Tennessee Families Impacted By Shutdown Find Moments Of Joy

Many federal workers in Middle Tennessee are on track to miss their second paycheck as the government shutdown nearly completes a month. But with several local businesses offering a helping hand, some impacted families are finding moments of joy.

That’s the case at the Nashville Zoo, where even on a cold morning, 2-year-old Adeline Higgs is excited to see some feisty geese.

Her older brother is reluctantly still at school, though the Higgs family thought he might have played sick to go to the zoo too. Normally Adeline’s also in daycare.

But this week, her mom, Amy Higgs, decided to take advantage of a Zoo special — free admission. It’s for families of federal workers impacted by the government shutdown.

“So I’ve been furloughed. I would say it’s pretty stressing,” said Higgs. Higgs has worked for the IRS for about 10 years. She anticipated the shutdown, but didn’t imagine it would last this long.

She said it’s been hard for her to find a sense of purpose. She can’t even turn her work computer on.

“It’s not just about getting paid,” she said. “I’m someone that needs to do something, and I actually enjoy the work that I do.”

Her husband, Justin, is an engineer in the private sector and is still working, so the family isn’t struggling to pay bills. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t challenges.

“You still have to commit to your childcare expenses, whether they’re there or not,” Justin Higgs said. “And you can’t really go anywhere, because of the cost and because the government could reopen tomorrow and she would have to report to work.”

During her furlough, Higgs said she’s trying to stay productive. She’s been making crafts at home and volunteers at church. And, she’s said she’s going to advantage of more deals that businesses have offered to families affected by the shutdown.  

“This is the first one I’ve taken advantage of, but I know there’s a trampoline place offering a free jump for federal employees and their families for an hour.”

The Higgses say they feel like the shutdown hasn’t kept the family from experiencing bursts of happiness, like when Adeline sees a snake in the reptile room of the Nashville Zoo. Amy Higgs said as the shutdown continues, she hopes others in her position can also find ways to stay positive.