Cynthiana, Kentucky was a thriving town. Jobs with the railroad, tobacco and farming were plentiful. As those industries declined, so did the prosperity for some Cynthiana residents.
Today, as the world continues to deal with rising costs and instability, families are having to pick and choose between necessities like food, shelter, and childcare.
When Zayley Singer, 9, was born, Chasity Shepherd, 30, stayed at home because child care was too expensive.
“I definitely can’t afford child care now,” Chasity said while gesturing to her family of five while pausing between weed-whacking Pythian Grove Cemetery.
Chasity homeschools her sons and daughters, but needed to pick up work when her husband Shane Singer, 36, had an open-heart surgery this year. Shane returned to work as an excavator and the two have kept the job at the cemetery.
For other families, it makes sense for one parent to keep an eye on their children while the other works elsewhere.
In the summer, Daniel Fuson, 35, a middle school teacher, watches over his three girls while working mornings at Maiden City Brewing Company. Daniel’s wife is a second-shift nurse so he watches over their daughters so she can rest.
Kayla Highlander, 24, keeps her two children occupied while running her store Melinda's Boutique. Kayla is always on the move organizing inventory and watching her kids as they meander, crawl, and run around the
store in-between naps.
Families are pushing their way forward and doing their best to care for their children, but for some it isn’t sustainable.
Paying for childcare is out of reach.