CLEVELAND — Shaneice Ball has faced a number of challenges over the past year.
The Cleveland native and state-tested nursing assistant tells 3News if it wasn't for the White House providing support to get by through the child tax credit under the American Rescue Plan, she doesn't know where she and her family would be.
"When the pandemic first started, most people had the option to not work, get unemployment," Ball, the soon-to-be mother of four, said. "I really didn't have those."
President Joe Biden's State of The Union Address hits close to home for Ball.
"The child tax credit has helped me and my family tremendously," Ball said of the measure that has since expired. "I've had unexpected changes with work and the pandemic because of childcare reasons."
Ohio's 11th Congressional District Rep. Shontel Brown highlighted Shaneice & her story, extended to her an invitation to this year's speech as her virtual, hometown guest. Brown refers to Ball as a "true hero" and a "symbol of Ohio's resilience."
"She is the demonstration of tenacity, resilience and hard work," Brown declared, "and a person who is committed to making sure others are cared for."
It was an honor Ball said she gladly accepted knowing she represents one of millions of hardworking American families just like hers.
In Ohio's 11th Congressional District, the child tax credit has impacted more than 70,000 homes. On average, that's $435 back into the pockets of families and household providers who need more support to make ends meet during the pandemic — one of those homes being Shaneice's.
"I was able to maintain my bills and have the extra money to support my family."
The expanded child tax credit expired after all Republicans and at least one Democrat — West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin — blocked its renewed passage around the turn of the calendar. Biden has urged Congress to make the credits permanent.