MotherLoad: The MomAdvice.com Blog

"I know the dry cleaners in our area collect winter coats, clean them, and then hand them out to needy families. You might want to inquire to see if there is a program in your area that offers this type of a service.
My children are young, so unfortunately I don't have anything that would fit your children. Good luck and we will pray you get the help you need."

"Food Stamps:they have expedited services if you can prove that you are eligible'i.e. less money than bills to pay...
Coats for Kids:This one has a website and local community centers,they provide coats to needy children
Call all of your local churches and ask if they have food pantries....Your local DCFS/DHS can provide this information as well.Most pantries provide multiply items in addition to food.
United way also will help those in need just contact your local chapter or visit their website.
DHS also offers HUD and a one time service to help you pay one of your utility bills.Definitely contact your local office and ask them about their services!
Also try the school lunch program;Their mission is to provide free and reduced price breakfast and lunch meals to your child at school.Let me check around I will find more.Keep your chin up; most of of us have been where you are,it is not forever,it is just for now........."

"My first suggestion would be to contact your pastor -- please let your church family know of your need. I know it is difficult to let someone know you need help, but the church is the body of Christ and meant to serve its people.

I also checked the internet and there is the Gardner Multi-Service Center on 112 S Main St - they can provide food, clothing, rent assistance, and may also be able to direct you to other agencies which can help. They can be reached at 856-7405.

Apply for free lunch and breakfast for your children at their schools -- most schools are set up using a card system so no one knows who is on the free lunch program.

I know it feels desperate right now -- I will pray that you get the help that you need.

Karen C in Illinois"

"Jamie,
I agree with the others - go to your church and local food pantries. Although it's hard to ask for help, these people love to help and serve. Also, this is not an immediate way to gain money, but we took a class at our church called Financial Peace University (by Dave Ramsey) and it really helps to understand how to make your money work for you - no matter how much money that is. He teaches on everything from how to save money on things to insurance to mortgages. Usually this class costs around $90 (for books and materials), but I know that most churches are willing to pay if you can't afford it. If this class isn't available in your area, you can also find lots of great information on the website daveramsey.com. I hope that this helps and we will be praying for you to have strength and energy through this struggle."

"I also recommend listening to dave ramsey or reading his books. You can listen to archives of his radio show at his website for free. He really jazzes you up to have HOPE again -- that you can get out of debt and feel secure. God bless!"

"I would also suggest going to a church and asking for help. If you don't have a church, or even if you do, almost any church will be willing to help a family in need. I know our church generously gives to families in need, whether they are members of our church or not. They can help with your bills, clothes and shoes for the kids, and groceries until you can get back on your feet. They may even have ideas about possible jobs that would help you provide more for your family. All you have to do at our church is fill out some paperwork, but it's not much.
Blessing to you and your family. I hope you can find some help soon."

"That's a heartbreaking story. :(

http://www.jcds.org/low%20income.htm

Gives a list of numbers of who to contact near you. Call all those numbers and don't give up. There are many people willing to help, especially at this time of year.

There is also a program that provides gifts for children of inmates. Call the prison/jail facility and ask to talk to someone there about that. A social worker there or someone who can help with that.

The Salvation Army and churches and other thrift places should be able to provide your kids with coats and winter clothing. Some places will give you food every day. Some once a week, some once a month. You just have to find those places. They're out there. Keep on it, and don't let your kids go hungry."

"God is with you even when it doesn't feel like it, I know from personal experience. I cannot give you anymore info than those have already posted for you, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and on my heart. Please take care of yourself and those precious children!

"Cast all of your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
I Peter 5:7 NIV

Blessings be upon you....... now and always."

"Food stamps, call the local treasurer and see. Here we have community programs to help pay for lights, gas, etc. See about Salvation Army and Toys for Tots. You might qualify for programs to help with Christmas. Church pantries and the homeless shelter might be able to help. Good luck and best wishes.
See where you can cut on anything...... cheaper internet, no long distance on your phone, changing the temp. on the thermostat, same with the water heater, shop at Aldi's for bread........it's cheap there. Maybe look for a higher paying job or see if you qualify for daycare assistance where you pay based on your income or a discount."

"Utility Assistance Resources

Gardner Multi Service Center - 913-856-7405
112 South Elm Street

Gardner, Kansas 66030

The Gardner Multi Service Center is funded by Johnson County and offers financial assistance with utility payments to the residents of Gardner. Interested parties can apply at any time during the year for utility assistance. For more information about this program and to obtain an application, please contact the Gardner Multi Service Center at 913-856-7405.

LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program)

Johnson County S.R.S. - 913-826-7300

Kansas S.R.S. - 1-800-432-0043

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally funded program that helps eligible households pay a portion of their home energy costs. The application period to apply for LIEAP benefits is from January 17 to March 31, 2006. To find out if you are eligible for LIEAP assistance or to get more information about the program, visit the LIEAP website. You may also obtain an application and more information about the program by calling the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services at 1-800-432-0043."

"also, if you have a access to a computer & are hoping to find employment that may provide better compensation, you can contact me: part_of_the_solution@hotmail.com

i'm not a from-home salesperson or anything...there are some home computing jobs that friends have started: medical coding & such...and there are also two companies i know directly that hire moms who want to stay at home."

"Thank you all so much for your ideas and resource options. I am looking into all of them as we speak! Thank you also for your prayers and thoughts!"

"modestneeds.org helps working people with emergency needs twice yearly.

angelfoodministries.com has good food for a fraction of what it would cost in the stores.

Here is an incredible page I found the other day, and honestly, if you just surf around from links you find there, you can find tons of resources for how to have a happy Christmas on no money.

http://christmas-page.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/christmas-page/

someone on freecycle can maybe help out with clothes and even to direct you to resourses available in your community.

budget101.com is good for learning to dig yourself out of debt also savingadvice.com

I am assuming that this reader already shops at thrift stores and yard sales. I was a single mom with no child support for 7 years and my son got thrift store gifts most of the time. The most important thing you can do to save yourself is to not live beyond your means. When I was single, I drove a small, paid for car, rented an inexpensive, small house in a low crime area, and didn't use credit or rent to own places. I worked part time in a hair salon and made enough to get by without food stamps or hud.

Go to school. There are a ton of resources for single parents who are trying to improve their lives by getting an education. My friend who is a single mom put herself through college using these resources and waiting tables part-time. Jobs with tips are great.

Sometimes there are resources that the elementary school counselor knows about, there is always DHS.
If you do not have a church family, reach out to one anyway. Most churches have a member, somewhere, who is an amazing source of strength and resources and will love to be able to help you."

"Update from Jamie

Amy,
Thank you for keeping my kids and I on your mind and in your prayers. Yes many of the suggestions have helped. I still haven't received assistance through SRS or for Rent assistance due to I make more many than their guidelines allow for a family of 3. I have went down to the Multi service center here in GArdner and they have helped me with my Electricity bill and food and some clothing. They are working on finding my daughter a winter coat right now. They have been the most helpful!
I have requested applications from several other organizations from the suggestions that I received. I will keep you updated with anything new that comes about. I hope someday I will be in the position to help some one in need as well, just like you and all the other members on your site have! Thank you again!
Jamie

I got Jamie's home address and I am planning to send her a grocery card. She has a Price Chopper and Walmart in her area. If anyone is interested in assisting this family, you can email me at amy@momadvice.com. She has a nine year old little girl and a six year old little boy."

Monday, November 27, 2006

Can You Help This Reader?

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