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Since today is Mother’s Day, I wanted to share my journey thus far and what it’s meant to be a mother for me. My story is unique in that I’ve overcome various obstacles to gain what some may call normalcy. Now I’m facing a struggle in which I’m hoping to tap into the kindness of the internet in order to help me through this hurdle.

I was raised by a single parent and grew up in a town where most families were on some sort of government assistance and could barely make ends meet. I was always taught to value what I had and that hard work will always bear its fruits. My high school was filled with kids who didn’t care about getting an education. I was a introverted “nerd” who took Honors and AP classes and saw education as a way to get out of a town that didn’t have much opportunity for growth. While I valued my education, I was also bored to death, even in my “accelerated classes,” so I stupidly acted out and started to party as high school kids do. I ditched class to drink and dabbled a bit in drugs because there was nothing else to do. Even as I partied, I still managed to remain on the honor roll for all 4 years. Fast forward to the beginning of my senior year, our class had 250 kids and throughout the year approximately half of the student body dropped out at one point or another, giving up on their 14 year investment in their education. I made it to the end, but while everyone was excitedly responding to college acceptance letters, I had to throw all of mine out. Why? I was pregnant. I fully accept responsibility for my actions, but sex was not talked about in my household. I had no idea I had access to birth control or condoms and foolishly made a mistake that would change my life. I went to my prom and graduation 3 months pregnant without anyone knowing aside from my family.

The summer after graduation was spent brainstorming options and finding a job to help support my unborn child. I decided to keep the baby, thinking I would give it up for adoption. I was too immature to take care of myself, and now a baby? No way. As the months progressed, I fell in love with the baby and decided to keep her and raise her with the help of my family. I was excited but deep inside I was depressed. I really wanted to go off to college and live the life of a student living on campus, making new friends, staying up late to cram for midterms and possibly travel a bit. I couldn’t do that anymore and the thought of experiencing college in any other way didn’t entice me. I also knew if I didn’t get an education, I’d be stuck in a cycle of dead end jobs all my life. I knew I didn’t want to struggle like I’ve seen my family fight just to put a decent meal on the table and keep the lights from getting shut down.

I started college two months after my daughter was born. She was perfection and an incredible motivator. I’ve always thought that she deserves something better, beyond what I can give her but I decided to try my best to give her an amazing life. Since I just had a baby, I wanted to explore the opportunities I had outside of a traditional classroom in college. Luckily, the local community college offered online courses which only required me to be in class on the first day, at midterms and during finals week. I did this for a year and a half until I took every online course possible. Then it was time for full immersion into college. Here came daycare and having to balance college life with working and a small child.

My average day in college looked like this: we’d have to wake up at the crack of dawn so my daughter and I could ride a 45-minute bus to school. Unlike most of my classmates, I had to dash straight from work to class or go to work right after class so that I could pick up my daughter from school at a proper hour. I was very fortunate to land a job in a small office as an office assistant during college that would later prove invaluable. The pay was ok, but I was allowed to tailor my schedule to be compatible with my changing class load every semester. After our day was done came another bus ride. Once we got home, I’d have to make dinner, pack us lunch for the next day, prepare her backpack with extra clothes plus wash and prepare a day’s worth of bottles for my daughter. After I put my daughter to bed was the only time I had for homework. I’d stay up until about 2am every night doing my reading assignments or writing papers only to have to get up 3 ½ hours later to start my day again.

I did this every day for 5 ½ years.

Was it worth it? Heck yeah. I got my bachelor’s degree on my wall as proof. I am the first person in my family to ever get a degree. I have multiple relatives my age who ended up dropping out for various reasons yet I managed to graduate (with honors!) while juggling a small child and a demanding job. Aside from raising my daughter, this is what I’m most proud of thus far. I read online that less than 2% of teen moms attain a college degree before age 30. I’m stoked beyond words to be a part of that 2% (Source) I hope that this struggle and success will set an example to my daughter and show her that hard work does pay off.

After college, I worked a few jobs that I wasn’t too keen on. Too corporate, too stuffy, too bureaucratic to evoke any change and make an impact. I wanted to wake up every morning and feel inspired to go to work. I didn’t just want a paycheck, I wanted to engulf myself within organization so that I could kick ass and take names. I also wanted a 401(k), health benefits and life insurance so that my bases could be covered in old age. But mainly I wanted to wake up invigorated every morning and be able to pay my bills. After college, my daughter and I moved into our first home. I loved waking her up in her room filled with the girliest of things. I was a proud mama–on my own, college educated and living life as an independent woman.

Independent but unfulfilled. That is, until I was introduced to the CEO of my most recent employer. We hit it off immediately and within two week was offered the chance of a lifetime. I was invited to join his multimillion dollar company and close-knit team as his right hand. I’d learn all the in’s and out’s of running a business in a dynamic industry and receive a nice salary. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to resign from my stuffy job to join a company I was proud to be apart of. My job was great. It was flexible, nurturing, educational and insightful. In a few short weeks, I was in the trenches with my boss handling everything from sales to contracts to finance to HR. That is, until the company suddenly went out of business. I won’t get into the details but I was told I’d have a month before we were all let go. This was the job I wanted to settle in and dedicate years to, not just a job really but a mission to which I was dedicated.

I was laid off in March with no severance pay as the company had nothing. I had a small savings which I tapped into as I began searching for a job. I had to file for unemployment for the first time, which was hard as I’ve prided myself on not having to use government resources to pay my bills. I have almost a decade of solid work history and yet I’m struggling to find a job. Places are hiring but they’re scarce and don’t always offer pay that can support a family.

My bills are piling up and I have family and friends that are in no position to help me out. Unemployment can only pay so much and it isn’t enough to put a home-cooked meal on the table or keep everything paid. I’m in the process of starting up two businesses–one that peddles vintage finds and another that provides folks with stellar resumes to land their dream job so that I can increase my cash flow, but in the meantime, I’m asking for any donations to my cause. I’m willing to offer any services in return for a donation over $30 via paypal. There’s a button below where your transaction will be processed safely and gratefully!

Please pass this on and +1 it, favorite it, retweet it and share in any way possible! No action is too small or unappreciated.

Thank you so much for letting me share my story with you.

