Day care near me cost: Cost Of Child Care In Vermont: A Breakdown For 2023

Опубликовано: June 29, 2023 в 2:33 am

Автор:

Категории: Miscellaneous

Cost Of Child Care In Vermont: A Breakdown For 2023

Paulina Richter — Last updated

The Child Care problem in the U.S. is becoming unbearable. Parents from many income brackets are finding it more and more difficult to pay for Child Care. Child Care has become such a big issue that it has become the center of attention that many Senators, including those from Vermont, have started to include Child Care reform as part of their policy plans.

Vermont is no exception to this trend of expensive Child Care. In this article, we go over the costs of Child Care in the state of Vermont, as well as compare those costs for each of Vermont’s top five cities.

Child Care Cost in Vermont

Vermont’s Child Care situation is another example of how Child Care is becoming too problematic to ignore. Vermont ranks as the 16th most expensive state for infant care. This is partly because only 5. 9% if Vermont families can afford Child Care. Furthermore, Minimum wage earners in Vermont would have to give almost half of their total income (46.4%) to afford the cost of infant care. To help any Vermonters plan their Child Care budget, here are some of the states Child Care cost figures:

  • The average monthly cost of Child Care for infants is $1,068, or $12,812 a year
  • The average monthly cost of Child Care for toddlers is $976, or $11,712 a year
  • The average monthly cost of Child Care for preschool aged children is $976, or $11,712 a year
  • A family with one infant and one 4 year old will spend about $2,044 per month, or $24,528 a year

Burlington Child Care

We’ll use the figures of a Child Care center in Burlington that offers premium quality care during the school year and even during the summer holiday. It offers a summer camp program where children have access to food, play time and they learn to interact with other kids at this stage. Learning Blocks Montessori school uses the Montessori system that focuses on practical learning, self directed activities and interacting with other children.

  • Learning Blocks Montessori school charges parents $295 per week for kids between the ages of 12 months to 30 months. That sums up to $1,180 every month per enrolled toddler in the 5 days a week program.
  • Learning Blocks Montessori schools offer a CASA program for children between 30 months to 6 years of age.
  • Parents have to pay $280 if their child is enrolled in the 5 days a week program and $1,120 every month. This is the highest amount of days they offer and that is why it costs the highest amount of money.

South Burlington Child Care

South Burlington has Child Care providers who offer home Child Care programs, Child Care centers, and other services including baby sitters, nannies, and au pairs. The cost of Child Care depends on the specific provider and Child Care centers are known to be the most expensive. However, they are often licensed and regulated by the government which means your child will be in safe hands.

  • Parents with kids who are enrolled into Kid Learning Logic child center pay the following amounts weekly depending on the age group of the child and the number of days a week that they require care.
  • Parents pay $85 a day for a kid who is between 6 weeks to 11 months. That translates to $300 every week.
  • Families with children between the age of 12 months to 23 months also pay a daily fee of $85 and a weekly fee of $300 per child.
  • Parents of children who are between 24 months to 35 months pay a weekly fee of $280.
  • Families with a child who is either 3 or 4 years pay $360 weekly as Child Care fees.
  • Parents of children in their prekindergarten years, that is between 4 and 5 years pay a weekly fee of $360.

Rutland Child Care

Rutland has Child Care providers that offer care in Child Care centers, family homes, and the services of nannies and au pairs. Some Child Care centers offer discounts based on the number of enrolled children and others offer children scholarships to help struggling parents afford Child Care. Parent-Child Center of Rutland County offers families a 20% discount when they have more than one child at the center and scholarships based on approval. The amount that parents pay as fees also covers feeding.

  • Parents of infants who are kids that are older than 6 weeks but are younger than 2 years old enrolled in the Parent-Child Center of Rutland County pay a weekly fee of $310 per infant. These families pay a monthly fee of $1,240.
  • Families with a toddler, that is a child who is older than 2 years but not yet 3 years old will pay $300 every week as childcare fees. They pay a monthly fee of $1200 per child.
  • Families in Rutland with a preschooler who has enrolled in PCCRC pay a weekly fee of $250. This amounts to a net fee of $1000 excluding registration fee or other related fees.

