Kasey Perry, 26, is best known for the pies she makes at the Apple Basket Cafe, one of the busiest restaurants on Rollins Street in downtown Macon, Mo. Her dream: to eventually open her own bakery and maybe a small orchard where she can grow the fruit she uses to make her pies. “All the women in my family are very strong willed and independent, except for me,” says Kasey. “I’m not very strong willed, but I’m working on it.”

Kasey has not been able to rely on the fathers of her children. As a single mother, she takes on all the responsibilities of parenting her daughters, Mikaela, 4, and Abigail, 1. She struggles financially to provide a home and good education for them. Despite the hardships of being a single mother, Kasey prioritizes providing a healthy living environment and setting a good example for her daughters.

Kasey is also taking online classes and studying to attain a bachelor’s degree in business management. She reads for class at the park while her children play on the swings. She attempts to complete her homework while running between her computer and daughters’ beds as they refuse to go to sleep.

Juggling school, work, and her career means long days and constant fatigue, but Kasey doesn’t give up on creating a better future for her daughters and herself. She is optimistic and determined to make it in Macon.

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Kasey enjoys a Macon Tigers' softball game with her daughter, Abigail, 1, and mother. They go to support Kasey's father, the team coach.