Since today is Mother’s Day, I wanted to share my journey thus far and what it’s meant to be a mother for me. My story is unique in that I’ve overcome various obstacles to gain what some may call normalcy. Now I’m facing a struggle in which I’m hoping to tap into the kindness of the internet in order to help me through this hurdle.

I was raised by a single parent and grew up in a town where most families were on some sort of government assistance and could barely make ends meet. I was always taught to value what I had and that hard work will always bear its fruits. My high school was filled with kids who didn’t care about getting an education. I was a introverted “nerd” who took Honors and AP classes and saw education as a way to get out of a town that didn’t have much opportunity for growth. While I valued my education, I was also bored to death, even in my “accelerated classes,” so I stupidly acted out and started to party as high school kids do. I ditched class to drink and dabbled a bit in drugs because there was nothing else to do. Even as I partied, I still managed to remain on the honor roll for all 4 years. Fast forward to the beginning of my senior year, our class had 250 kids and throughout the year approximately half of the student body dropped out at one point or another, giving up on their 14 year investment in their education. I made it to the end, but while everyone was excitedly responding to college acceptance letters, I had to throw all of mine out. Why? I was pregnant. I fully accept responsibility for my actions, but sex was not talked about in my household. I had no idea I had access to birth control or condoms and foolishly made a mistake that would change my life. I went to my prom and graduation 3 months pregnant without anyone knowing aside from my family.

The summer after graduation was spent brainstorming options and finding a job to help support my unborn child. I decided to keep the baby, thinking I would give it up for adoption. I was too immature to take care of myself, and now a baby? No way. As the months progressed, I fell in love with the baby and decided to keep her and raise her with the help of my family. I was excited but deep inside I was depressed. I really wanted to go off to college and live the life of a student living on campus, making new friends, staying up late to cram for midterms and possibly travel a bit. I couldn’t do that anymore and the thought of experiencing college in any other way didn’t entice me. I also knew if I didn’t get an education, I’d be stuck in a cycle of dead end jobs all my life. I knew I didn’t want to struggle like I’ve seen my family fight just to put a decent meal on the table and keep the lights from getting shut down.

I started college two months after my daughter was born. She was perfection and an incredible motivator. I’ve always thought that she deserves something better, beyond what I can give her but I decided to try my best to give her an amazing life. Since I just had a baby, I wanted to explore the opportunities I had outside of a traditional classroom in college. Luckily, the local community college offered online courses which only required me to be in class on the first day, at midterms and during finals week. I did this for a year and a half until I took every online course possible. Then it was time for full immersion into college. Here came daycare and having to balance college life with working and a small child.

My average day in college looked like this: we’d have to wake up at the crack of dawn so my daughter and I could ride a 45-minute bus to school. Unlike most of my classmates, I had to dash straight from work to class or go to work right after class so that I could pick up my daughter from school at a proper hour. I was very fortunate to land a job in a small office as an office assistant during college that would later prove invaluable. The pay was ok, but I was allowed to tailor my schedule to be compatible with my changing class load every semester. After our day was done came another bus ride. Once we got home, I’d have to make dinner, pack us lunch for the next day, prepare her backpack with extra clothes plus wash and prepare a day’s worth of bottles for my daughter. After I put my daughter to bed was the only time I had for homework. I’d stay up until about 2am every night doing my reading assignments or writing papers only to have to get up 3 ½ hours later to start my day again.

I did this every day for 5 ½ years.

Was it worth it? Heck yeah. I got my bachelor’s degree on my wall as proof. I am the first person in my family to ever get a degree. I have multiple relatives my age who ended up dropping out for various reasons yet I managed to graduate (with honors!) while juggling a small child and a demanding job. Aside from raising my daughter, this is what I’m most proud of thus far. I read online that less than 2% of teen moms attain a college degree before age 30. I’m stoked beyond words to be a part of that 2% (Source) I hope that this struggle and success will set an example to my daughter and show her that hard work does pay off.

After college, I worked a few jobs that I wasn’t too keen on. Too corporate, too stuffy, too bureaucratic to evoke any change and make an impact. I wanted to wake up every morning and feel inspired to go to work. I didn’t just want a paycheck, I wanted to engulf myself within organization so that I could kick ass and take names. I also wanted a 401(k), health benefits and life insurance so that my bases could be covered in old age. But mainly I wanted to wake up invigorated every morning and be able to pay my bills. After college, my daughter and I moved into our first home. I loved waking her up in her room filled with the girliest of things. I was a proud mama–on my own, college educated and living life as an independent woman.

Independent but unfulfilled. That is, until I was introduced to the CEO of my most recent employer. We hit it off immediately and within two week was offered the chance of a lifetime. I was invited to join his multimillion dollar company and close-knit team as his right hand. I’d learn all the in’s and out’s of running a business in a dynamic industry and receive a nice salary. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to resign from my stuffy job to join a company I was proud to be apart of. My job was great. It was flexible, nurturing, educational and insightful. In a few short weeks, I was in the trenches with my boss handling everything from sales to contracts to finance to HR. That is, until the company suddenly went out of business. I won’t get into the details but I was told I’d have a month before we were all let go. This was the job I wanted to settle in and dedicate years to, not just a job really but a mission to which I was dedicated.

I was laid off in March with no severance pay as the company had nothing. I had a small savings which I tapped into as I began searching for a job. I had to file for unemployment for the first time, which was hard as I’ve prided myself on not having to use government resources to pay my bills. I have almost a decade of solid work history and yet I’m struggling to find a job. Places are hiring but they’re scarce and don’t always offer pay that can support a family.

My bills are piling up and I have family and friends that are in no position to help me out. Unemployment can only pay so much and it isn’t enough to put a home-cooked meal on the table or keep everything paid. I’m in the process of starting up two businesses–one that peddles vintage finds and another that provides folks with stellar resumes to land their dream job so that I can increase my cash flow, but in the meantime, I’m asking for any donations to my cause. I’m willing to offer any services in return for a donation over $30 via paypal. There’s a button below where your transaction will be processed safely and gratefully!

Please pass this on and +1 it, favorite it, retweet it and share in any way possible! No action is too small or unappreciated.

Thank you so much for letting me share my story with you.

http://educatedsinglemom.wordpress.com/2012/05/14/i-am-the-2-or-my-life-as-a-teen-mom-2/

Since today is Mother’s Day, I wanted to share my journey thus far and what it’s meant to be a mother for me. My story is unique in that I’ve overcome various obstacles to gain what some may call normalcy. Now I’m facing a struggle in which I’m hoping to tap into the kindness of the internet in order to help me through this hurdle.