Barre Child Care

Barre City Kids is a home Child Care program that cares for children from infancy till school age. It offers affordable Child Care programs to suit the budget of minimum pay workers. Like other Child Care programs, Barre City Kids accepts Child Care subsidy but parents have to apply for it directly with the family center. Enrolled children get a full breakfast, lunch and lunch snacks to keep them going during the day.

  • Families in Barre, Vermont pay an average of $13,430 in Child Care costs every year if they have a 4-year-old and an 8-year-old child.
  • Barre City Kids charges the parents of infants $175 every week for care which sums up to $700 every month.
  • Families with children between 1 year to 5 years old pay a weekly fee of $155 per child.
  • Barre families pay a weekly fee of $100 and a monthly fee of $400 to care for a school age child.

Montpelier Child Care

Daycare in Montpelier Vermont costs on average $821 every month which is approximately $205 every week.

  • Turtle Island is a not-for-profit organization that offers Child Care services in Montpelier for children less than 2 years old to 3 years old. They offer packages based on the number of days they provide care and the age of the child.
  • Parents of children who are less than 2 years old who are on a 5 day a week contracted schedule have to pay a weekly fee of $322. They pay a monthly fee of $1,395.
  • Vermont families with a 2-year-old in Turtle Island pay a weekly fee of $300 and a monthly fee of $1,300 if the child is on a 5-day weekly contracted schedule.
  • Parents of children who are 3 years old pay a weekly fee of $288 and a monthly fee of $1,250 if their child is enrolled in the 5 days a week program.

Other costs to consider

The cost of Child Care in Vermont can vary based on factors such as the type of care, the age of the child, the location within the state, and the specific services provided. Here are some additional costs you may need to consider when budgeting for Child Care in Vermont:

Enrollment/Application Fees
Some Child Care centers or programs may charge a one-time enrollment fee or application fee when you enroll your child. These fees are typically non-refundable.

Supplies and Materials
Depending on the Child Care provider, you may be responsible for providing certain supplies or materials for your child, such as diapers, wipes, formula, extra clothing, or bedding.

Transportation
If you need transportation services to drop off and pick up your child from the Child Care provider, you should factor in the cost of transportation, including gas, parking fees, or public transportation fares.

Meals and Snacks
Find out if the Child Care facility provides meals and snacks for your child or if you need to provide them. If meals and snacks are not included, you’ll need to consider the cost of providing nutritious food for your child while they are in care.

Field Trips and Special Activities
Some Child Care centers may organize field trips or special activities that require additional fees. These could include outings to parks, museums, or other educational and recreational venues. Make sure to inquire about these costs if they are not included in the regular tuition.

Late Pickup Fees
Child Care centers often have specific operating hours, and if you are late to pick up your child, you may be charged a late pickup fee. It’s important to be aware of the provider’s policies and any associated fees.

Miscellaneous Expenses
Depending on the Child Care arrangement, there may be additional costs for items such as extra hours or days of care, tutoring services, specialized programs, or extracurricular activities offered by the Child Care provider.

It’s crucial to discuss and clarify all potential costs with the Child Care provider you are considering, as policies and fees can vary.

How Vermont Child Care Costs Compare to Other States

A comparison of the 10 states with the highest Child Care, preschool, infant care, and day care annual costs:

  1. Massachusetts ($20,913)
  2. California ($16,945)
  3. Minnesota ($16,087)
  4. Connecticut ($15,591)
  5. New York ($15,394)
  6. Maryland ($15,335)
  7. Colorado ($15,325)
  8. Washington ($14,554)
  9. Virginia ($14,063)
  10. Illinois ($13,802)

Conclusion

We know that Vermont is among the most expensive states for infant care. We know that parents in Vermont are spending too much of their household income, up to 36% for some parents. The unfortunate reality is that the Child Care crisis is all too real for many parents, and in order to find the best childcare option for your child, you need to know how what to look for. Knowing the average cost figures, especially for programs in your city, can help you plan and budget for Child Care needs accordingly, so that your child can have the best Child Care possible.

Childcare Can Easily Cost More Than $1,000 A Month – What Are Your Options?

When I was thinking about having a baby (and during my pregnancy), childcare wasn’t one of my main concerns. Instead I spent a lot of time researching things like:

  • Miscarriage rates
  • My company’s maternity leave policy
  • Weight gain
  • Baby names

In retrospect, all that Googling was a colossal waste of time.

