The Snow family’s house went up in flames in an
electrical fire on January 2, 2023. James and Deanna
Snow and their children escaped without harm, but the
family lost 85 percent of their belongings. The home was
completely destroyed.
Most of their furniture, clothing, and personal items
were consumed in the blaze or ruined by smoke and
water. After homeschooling nine children over 25 years,
replacing the accumulated books and educational materials would be no small task.
Some of the damage to the Snows' home
Homeschooling had always provided the Snows with
time together and a flexible schedule. Amid this sudden
devastation, it would also give them the space to help
their children process their grief and adjust to a new life.
Although the home was destroyed, their insurance
company called it a remodel and gave an estimate far
below what the Snows actually needed to fix it. In the
end, the house had to be torn down and rebuilt. The long
and stressful process was complicated when county
building codes caused a six-month delay—just to clear
the rubble.
While they waited, the Snows did their best to carry on
and create a routine for their children.
James and Deanna rented a home and borrowed books
from friends, so they were able to homeschool the basic
subjects. But with four school-aged children in the house,
they needed a wide range of curriculum, as well as a
laptop and a printer.
Something to call their own
Deanna turned to HSLDA for help. The Snows had
been members for years and had always called us to
ask questions about state laws, but now Deanna
wondered if we might have information on used
curriculum. That’s when she learned about HSLDA’s
Compassion Curriculum Grants and filled out an
application.
The family was soon approved for a grant, and
James and Deanna were able to purchase everything their kids needed for the school year. “When our materials arrived, the
children excitedly opened boxes and boxes of curriculum,” Deanna
said. “And we thanked God for the gift of HSLDA’s donors who made
this possible for us.”
The family received free curriculum from the publisher My Father’s
World, as well as discounts from other vendors who partner with
HSLDA.
“It’s been so refreshing not to worry about having curriculum,”
Deanna added. “We were able to move the children forward in their
studies.”
These savings were especially meaningful for their youngest daughter, Ariella, who is 6 years old. She had always loved arts and crafts, but
her supplies were destroyed in the fire. Now her bed and dresser were
rented, and her toys and books were on loan.
With leftover grant funds made possible by the discounts from vendors, her parents purchased new art materials, as well as a used desk
they found at a thrift store. That evening, Ariella sat at her desk brimming with excitement at her new supplies, grateful to have something
she could call her own.
“Our emphasis has never been on ‘things,’” Deanna said. “But in a
time when ‘things’ had been turned upside down, having materials to
be creative again did her heart good.”
The Snows have spent the last several months looking for beauty in
the ashes.
“Many times we have told others about the generosity of donors and
vendors, and how our needs have been met through the Compassion
Grant, and we will continue to share this,” Deanna said. “God’s people
have been a light in a hard time, and we are eternally grateful.”
Homeschooling families who are experiencing a difficult time can
learn about HSLDA’s Compassion Grants by calling 540-338-5600 or
visiting hslda.org/grants.