I was raised by a single parent and grew up in a town where most families were on some sort of government assistance and could barely make ends meet. I was always taught to value what I had and that hard work will always bear its fruits. My high school was filled with kids who didn’t care about getting an education. I was a introverted “nerd” who took Honors and AP classes and saw education as a way to get out of a town that didn’t have much opportunity for growth. While I valued my education, I was also bored to death, even in my “accelerated classes,” so I stupidly acted out and started to party as high school kids do. I ditched class to drink and dabbled a bit in drugs because there was nothing else to do. Even as I partied, I still managed to remain on the honor roll for all 4 years. Fast forward to the beginning of my senior year, our class had 250 kids and throughout the year approximately half of the student body dropped out at one point or another, giving up on their 14 year investment in their education. I made it to the end, but while everyone was excitedly responding to college acceptance letters, I had to throw all of mine out. Why? I was pregnant. I fully accept responsibility for my actions, but sex was not talked about in my household. I had no idea I had access to birth control or condoms and foolishly made a mistake that would change my life. I went to my prom and graduation 3 months pregnant without anyone knowing aside from my family.

The summer after graduation was spent brainstorming options and finding a job to help support my unborn child. I decided to keep the baby, thinking I would give it up for adoption. I was too immature to take care of myself, and now a baby? No way. As the months progressed, I fell in love with the baby and decided to keep her and raise her with the help of my family. I was excited but deep inside I was depressed. I really wanted to go off to college and live the life of a student living on campus, making new friends, staying up late to cram for midterms and possibly travel a bit. I couldn’t do that anymore and the thought of experiencing college in any other way didn’t entice me. I also knew if I didn’t get an education, I’d be stuck in a cycle of dead end jobs all my life. I knew I didn’t want to struggle like I’ve seen my family fight just to put a decent meal on the table and keep the lights from getting shut down.

I started college two months after my daughter was born. She was perfection and an incredible motivator. I’ve always thought that she deserves something better, beyond what I can give her but I decided to try my best to give her an amazing life. Since I just had a baby, I wanted to explore the opportunities I had outside of a traditional classroom in college. Luckily, the local community college offered online courses which only required me to be in class on the first day, at midterms and during finals week. I did this for a year and a half until I took every online course possible. Then it was time for full immersion into college. Here came daycare and having to balance college life with working and a small child.

My average day in college looked like this: we’d have to wake up at the crack of dawn so my daughter and I could ride a 45-minute bus to school. Unlike most of my classmates, I had to dash straight from work to class or go to work right after class so that I could pick up my daughter from school at a proper hour. I was very fortunate to land a job in a small office as an office assistant during college that would later prove invaluable. The pay was ok, but I was allowed to tailor my schedule to be compatible with my changing class load every semester. After our day was done came another bus ride. Once we got home, I’d have to make dinner, pack us lunch for the next day, prepare her backpack with extra clothes plus wash and prepare a day’s worth of bottles for my daughter. After I put my daughter to bed was the only time I had for homework. I’d stay up until about 2am every night doing my reading assignments or writing papers only to have to get up 3 ½ hours later to start my day again.

I did this every day for 5 ½ years.

Was it worth it? Heck yeah. I got my bachelor’s degree on my wall as proof. I am the first person in my family to ever get a degree. I have multiple relatives my age who ended up dropping out for various reasons yet I managed to graduate (with honors!) while juggling a small child and a demanding job. Aside from raising my daughter, this is what I’m most proud of thus far. I read online that less than 2% of teen moms attain a college degree before age 30. I’m stoked beyond words to be a part of that 2% (Source) I hope that this struggle and success will set an example to my daughter and show her that hard work does pay off.

After college, I worked a few jobs that I wasn’t too keen on. Too corporate, too stuffy, too bureaucratic to evoke any change and make an impact. I wanted to wake up every morning and feel inspired to go to work. I didn’t just want a paycheck, I wanted to engulf myself within organization so that I could kick ass and take names. I also wanted a 401(k), health benefits and life insurance so that my bases could be covered in old age. But mainly I wanted to wake up invigorated every morning and be able to pay my bills. After college, my daughter and I moved into our first home. I loved waking her up in her room filled with the girliest of things. I was a proud mama–on my own, college educated and living life as an independent woman.

Independent but unfulfilled. That is, until I was introduced to the CEO of my most recent employer. We hit it off immediately and within two week was offered the chance of a lifetime. I was invited to join his multimillion dollar company and close-knit team as his right hand. I’d learn all the in’s and out’s of running a business in a dynamic industry and receive a nice salary. After a bit of contemplation, I decided to resign from my stuffy job to join a company I was proud to be apart of. My job was great. It was flexible, nurturing, educational and insightful. In a few short weeks, I was in the trenches with my boss handling everything from sales to contracts to finance to HR. That is, until the company suddenly went out of business. I won’t get into the details but I was told I’d have a month before we were all let go. This was the job I wanted to settle in and dedicate years to, not just a job really but a mission to which I was dedicated.

I was laid off in March with no severance pay as the company had nothing. I had a small savings which I tapped into as I began searching for a job. I had to file for unemployment for the first time, which was hard as I’ve prided myself on not having to use government resources to pay my bills. I have almost a decade of solid work history and yet I’m struggling to find a job. Places are hiring but they’re scarce and don’t always offer pay that can support a family.

My bills are piling up and I have family and friends that are in no position to help me out. Unemployment can only pay so much and it isn’t enough to put a home-cooked meal on the table or keep everything paid. I’m in the process of starting up two businesses–one that peddles vintage finds and another that provides folks with stellar resumes to land their dream job so that I can increase my cash flow, but in the meantime, I’m asking for any donations to my cause. I’m willing to offer any services in return for a donation over $30 via paypal. There’s a button below where your transaction will be processed safely and gratefully!

Please pass this on and +1 it, favorite it, retweet it and share in any way possible! No action is too small or unappreciated.

Thank you so much for letting me share my story with you.