I should have been more concerned about figuring out what I was going to do with my baby once I went back to work. Instead, I kept telling myself, “I’ll figure it out later.”

I realize now that I was avoiding researching the issue because I was scared about the idea of leaving my child with a stranger.

But you know what else is scary? Realizing how much childcare costs, especially over the long term.

The longer you wait to look into the issue, the scarier it gets.

The sooner you think about your options, the better decision you’ll make – for your family and your wallet.

This article is a good start.

What’s Ahead:

Option #1: In-home nanny

Before I had a baby, my idea of a nanny came from Lifetime movies. I assumed that all nannies lived in your house, tried to seduce your husband, and slowly tried to drive you crazy before making an attempt on your life.

In reality, nannies are more like advanced babysitters and not evil seductresses. I never understood the differences between a babysitter and nanny. According to Care.com, babysitters usually work intermittently, or for a few hours per week on a regular schedule. Their main tasks are playing with kids, feeding them, and putting them to bed.

Nannies do a lot more. “It’s a nanny’s responsibility to create daily schedules and engage in activities to ensure healthy mental, physical, and emotional growth in the children they care for,” says Care.com. “Most nannies will be tasked with preparing meals, helping with household work (dishes, laundry, etc.), driving the children to and from activities, and assisting with homework.”

When I went back to work after having my daughter, we found an in-home nanny. We went this route for a lot of reasons. First, I worked mainly at night, while my husband worked days. We only needed someone for a few hours one or two afternoons per week.

Many day cares, however, require a minimum commitment of at least three days per week. I didn’t really want to pay for more than I needed, especially considering that I didn’t need to send my daughter there for a full eight hours. (Few day cares accept kids for just half a day).

Another perk of in-home care? It’s just easier.

Having someone come into your house is a lot easier than hauling a non-walking kid around, especially in winter.

Some parents, like my friend Charisse Traband, hire nannies to mind their child while they work in another part of the house. “I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. But I also did not want to give up my career. So I decided working from home and having a nanny would be the best of both worlds.”

Average cost

Of all childcare options, in-home care is the priciest. On average, according to Payscale, an in-home nanny (who doesn’t live with you) earns $13.36 per hour, but this varies wildly by location.

In general, because the cost of living is higher in metropolitan areas, nannies get paid more there.

If you want someone trained in CPR or a nanny with a degree in child education or development, expect to pay more.

In Chicago, where I live, the going rate is $14 per hour.

How to save a few bucks

I was happy to let my former nanny bring her daughter along with her when she watched my daughter. In return, she only charged me $12/hour.

Some people give their nanny room and board—meaning she lives in your home—in return for a smaller paycheck.

But I only know one person who’s ever done this, and she didn’t enjoy the experience. Who wants to tiptoe around their own kitchen? Plus, if Lifetime has taught us anything, it’s to beware live-in nannies. (I kid.)

Something to keep in mind

Most people I know pay nannies under the table, but, technically, that’s illegal.

If you pay your nanny at least $1,800 per year, you’re supposed to withhold Social Security (6.2% of her pay) and Medicare taxes (1.45%) from her paycheck (she’s responsible for paying other taxes). If you don’t withhold these taxes, you can face penalties.

Another reason to keep things legal? You can’t claim any childcare tax benefits on your own income tax return unless you’ve withheld taxes from your nanny’s pay.

Option #2: Nannyshare

A nannyshare it just what it sounds like—two or more families share the service of one nanny.

The nanny can alternate between the families’ houses or apartments, making it easier to get out the door at least a few days per week.

It can work out great for kids, as long as they like each other. They get individualized attention from a nanny, have regular playmates, and will theoretically be exposed to fewer germs.

Average Cost

Like all childcare options, nanny share fees vary by region.

In general, a nanny involved in this type of arrangement might charge a dollar or two more per hour than her usual rate because she’s caring for two more children, but you’ll be splitting that cost with another family.

How to save a few bucks: If the other family has more children than you, they should pay for a larger portion of the nanny’s hourly rate.

If you always have to bring your kid or kids to the other family’s house, it could be argued you should pay a little less.

Something to keep in mind: A friend of mine and I asked her nanny if she’d be willing to nanny both of our kids, but she said no. We were both surprised but her reason totally makes sense.

