Aline Knight: Finding Hope Through Mutual Assistance

When Aline Knight, a devoted civilian employee with the U.S. Coast Guard, suddenly became the primary caregiver for her grandchildren, her world turned upside down. The added responsibility brought financial and emotional strain, stretching her paycheck to its limit. Aline found herself overwhelmed supporting three growing kids who needed school clothes, personal items, and a stable home.

That’s when Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA) stepped in.

“Mutual Assistance really helped me by providing some extra financial support,” Aline shared. “It gave me the ability to take care of my grandchildren’s needs—especially school clothes and daily essentials.” With CGMA’s help, she found some much-needed breathing room, allowing her to focus on being a steady presence for the growing teens.

Her experience with CGMA was, in her words, “fantastic.” The support not only helped her cover immediate expenses but also allowed her to catch up on other routine household costs. “It gave me hope,” she said, reflecting on what could have happened without assistance. “Without it, my grandchildren would not have worn decent clothes and would have noticed how I have to make sacrifices when it came to food rations.”

To the donors who made this support possible, Aline offers heartfelt thanks. “Mutual Assistance is a helpful tool. It has rules, but it doesn’t discriminate—and that made all the difference. THANKS A BUNCH!”

Today, Aline continues her service with the Coast Guard, strengthened by the knowledge that in her moment of need, she wasn’t alone. CGMA gave her more than just financial help—it gave her hope.