HI,I AM THE OLDEST SON OF 3. MY MOM IS A SINGLE MOTHER TRYING HER BEST, BUT SHE HAS HEART PROBLEMS SO CANT WORK EVERYDAY AND THE STRESS OF BEING IN DEBT IS WEARING HER DOWN. I HAVE GOT A JOB TO HELP AND ALSO ATTEND UNIVERSITY BUT IT IS NOT ENOUGH, MY JOB IS TEMPORARY AND FINISHES IN LESS THAN A MONTH. AT THIS RATE WE MAY NOT HAVE OUR HOME MUCH LONGER. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN MY MUM IS A WONDERFUL WOMAN WHO DESERVES SO MUCH BETTER SHES DEDICATED HER LIFE TO US, HAS NO HUSBAND TO COME BACK TO AND NO ONE TO LOOK AFTER HER HEALTH, I PRAY EVERYDAY A MIRACLE HAPPENS. PLEASE HELP IF YOU CAN, ANY DONATION IS WELCOME. THANKS FOR READING, GOD BLESS.

i was a full time carer for my mother in law who had alzhiemers disease.(mum passed away recently) i dedicated 8 years to look after her and loved every minute of it, myself and my husband even gave up our own home and moved in with her my son loved helping out with the caring role he loved his nan so much and misses her as we all do, we are all finding the loss of mum very hard to deal with we have been left with 3 big bills including a funeral to pay for my husband is on a low income and we are really struggling to pay the bills my husband has been put on anti depressants and isnt coping with his loss and the stress of it all just wish we could be nearly debt free then i could help others like me. My family mean the world to me and at the moment feel like we are drowning and there nothing i can do, i have been for 11 interviews but nothing has come of it my confidence is shattered. please help x

Hi, I am aspiring to be a music producer. About two years ago I decided that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, which is why I spend so much time practicing, every spare minute I have is spent learning new aspects of audio production. I'm so dedicated to this, all I wan't to do is produce music.

I still feel that my skills are lacking in a few different areas, so last year I started sending out applications to studio's around the UK, the replies that I got stated that I need a degree in Audio Production to be able to work in a recording studio. So since last year I have been searching for an institute to study at and found an amazing place to study called SAE Institute in Liverpool. The course is a 2 year BA/BSc (Hons) Degree in Audio Production, and after the course ends you are prepared for work in any sector of the audio production industry, from music production to live sound and broadcast, post production for film, video and TV. So there are many different roots I would be able to go down if I was lucky enough study there.

I have managed to save £4000 up to now, however, the fee's and living expenses amount to around £29,000, (this is a link to view the living expensis http://www.saeuk.com/downloads/FeeSchedule(Combined)Liverpool.pdf) Unfortunately, I cannot get funding for the course and a bank loan is not available to me but by the time the course starts on 07/10/2012 I will hopefully have saved around another £4000.

After looking for ways to generate the funds I need to be able to study at SAE I came across this website, I think it's an amazing way to help someone out who is in need. I'm just really hopefull that there will be someone out there who has been in the same situation as I am now, who know's how it feels to wan't something so bad that it hurts. I really feel I have the drive and determination to succeed in reaching my goals of becoming a music producer and any donation that you make, big or small, will have helped me get a step closer to fulfilling my dreams. I appreciate you taking the time to read this, and if you are kind enough to donate and help me, I will be forever in you debt. Thankyou.

Dear Good Samaritan,
I am a single mother and I'm currently a PhD student. I am *so* close to finishing my dissertation...I need about 8-12 months to finish writing. I am seeking people to sponsor through any amount of dollars, this last year of tuition.
Even though I’ve always been a very hard worker, volunteer, loyal employee and dedicated student, my life circumstances have changed dramatically now that I am a single mother and I fear I will not be able to finish school. I *know* that if I could be sponsored to pay this last year’s tuition and help with my bills I would be able to successfully defend my thesis, apply for a job and become an ever-contributing member of society through helping to educate our future generation. I want to teach.
If you are in a position to help me get this PhD, I would be most appreciative, and I will undoubtedly “pay it forward” to others once I get back on my feet. Even if it's only a couple dollars, you will have my sincerest gratitude. Anything you can help me with, big or small will be so appreciated. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Best wishes to all.

**IMPORTANT** I know that a lot of people look at these and think that their donations won't do any good as the person posting will just get in trouble again eventually. This is NOT the case for me. Your donation of any size WILL help and I will MAKE it successful so you will never see me here again ;)
Please take a chance, knowing that what you give will have a real effect that will help me to help others!
THANK YOU!
They say these things should be short, but I will take a chance in giving you the whole picture. Thanks for reading!
In 2009, I was made homeless by Hurricane Ida in Virginia. That same year, I became disabled with COPD, sciatica and fibromyalgia. It has been a long, slow process of recovery,pain, poverty,and the accompanying humiliation. I have had to give up my car, my cottage, and my job.

However, thanks to the efforts of very dear friends and some self-made luck I finally have a stable living situation, and the strength to embark on a new career as a writer and self-publisher of Spiritual and New Age materials.
Writing is where I find my greatest joy, (followed closely by my painting) and my experiences have given me rewards of perspective that makes the challenges I still contend with somehow worth it. I'm looking to help others find the inner strength and hope that I found through my own crisis.
You can read some of my writing at my blog:
http://grace-in-search-of-grace.blogspot.com/

My computer, however, is almost 8 years old and between the "pages not responsive" and "Chrome has crashed", system crashes and stalls, etc it routinely takes me up to 3 hours to upload anything to the site. I have very limited energy, and this can take up an entire day.
The the age of the machine means that it is limited in terms of upgrades and networking.
I've learned and done all I can to keep it running this long, but now I need a new one if I am going to be able to do the kind of heavy-duty publishing and posting to make it in this field and become self-sufficient.
I am looking for $5,000+ to cover the following costs:
*computer
*printer/scanner/fax
*paper
*toner and ink
*website hosting for a year
*Domain Registration
*Non-profit status registration
*Dedicated phone line
*Art supplies for graphic design
*Photoshop software
*Print-on-demand membership for 1 year

Anything is greatly appreciated!