She said that previous nanny shares she’d been involved with hadn’t worked out. Each set of parents had too many different rules for their kids. Some parents won’t let their kids watch TV; others don’t care. Some parents won’t let their kids eat any sugar; the other set thinks sugar and childhood go hand in hand.

Option #3: Day care

I recently ­­stopped teaching night classes and started working during the day again, meaning my daughter needed care three days per week.

I could have tried to find another in-home nanny (the woman I had been using wasn’t free the days I needed her), but that would have gotten pricey.

More importantly, my daughter is now two, and wants to play with other kids. Or, more accurately, she needs to learn how to socialize with other kids.  I decided it was time for day care.

Another plus? Day care is the most economical childcare option. (Besides Grandma babysitting for free!)

For one child, day care is so much less expensive than nannies that you may find yourself sending your child to one right way. “When it was time for me to go back to work, my mom volunteered to watch the baby two times per week and we decided to go with in-home daycare three days per week, basically because it was the cheapest option,” says my cousin, Simona Masini, a teacher. “So how much did money play into that decision? It was mostly based on money.  However, that being said, we also liked the idea of our children being in a home with other kids as opposed to being in our house alone with a nanny.”

Don’t be scared about sending your kid to day care. Those horror stories you hear about are very, very rare.

When I started looking at day care places, I was overwhelmed. There are all different types – large day care centers vs. small day cares in a person’s home vs. Montessori. They each come at different prices points, and they each offer different things.

Ultimately, you need to figure out what your priorities are. If, for example, you want a center that’s met the highest national standards, look for one that is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). On the other hand, if you want a smaller and less school-like environment, look at home-based centers.

In my case, I didn’t want to add too many minutes onto my commute.

But the closest place also didn’t feel right. There were about 20 kids there, and my daughter is fearful of other children.

So I chose a small home day care that regularly texts me pictures of her while I’m at work, and emails me a nightly report.

Other parents have different priorities. I saw one day care that guaranteed my daughter would be bilingual by the time she entered kindergarten. That matters to a lot of parents, but for me, it wasn’t worth the extra cost.

Average cost

For babies and toddlers, the average cost of full-time day care at a center is $972 a month. And that’s average. Depending on your location and the center you choose, prices could exceed $1,500 a month per child for full-time care.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Once a kid hits two, the average price drops to an average of $733 a month.

Home daycares cost less – an average of $646 a month for babies and around $600 for the over-two crowd.

Of course, costs vary wildly, based on where you live and what features the daycare offers.

Things cost more in cities, obviously.

The least expensive daycare I found in Chicago (that was legit) was $50 per full day. Another one I looked at costs $997 per month for three days per week.

The most expensive states for daycare, according to Baby Center, are:

  • Massachusetts
  • New York
  • Minnesota
  • Colorado
  • California
  • Illinois

How to save a few bucks: If you can work something out with your employer, try to work from home at least one day per week.

Most day cares don’t require kids to attend five days per week.

If you and your partner can adjust the times you need to be at work, you may only need to send your child to day care for a few hours per day.

Some day cares – but not all of them – will charge you per hour instead of per day, or have a half-day rate.

Something to Keep in Mind: Daycares usually offer lunch, snacks, and sometimes breakfast.

The bad news? Daycares aren’t babysitters you can easily cancel on.

Most daycares require you to pre-pay each week. If you have a vacation planned or your child gets sick and doesn’t go to daycare, you still need to pay for the days she misses.

Option #4: Either you or your partner quits your job

Don’t choose this option without thinking about how it will affect you in the long run.

I used to think that parents who didn’t work after having kids chose to stay home because they weren’t career-driven.

What a dummy I was!

Sure, some people stay home because they’d rather hang with their kids. After having a child, I totally get that. Kids are mesmerizing – way more rewarding than anything a job job offers.

But often, one parent stops working because the cost of childcare is simply more than (or exactly the same as, or not much less than) the paycheck he or she is bringing home—especially if more than one kid is involved.

Sometimes bringing home a salary you immediately pay someone else feels ….just stupid.

But before you give notice, just remember that kids do eventually grow up and go to school, eliminating your need to pay for year-round, full-time childcare. (There’s still those pesky afternoons and summer breaks, of course.)

Average cost

This option seems free – at first.

