LaJua Manning is a single mom who is involved with Stand Up KC, a group that protests for higher pay for low wage workers. As a certified nursing assistant, LaJua works overnight to take care of bedridden patients. Yet, she still struggles to get by.
Her $12 an hour salary keeps her constantly juggling expenses between rent, electric and water. Family helps fill in the gaps with childcare, clothes and occasionally groceries. Manning says getting by would mean more time with her daughter and a chance to be part of her community.
KCPT and the Hale Center for Journalism present “Getting By,” a series of stories and discussions examining the impact of inequality in KC, at kcpt.org/gettingby. How do you ‘get by’ in KC? You can join our discussion, here.
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