I will do my utmost to pay it forward to those who are also in need.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

**IMPORTANT** I know that a lot of people look at these and think that their donations won't do any good as the person posting will just get in trouble again eventually. This is NOT the case for me. Your donation of any size WILL help and I will MAKE it successful so you will never see me here again ;)
Please take a chance, knowing that what you give will have a real effect that will help me to help others!
THANK YOU!
They say these things should be short, but I will take a chance in giving you the whole picture. Thanks for reading!
In 2009, I was made homeless by Hurricane Ida in Virginia. That same year, I became disabled with COPD, sciatica and fibromyalgia. It has been a long, slow process of recovery,pain, poverty,and the accompanying humiliation. I have had to give up my car, my cottage, and my job.

However, thanks to the efforts of very dear friends and some self-made luck I finally have a stable living situation, and the strength to embark on a new career as a writer and self-publisher of Spiritual and New Age materials.
Writing is where I find my greatest joy, (followed closely by my painting) and my experiences have given me rewards of perspective that makes the challenges I still contend with somehow worth it. I'm looking to help others find the inner strength and hope that I found through my own crisis.
You can read some of my writing at my blog:
http://grace-in-search-of-grace.blogspot.com/

My computer, however, is almost 8 years old and between the "pages not responsive" and "Chrome has crashed", system crashes and stalls, etc it routinely takes me up to 3 hours to upload anything to the site. I have very limited energy, and this can take up an entire day.
The the age of the machine means that it is limited in terms of upgrades and networking.
I've learned and done all I can to keep it running this long, but now I need a new one if I am going to be able to do the kind of heavy-duty publishing and posting to make it in this field and become self-sufficient.
I am looking for $5,000+ to cover the following costs:
*computer
*printer/scanner/fax
*paper
*toner and ink
*website hosting for a year
*Domain Registration
*Non-profit status registration
*Dedicated phone line
*Art supplies for graphic design
*Photoshop software
*Print-on-demand membership for 1 year

Anything is greatly appreciated!

I will do my utmost to pay it forward to those who are also in need.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1308204429314206488#editor/target=post;postID=3219373271769577819

99%? What about the 49%?

I do not believe I have any dedicated followers to this blog that I started about a week ago. I have added to the end of my blogs a donate button and I feel I need to justify the decision to do so. That is what this blog is about, and it probably should have been my first post.

It seems like there are three groups of people in America.

There is the rich. They get tax breaks simply for being rich. The philosophy is that if they spend less on taxes then they will invest it into production and buying stuff and it will “trickle down.” I am all for it if it works. But it doesn’t. They have had their tax breaks for about ten years and there isn’t anything trickling down my way.

Then there is the very poor. They claim to be incapable of working 40 hours a week because of mental or physical issues. They don’t get up very early in the morning, they don’t worry about the way they look. They collect social security, food stamps, unemployment and whatever else they can get for free. I know there are some people that legitimately can not work but I think there are a great deal of people that can and choose not to.

Instead of the 99% movement lets start a 49% movement.1% is uber-wealthy. About 50% pay no taxes and/or are a drain on our society. So that leaves 49%. I am the 49 percent and that fucking sucks! We can’t get ahead and we can’t get a hand.

Let me tell you a little more about myself. I work 60+ hours as a salesperson, which is non-commission based position. There are some things we can sell and if we sell it at a certain margin we can get a “spiff.” Unfortunately I sell building materials and not a lot of people are building right now. Also the the things that you can get a spiff on are high-end items that are difficult to sell in a good economy. I still try like hell though. In the interest of getting as many hours as possible there is no job I will not do or that is too menial. I will sell, I will work out in the yard and drive a forklift, do deliveries, stack lumber, shovel snow, sweep, empty trash, stock shelves, answer the phone,work the register or anything else that will keep me from getting sent home or laid off.

I started this blog about a week ago. I was looking for another way to make money doing something I enjoyed in my “spare” time. As well as working 60 hours a week I am also a divorced dad that takes his kids every weekend. So there isn’t a whole lot of time for a second job. I looked into the Ebay thing and realized I really don’t have anything left to sell.

Also looked into doing surveys. On average you can get a dollar for each 45-60 minute survey you take. I still do this occasionally. If I have time and can find a few that I feel are worth my time. Any little amount helps.

I thought I might eventually be able to monetize this blog by putting up enough content to get advertisers interested. It will probably take several months and a lot of writing before this might be possible. Until then I will keep the donate button on here.

My point here is that I started looking for a way to get my head back above water a week ago and things have gotten far worse since then. I went to the grocery store yesterday and in my estimation prices have gone up close to 25% on most of the things I buy. In a week!

And the price of gas....

My job is about a 25 minute commute from where I live. There is no public transportation where I live and I do not think a 25 minute commute is unreasonable. But even with a car that gets 28 miles to the gallon and gas prices being what they are it is a huge strain on the wallet. They are talking about the price of gas going up twenty cents over one weekend! I topped off yesterday in the hopes of saving two bucks.


I don’t have the answers but it seems like this system of government and politics doesn’t work. We elect a Republican for 4-8 years and when they fail to fix everything we elect a Democrat. They don’t make our problems go away either and in another 4-8 years we try another Republican and so on. Its like having two cartons of milk in the refrigerator. You take a sip of one carton and its sour, you take a sip from the other carton and it is sour too. So you try the first carton again. What? It’s still sour? Weird. Maybe we should try the second carton again....

Come on people! Can’t we get together? We need to throw out the rotten fucking milk, get off our dead asses and get down to the store and buy some fresh fucking milk!

I was already falling behind. Then it only took one small medical emergency and one car repair to put me even further in the hole. Between money I had to put up for office visits, medical procedures that had to be done, car repairs, and lost time at work it cost me over a thousand dollars that I did not have to spend. Now I am possibly facing eviction.

And I know there are people out there that need the money far more than I do. I don’t have cancer, my kids do not need a life-saving medical procedure and I am not living on the streets yet. All I am asking is that if you understand where I am coming from and you like what I have to say help me out and donate a couple of bucks. I am not asking you to “give until it hurts,” and if you don’t have it to give then I don’t want it.

If you can’t help me out by donating money, then help me out by sounding off in the comments and telling me how I can make this blog better or what I should do different. I openly welcome harsh criticism and all opposing viewpoints.

I am not looking for millions of dollars, thousands of dollars or even hundreds of dollars. I would be very happy with tens of dollars. Ten bucks accumulated over a week from several people would be a huge shot in the arm right now. If I made an extra ten bucks from donations it would buy me enough gas to get back and forth to work for two days. Or it would cover the rising cost of my grocery bill. Right now that would be huge.