But being a stay-at-home parent sadly doesn’t come with any benefits, like a 401(k). As Baby Center notes in their excellent synopsis of the financial and mental repercussions of staying at home to raise children, “Economists estimate that over a lifetime, staying at home could cost several hundred thousand to a million dollars, once you add up lost employment benefits. These include accrued Social Security and, depending on your job, other financial benefits such as matching 401(k) contributions or a pension.”

How to save a few bucks: While you’ll lose one main source of income, it’s easier than ever to master “the side hustle” with things like Uber and Task Rabbit.

Something to keep in mind: Financials aside, I know tons of parents who are thrilled they made the decision to say goodbye to office life.

Sure, sometimes it gets boring. And sure, you and your partner might find yourselves butting heads a little more.

But you never get back your child’s first few years of life. Plus, the less they go to day care, the less often they’ll get the flu.

Whatever route you go, think long and hard about it first.

And of course, if you live close to family, you can always ask your own mom or dad to watch your kid – for free.

But my cousin Christina notes, “If it’s free, you can’t really complain when your mom gives your kids unlimited ice cream at 9 a. m. But hey, I’ll take it.”

Summary

  • Childcare will likely be your largest cost before your child enters school.
  • Costs vary wildly by location and type of childcare – in home nannies vs. nanny shares vs. day care vs. becoming a stay-at-home parent.
  • In-home nannies are the most expensive option.
  • You’ll make the best choice the longer you allow yourself to research the issue and closely monitor your budget before making a choice.

Read more:

  • How much does it really cost to have a baby?
  • Are you financially ready to have kids?
  • In the daycare vs stay-at-home debate, some costs aren’t obvious

Residential complex Amursky Park, prices for apartments in the new building Amursky Park on the official website of PIK 006 From 6.5 million ₽

Deadline 2024 – 2025

Choose apartment

Studio

1

2

3+

from

6 482 464

to

19 711 513

590 offers

About the project

The Amursky Park residential area is being built in the east of Moscow, a 10-minute walk from the Cherkizovskaya metro station and the Moscow Central Circle Lokomotiv. The project includes 15 residential buildings, underground parking and a kindergarten. There will be playgrounds and places for recreation in the yards.

Shops, cafes, mini markets and other services will open on the first floors of the houses. The area has a good infrastructure: there are schools, kindergartens, clinics, shopping centers and a sports complex. New educational institutions and parks will soon appear instead of garages and factories – they will be built as part of the city’s “Industrial Blocks” program.

Cherkizovsky Children’s Park, Lilac Garden, Izmailovo Estate are close to Amursky Park, and Losiny Ostrov National Park is 10 minutes away by car.

Video about the project

View all

Project features It is not by chance that houses of different heights in Amur Park: this way more sunlight gets into courtyards and apartments. The project has underground parking and its own kindergarten. All apartments are finished – you can move in and live immediately after receiving the keys.

Life in Amursky Park

Shops, cafes and useful services will open on the first floors of Amursky Park. There are playgrounds in every yard. And next to Amur Park there are gardens, parks, the Izmailovo estate and Losiny Ostrov.

Layouts

There are many layouts in Amur Park: from compact studios to apartments for large families. You can buy an apartment with a finished finish – and immediately move in.

Plans

Choose plan

1/16

from 20 m²

from 7 282 000 ₽

Studio

View 1 offer There are no tours for this project yet. Familiarize yourself with PIK building standards in other residential areas in your city.

Sign up for a tour

You can choose the date and time, the tour lasts about an hour.

You will be met by a guide

Will show you courtyards, children’s and sports grounds, an apartment with decoration and furniture.

Construction progress

Nearest settlement: July 31, 2024, Building 2

Watch the construction of
live

Video review

Taken on June 5, 2023

9005 1 Project news

View all

October 19, 2022

We are extending the program “Mortgage 0. 1%” until the end of October

Until the end of October, we maintain favorable rates and extend the “Mortgage 0.1%” program.

