, while playing outside of their home in Maple View Estates East mobile home park, 11025 East Pickard Road. (Sara Winkler/Staff Photographer)

Eric lost his license when he was 18 and has worked to get it back. Also unable to find a job, he and Jennie now depend on Medicare, food stamps and unemployment benefits to support themselves and their four children.

The Sehls also have had support from friends and family members with things such as transportation and shopping.

“We’ve got friends, we’ve done it for everyone else, they can do it for us,” Eric said, laughing.

The love Jennie and Eric have for their four children helps them overcome their obstacles.

“I like it when they’re having a good day,” Jennie said. “Even the small stuff, seeing them smile; that’s the best part.”

Jennie and Eric are not discouraged about their finances. Despite stress from efforts to support their family, they stay positive and enjoy their lifestyle.

“We don’t really struggle,” Eric said. “A lot of people have it a lot worse.”

 

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  • unknownechoes

    “We’ve got friends, we’ve done it for everyone else, they can do it for us,” Eric said, laughing.

    He sounds entitled, not grateful. So they will continue to live off of their friends, family, and the taxpayers. No wonder they aren't stressed, they don't have to do anything.

  • Nick Smith

    Not a very good example of people “struggling” to get by. The attitude, crossed with the amount of benefits, make them look like leeches/not really trying to get back on their feet.
    A lot of people are doing a lot worse in Michigan, and this is not one of those stories that provides much in the way of sympathy, unfortunately.

  • positiveoutlook

    Why is that some people never have anything good to say?

  • Beth

    I don't think he sounded entitled, just trying to have a positive outlook.

  • The Truth

    They aren't discouraged, but I am. It might just be that the article only focuses on their comfort and complacency with their situation instead of anything they're doing to overcome it. But from the evidence here, they really come across as arrogant and spoiled.

    I'm pretty liberal, but even I'm a bit disturbed that my taxes are going to support this couple's irresponsible behavior and their four children. The print edition of this story included a photo that's not available here– Jennie and her 15-month-old with some friends in the living room, one of whom is nonchalantly smoking a cigarette six feet from the toddler. If Jennie wants to expose her kid to second-hand smoke at that age, that would be her business– except when we taxpayers are the ones picking up her medical bills.

    And then there's Eric's MySpace– http://www.myspace.com/247276168 — which emphasizes his marijuana habit and includes the inspiring words: “police need to leave me alone, im gonna do what i do!!!”

    Stories like this are why so many people want to get rid of social programs, even though they're put to good use by many hard-working people.

  • unknownechoes

    I have plenty of good things to say on a lot of subjects. I just get annoyed when I see people living off the system, while my family works hard to pay the bills.