Give what you can. Every penny counts. Or offer your suggestions or both. Donate some obscure amount and put that same amount in the comments or send me an email telling me the obscure amount you donated and I will reply personally to those comments and emails. I will probably respond whether you donate or not.

thor.mulligan@gmail.com

I thank you for any support you can

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1308204429314206488#editor/target=post;postID=3219373271769577819

Hi my name is Ann and I'm a student. I'm desperately seeking help from everybody because I cannot rely anymore on my own wage to pay my school fees.

Every month I get paid 391 dollars if I'm lucky or less than that and these are only enough to pay for my bills such as travel, food school expenses and rent. With my situation I don't have any means to buy something special for myself or for my friends this Christmas or New Year. I'm embarassed of always asking favors to my friends and I understand that they have their own problems.

As for my school fees I still need to pay 4,000 dollars this coming March of 2011. I know that it's very difficult but I'm dedicated to finish this course for a better future and hoping that someone will help me by means of donation and any amount people donate would really do a lot of help and much appreciated.

I am submitting this request because we are in serious need of help. I know my story is long. I pray you will have the patience to read it through & consider my request.

I am a single mom of 2 sons; 1 grown & doing wonderfully in the world & the other just entering his teen years. I've raised both boys on my own, survived despite chronic poverty & worked very hard for the past 25 years to do so. I am an unusually-talented & tenaceous woman, having changed careers several times in order to assure that my boys were always properly taken care of. Since 1995, I've worked in positions where I was unsupervised & done well ethically in that type of independent environment. As a subcontracted cab driver for the past 5 years, I've worked 60+ hours a week consistently, without vacation or any other benefits. I've missed only 8 workdays in all that time: 3 days for illness & 5 days straight this past August to care for my mother while she died. I'll be happy to provide direct contact with the cab company owner, should you wish to verify this information.

Several things have changed for me in the past few weeks. I came across an opportunity to start my own business. I crave the day when my earnings are no longer confined to poverty levels & the majority of my waking hours dictated by the terms of a subcontracted position. At 49, I'm still young enough to start fresh again, during these last few years before my youngest son flies the coup. I'm already well-practiced at working on my own. It's finally time for me to do that & reap the rewards as well.

In the meantime, my demanding schedule caused me to be lax in filing tax papers for 2008 & 2009. So, the last week of October, I filed the 2008 returns through a local tax preparer. I've just completed the 2009 books & submitted those to the tax preparer 2 days ago. The importance of the tax filings is that I have a refund of $2000 coming to me from 2008. The tax preparer told me it would take 2 to 4 weeks to receive those funds. So I began preparations to become this region's very first fully-trained SmartPhone & Tablet Repair Tech. Being a frugal woman, I formulated a plan to use the tax refund to pay $395 for the 10 days training & startup business tools. My son & I can easily live off of the remaining money while I launch my business. And with the additional refund from 2009 pending in another 6 to 8 weeks, I will be well-set to get my business rolling.

With the business plan & pending refund in mind; & following a serious disagreement on matters of proper customer service; I gave the cab company 30 days written notice & finished my last day on November 6th. I left on good terms with an option to return. But the owner has since filled my position, so even if I returned immediately, the hours would be sparse. Plus, I could no longer be happy there, having to repeatedly apologize to my customers because the company owner habitually re-contracts drivers of poor character. Swearing at, name-calling & being generally rude to customers & co-workers is unacceptable behavior, in my code of ethics.

However, my tax refund has yet to materialize. I called the IRS just today & finally got some information on my refund status. I already phoned them just 2 weeks ago to correct a major error by the tax preparer. The kind young woman I spoke with today informed me of yet another major error by the tax preparer; & because of that error, it will now be another month before they send a refund to me!

So here I am, trying to keep the faith & maintain my patience, but stressing over unpaid bills. The first of the month has passed. I live in HUD subsidized housing, & my rent is only $110, but it was due by the 5th. I have never been late with my rent, but this month I had to practically beg for the apartment managers to be patient in getting the rent paid. There are also utility bills of nearly $200 due, & my prepaid phone was shut off for several days last week until a good friend paid that bill for me. I had faith in my tax preparer & was counting on having my refund by now to pay those bills. Needless to say, I am very unhappy with his service at this point.

I spent 2 weeks trying to get a 'payday' or personal loan. But because I was a subcontractor & now I'm unemployed, no one is willing to make such a loan. I even dedicated a full day last week to 14 fruitless hours straight online, just trying to click enough surveys to pay the $50 phone bill. I receive no child support or welfare benefits. Sadly for my son, Santa will not be arriving until well after Christmas. At this point, my income is 0.

So what I am asking for is just enough money to get us by until the tax refund arrives. I can reasonably make $750 stretch through to mid-January.

I am proud. It is hard for me to ask for this. But it is even harder to grovel to my landlords & the utility companies. And it was never my intent to risk us losing our home. I am deeply concerned that this may happen. The timing is simply bad for us not to have our refund yet. I wish my tax preparer had done a better job for me.

I have been blessed with great health & an optimistic outlook, despite all my life's trials. Others are not nearly so lucky & I am truly grateful for my blessings. I am also grateful to you for your consideration in this matter. Giving to others to help them improve their lives is indeed a noble endeavor. Bless you

Hi,

I'm a freelance graphic/software designer who already has a paying client with a startup also interested in my services, but I'm having trouble performing at my best because I do not have the money for a dedicated work area. There is a coworking office near my apartment that offers space for $350/month, but to work at full capacity I'd really like to buy the equipment I need for a home office, which runs between $3 and $5k. (At a minimum having a larger monitor and a desk would let me do some of the basic design work I need to do: that's $500-1k.)

Please get in touch with me at introversal@aol.com if you are interested in helping me start my fledgling freelance business with any contribution. I would be happy to pay back once I have a steady revenue stream going.

Thanks!

Hallo,

Thank you for reading my post. I am a hardworking 25-year-old about to graduate from University with two degrees. The thing is, I have about $2000 left to pay and no way of raising the money by January 15th, 2012 myself. I would greatly appreciate your help to avoid the consequences of not paying on time...