July 11, 2022

Start of sales of apartments in the new buildings of Amur Park

Sales of apartments in blocks 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 of Amursky Park have begun

06 June 2022

We are expanding the terms of mortgage programs

We have increased the size of the mortgage loan

90 006 Developer documentation

Similar projects

Izmailovsky Forest

Novogireevo

15 min

from 6 950 574 ₽

All projects

selection of psychologists online: database of psychotherapists

FIND A PSYCHOLOGIST

Certificates

For psychologists

For business

Psychotherapy areas

Blog

Questions

About us

Catalog of psychologists

fill out the form and get a list of psychologists
to work with your problem

Log in

If you are looking for a psychotherapist, you can find one online using the psychologist search site Alter. This platform will help you select the right practitioner based on your needs and preferences.

Finding your

psychologist is difficult

Not every psychologist works
with your problem. And if it works,
is not the fact that it is quite effective.

Alter will help.
We will select a professional
specialist who works
exactly with your request.

Not every psychologist works
with your problem. And if it works,
is not the fact that it is quite effective.

Alter will help.
We will select a professional
specialist who works
exactly with your request.

Finding your own
psychologist is difficult

START THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Andrey Breslav, co-founder of Alter
on how the selection algorithm works.

60,000+ people have already contacted Alter.

1. Fill out the
form and you will receive a list of
the most suitable
psychologists with
work experience for your request.

✔️ Confirmation of specialized education

✔️ Successful cases in specializations

✔️ More than 50 hours of supervision

✔️ Interviews with Alter interviewers

✔️ 900+ verified psychologists

FIND A PSYCHOLOGIST

Olga Kitaina, co-founder of Alter 9 0089 about how we select psychologists.

2. Choose a psychologist
that you like.
All of our
specialists are carefully selected – only 13% of
gets into the Alter database.

FIND A PSYCHOLOGIST

✔️ Anonymous selection of a psychologist

✔️ Work in accordance with the code of ethics

✔️ Materials for preparation for therapy

3. Sign up with a psychologist
for a personal or online session. Therapy with Alter is safe
and confidential. Find a psychologist

The first time I was looking for a family therapist for myself and my husband. I myself also work in this area, which made it difficult for me to select. The good therapists I knew were either my friends or friends of friends, which didn’t fit. In Alter, I was impressed by the scientific approach, the verification of specialists. I rate the work of our psychotherapist as professional, for me it was definitely very useful. As a result of the work, I have made great progress in my processes and have matured to my personal psychotherapy, which I am very glad about now.

Julia Nesina,

English teacher

I always thought that everything seemed to be fine with me, but something seemed to be wrong. A year ago, I realized that I couldn’t do it anymore. That I want not just to exist, but to live in harmony with myself and the world and understand what I do and why. My therapist from Alter is a very tactful and attentive girl, it is very comfortable to work with her, I feel safe. I have already managed to deal with toxic relationships that have tormented me for a long time, get rid of some fears, I think there is still a lot of important things ahead. Psychotherapy is the best thing I have done for myself this year.

Yulia Shipovskaya,

Design engineer

My psychotherapy began with a traumatic breakup, which led me to a complete collapse of my personality and a lack of understanding of how to live on. How could betrayal happen to me, what is my responsibility in this and what needs to be changed in myself so that it does not happen again. And the work that started a year ago and is still going on is the best thing that happened to me in my life. You have in your hands tools for working with yourself, which take into account the characteristics of your personality, your past and future goals.

Oleg Stepanov

IT-specialist

I tried different ways to find “my” psychotherapist, I can say that I was able to find really cool specialists on Alter. It is very convenient that you can search for a psychotherapist by indicating “problem” areas.

Olga Malyuk

Wellness coach and nutritionist

It is important for me that the service saves my time on choosing and at the same time guarantees the quality of services. Alter is just like that. Recommends psychologists for a specific request, allows you to choose a convenient time through the online calendar and immediately pay. I contacted 3 specialists on different issues, I was very satisfied with the work with all of them.

Ekaterina Sorokina

Founder of a clothing brand

My husband and I dealt with a relationship problem. I did not understand what was happening, but after the birth of the child, the relationship deteriorated greatly. What to do, how to act – it was not clear. We decided to turn to a psychologist, since we ourselves could not find a way out. I still say thank you to our psychologist! Incredibly talented psychologist, if I may say so. In the course of working on the issue of relationships, my personal problems began to be worked out. I became calmer to live

Warranty and care

from Alter

Online therapy from anywhere in the world

Cancellation refund
24 hour session

Support available 7 days a week

“I want help people who
feel trapped
in a dark room without windows
and doors.