My family is poor, so I had to rely on myself the entire time, but finally I have come to a point where I need help. I managed to support myself, pay for my tuition, and maintain a 3.87 GPA until now. For the first three years of College I barely had any free time and my social life was more or less non-existent. I truly dedicated my time to paying tuition fees, but now they have caught up with me. There are no loans I qualify for and all this hard work will be for nothing if I can't pay, because they won't even send me my degrees.

Please consider helping me out, I would be unbelievably thankful!

Greetings
On 5th November 2011 I was fortunate to get a contract to work with East Africa Safaris during the month of December being a tourist peak season in Mombasa Kenya I will be working with hundreds of individuals who have cars that will be used during the December holidays
Tourism in Kenya is a growing one, with the potential to positively impact many more people without employment
I'm writing to ask you to make a financial donation in order for me to repair my Toyota Noah town ace in time before the Christmas holidays
This issue is one that is close to my heart. I have
Struggled with this problem, of repairing my car so that it can generate money and to provide for my family and fees for my brothers who are the local universities
That's why I'm dedicated to doing everything in my power to help my family and continue to provide assistance
I've been challenged to raise $2100 dollars through my Participation in fundraising for the car repair before the December Christmas Holidays. Please do what you can to help me reach this goal with your donations.
Please consider donating to the car repair in the form of any of the following:
1. Car respraying and panel beating $350
2. 4 Munroe heavy duty shock absorbers. $250
3. 5 new firestone tires $500
4. Gps tracking system for security $500
5. 8 black seat covers $200
6. Two head lamps and indicators $300
Total $2100

Regards
Andrew

I’m a single mother with 4 kids and I’m very sickly and as a result I had to leave my work a few years ago. My older daughter who is the sole bread winner of the family got retrenched over 2 years ago from her job and so we have no income or money for my medications. She has struggled ever since to find a job. She is very creative and has a Business degree which she got after putting herself through varsity while working and supporting us financially. I know she would be very successful if she didn’t have to support us as she is very smart and hard working. But now every little penny she makes goes towards supporting us.

She is now trying to start a business, a marketing company to be exact and has already registered this business because she believes in it so much. However the only problem now is that she has no money whatsoever to get it off the ground because every penny she makes she uses it to support us. And I can see her spirit is starting to weigh down because now she is stuck and has no way of financially supporting this business. She knew from the very beginning when she registered this business and even registered it for tax that she did not have the finance to see it through and she simply acted on her faith and hoped that God will provide. I have nothing to leave for my children when I leave this earth as I said; I’m very sickly and have been for years. Please if any of you can find it in your heart please help me help my daughter get her business of the ground. Please help me do just this one thing for her in my lifetime. I have no way of helping her and have not been able to actually all my life because I’ve had to raise them all alone which was very hard but I’m proud of the person she’s become. She passionately believes in this marketing company and is a dedicated hard worker. Please if you help us your money will not go to waste, that I can promise you. You will be giving a hope to a family that has never had much. This will be a new start for us. Please find it in your hearts to help us.

I have been unemployed for several months now and lost the house i was renting. I recently mved in with my daughter and 3 Grandchildren. My daughter has just been laid off due to her place of employment being completely closed down...so about 100 people were laid off.
We are getting very behind in bills and rent. With winter coming we are having a hard time clothing the children for the cold days coming.The youngest is 5 months old.A 12 year old son and 8 year old son. I aplly to jobs everyday but nothing is turning up yet. Have been a hard dedicated worker all my life. If posting here helps, then so be it. Cant be to proud to ask for help. God Bless to all and thank you so much if you decide to help us.

PLEASE EXCUSE MY INTERUPTION!!

My name is Ronald Alano. My wife Kathi and I are in A very bad way.

Please let me explain. My wife's unemployment ran out just as she needed a dead kidney removed. I was terminated from my 10 year professional job due to down sizing at the same time. I was her nurse up the time of her operation. She had to have her bag cleaned and changed daily. Her operation was put on hold till we could scrape up enough money to pay a month of Cobra to cover her surgery. This took 2 months. She has recovered wonderfully.

We have both been unable to obtain employment. We were evicted from our rental because we were unable to make rent for 8 months. We owe taxes, hospital bills, vehicle payments, utility payments. We have one vehicle that is on a title loan without even minimum insurance coverage. We are receiving food stamps. We have spent many hours in the pantry lines. We are currently staying with Kathi's son till we can get employment.

My wages are being garnished due to unpaid medical bills. I cannot even work a McDonald's because I would only make enough to cover gas. I am a hard working and dedicated person. I have spent many days and hours applying and sending resumes to a multitude of job prospects. I have only had 2 interviews that have not panned out. We are trying to get Kathi's drivers license, but can't even afford the 20.00 to pay for that.

It really hurts to have to tell our life's story to try and get any help. We have gone through all the channels for help. We have given to United Way all the time we were employed. They would only help with 250.00 towards rent, but we owe over 7,000.00 in rent. They only offered 150.00 towards utilities and we owe a couple of thousand on them. To chapter 8 housing is a waiting period of over a year and a half. We have no relatives who can help.

We just can't find a way to start digging out. We have recently found salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. We attend a small Christian church where we attend Sunday services, Wednesday night services, and Tuesday night Bible study. We are just asking someone who is more fortunate than us for any help.

If you read this, God Bless You in His Son's Name Jesus Christ!

Ron and Kathi Alano
816-808-7832
ronalano@yahoo.com

PLEASE EXCUSE MY INTERUPTION!!

My name is Ronald Alano. My wife Kathi and I are in A very bad way.

Please let me explain. My wife's unemployment ran out just as she needed a dead kidney removed. I was terminated from my 10 year professional job due to down sizing at the same time. I was her nurse up the time of her operation. She had to have her bag cleaned and changed daily. Her operation was put on hold till we could scrape up enough money to pay a month of Cobra to cover her surgery. This took 2 months. She has recovered wonderfully.

We have both been unable to obtain employment. We were evicted from our rental because we were unable to make rent for 8 months. We owe taxes, hospital bills, vehicle payments, utility payments. We have one vehicle that is on a title loan without even minimum insurance coverage. We are receiving food stamps. We have spent many hours in the pantry lines. We are currently staying with Kathi's son till we can get employment.

My wages are being garnished due to unpaid medical bills. I cannot even work a McDonald's because I would only make enough to cover gas. I am a hard working and dedicated person. I have spent many days and hours applying and sending resumes to a multitude of job prospects. I have only had 2 interviews that have not panned out. We are trying to get Kathi's drivers license, but can't even afford the 20.00 to pay for that.

It really hurts to have to tell our life's story to try and get any help. We have gone through all the channels for help. We have given to United Way all the time we were employed. They would only help with 250.00 towards rent, but we owe over 7,000.00 in rent. They only offered 150.00 towards utilities and we owe a couple of thousand on them. To chapter 8 housing is a waiting period of over a year and a half. We have no relatives who can help.

We just can't find a way to start digging out. We have recently found salvation in our Lord Jesus Christ. We attend a small Christian church where we attend Sunday services, Wednesday night services, and Tuesday night Bible study. We are just asking someone who is more fortunate than us for any help.

If you read this, God Bless You in His Son's Name Jesus Christ!

Ron and Kathi Alano
816-808-7832
ronalano@yahoo.com

Hello, my name is Sarah O'Brien. Four years ago my mother was diagnosed with cancer. The doctors told us there was nothing they could do. She came home and suffered. Myself and my daughter lived with her and my father. She was my daughters best friend. We watched her suffer and die. It tore my family apart. We used to be so close but she was our glue. My father moved to Kentucky and remarried. My sisters and I barely speak and my little brother who also lived with them lives in a motel room now. I couldn't bare to see the house be sold so I purchased it. My daughter is so proud to tell people that she was born in this house. I worked for TD Bank for 11 years. I was a hard working and dedicated employee. Six years later a new manager arrived named Liz. She was an abusive maniac. Harassed and belittled everyone any chance she got. I couldn't take it anymore after 5 years of this. I was suffering severe anxiety and it was affecting my health. I went out on sick leave and have been struggling ever since. She is still there after several complaints and I am now losing my mothers house which I wanted so much to save. This house is all that we have left of her and all my childhood memories are in this house. Please if anyone has it in their heart to help I would forever be grateful. Thank you so much in advance! If you can help please email me at sarahobrien4602@comcast.net Thank you, Sarah

We run a a small but effective, private not-for-profit animal rescue run by a team of volunteers dedicated to saving stray animals abandoned on the streets and finding them a new forever loving home- which they so greatly deserve.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the abandoned, abused and unwanted animals who unfortunately, through no fault of their own, live on the streets. We also help by promoting responsible pet ownership; the importance of spay & neuter, a good diet and plenty of exercise.

We do not discriminate against size, breed, age, gender, species or health condition- as we believe every animal deserves a second chance.

Unfortunately, 86% of the strays we've helped save are emaciated- they require vet care (which is very costly), special high quality diet, vitamins and supplements to boost their immune system, and so much more!

All volunteers are unpaid and contribute their own money to our rescue's operation. Since we fund all of our expenses ourselves we often require donations from the public to help us out. As always, 100% of the donations go towards the benefit of the animals in our care.

We gladly accept all new, gently used, canine, and feline supplies, as well as monetary donations- which can be sent by PayPal.

We run a a small but effective, private not-for-profit animal rescue run by a team of volunteers dedicated to saving stray animals abandoned on the streets and finding them a new forever loving home- which they so greatly deserve.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the abandoned, abused and unwanted animals who unfortunately, through no fault of their own, live on the streets. We also help by promoting responsible pet ownership; the importance of spay & neuter, a good diet and plenty of exercise.

We do not discriminate against size, breed, age, gender, species or health condition- as we believe every animal deserves a second chance.

Unfortunately, 86% of the strays we've helped save are emaciated- they require vet care (which is very costly), special high quality diet, vitamins and supplements to boost their immune system, and so much more!

All volunteers are unpaid and contribute their own money to our rescue's operation. Since we fund all of our expenses ourselves we often require donations from the public to help us out. As always, 100% of the donations go towards the benefit of the animals in our care.

We gladly accept all new, gently used, canine, and feline supplies, as well as monetary donations- which can be sent by PayPal.

We run a a small but effective, private not-for-profit animal rescue run by a team of volunteers dedicated to saving stray animals abandoned on the streets of Uruguay, South American and finding them a new forever loving home- which they so greatly deserve.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the abandoned, abused and unwanted animals who unfortunately, through no fault of their own, live on the streets. We also help by promoting responsible pet ownership; the importance of spay & neuter, a good diet and plenty of exercise.

Misfits Abroad does not discriminate against size, breed, age, gender, species or health condition- as we believe every animal deserves a second chance.

All volunteers are unpaid and contribute their own money to our rescue's operation. Since we fund all of our expenses ourselves we often require donations from the public to help us out. As always, 100% of the donations go towards the benefit of the animals in our care.

We gladly accept all new, gently used, canine, and feline supplies, as well as monetary donations- which can be sent by PayPal.

We're a small but effective, private not-for-profit organization run by a team of volunteers dedicated to saving stray animals abandoned on the streets on and finding them a new forever loving home- which they so greatly deserve.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the abandoned, abused and unwanted animals who unfortunately, through no fault of their own, live on the streets. Our volunteers are also dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership; the importance of spay & neuter, a good diet and plenty of exercise.

We do not discriminate against size, breed, age, gender, species or health condition- as we believe every animal deserves a second chance.

As always, 100% of the donations go towards the benefit of the animals in our care. All volunteers are unpaid and contribute their own money to our rescue's operation. Since we fund all of our expenses ourselves we often require donations from the public to help us out.

Remember, every penny collected will be put to good use!

Thanks

"Within the heart of every stray… lies the singular desire to be loved." ♥

We're a small but effective, private not-for-profit organization run by a team of volunteers dedicated to saving stray animals abandoned on the streets on and finding them a new forever loving home- which they so greatly deserve.

Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home the abandoned, abused and unwanted animals who unfortunately, through no fault of their own, live on the streets. Our volunteers are also dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership; the importance of spay & neuter, a good diet and plenty of exercise.

We do not discriminate against size, breed, age, gender, species or health condition- as we believe every animal deserves a second chance.

As always, 100% of the donations go towards the benefit of the animals in our care. All volunteers are unpaid and contribute their own money to our rescue's operation. Since we fund all of our expenses ourselves we often require donations from the public to help us out.

Remember, every penny collected will be put to good use!

Thanks

"Within the heart of every stray… lies the singular desire to be loved." ♥