Educated Tags

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.

I'm a single mother aged 35. I've lived in California for almost 14 years ( it will be 15 this year on memorial day weekend.)
I’m going to be a little blunt, because I'm tired and I want to give up so bad, but I can't. I'm better than that and my kids are my motivator. I wake up everyday and remind myself of 2 things :1) Faith is what you have when you all your beliefs are blown to hell. 2) What doesn't kill you makes you stronger -Nietzsche

I am a 35 year old educated, ambitious, head strong woman. I have owned my own business with my soon to be ex. I know what hard work and determination are. I went to private school and I am educated. I value my community and have always given back and will continue to do so. I also know that I have the drive and determination to get myself back on track. I'm not ASKING for a handout, I'm asking for help up! I also know what loss is. I don't have the business, a house or EVEN the car anymore. We lost everything. He bounced back , I didn’t. All I have is HOPE, that someone or some program can help me carve a path back to self sufficiency.
It's gone continually downhill.I am amazed at the allotment of programs for both housing and employment for all different walks of life. However, what about those that are just struggling. No hang ups, no record, just struggling and are LOW INCOME. I'm not writing this to make you feel sorry, I'm writing this because I have exhausted possibilities that I have researched both on my own or been given the information to do the work with.
There are people who struggle everyday through no fault of their own. They don't want a hand out, but help up would be a relief. Society doesn't need band-aids they need solutions.
Not every county, city or state program fits everyone's needs.
First of all Section 8 has been closed since BEFORE I left my marriage so that idea could never work. The list has been closed for years. Because I have limited time with my children, I do not qualify for CALWORKS. I have tried getting assistance in every way possible. I had very little unemployment left since I have been struggling to find work. I was delayed for about 3 months because they needed verification and I had to appeal and request a hearing. I have won my appeal but will only receive $91/week and for a short period of time.
I took a project management class through WIA in 2011, and I was able to get CTB benefits. I NEED HELP. I have hit the absolute worst point in my life and still refuse to give up. I have been looking for work and am now HOMELESS.I am in week 3 of staying in an extended stay hotel (paid for by my mother back east, who makes maybe $26,000/yr in PA) I recently sold my car because I needed to pay bills and rent. I have maybe $75 to my name.
The fact that they say there are services for low income/ homeless is frustrating. I say this because there is no category for me. I'm not a drug addict or in recovery. I don't have a mental illness. I wasn't in prison, I don’t' even have a RECORD. I can proudly say I've never been arrested or even in the back of a cop car. I'm not a victim of domestic violence and I do not beat my kids. Why aren't there programs in place for single parents struggling to make it? Everyday people that are responsible and respectable. I understand the need to assist those that may not have the capacity to take care of themselves. However, I have a huge problem with the fact that Santa Clara County & all programs (private, govt or state funded) will rehabilitate and reintroduced felons into the community, but if you're poor, homeless, no record, are looking for work, have high intelligence; sorry, you can't get help. This sounds extremely cynical and jaded, but I am a little after going through all I have.
I have been told constantly “I wish I could do something but we don't have any programs to help you.” My favorite reply is: "Yeah and you have done everything. I'm surprised you even knew about all the programs you did"
I have talked to employment counselors, program coordinators, program advocates and case managers, volunteers, just about anyone. The bankruptcy is hindering my chances of securing housing, even if I had employment.

The icing on the cake has to be with food stamps and General Assistance. I qualified for Cal-Fresh. However, at the time I had a car worth $2200. So I wasn't able to get General Assistance. Fast Forward a year later, I HAD to sell my car to pay bills. Now this month when I went for General Assistance, I qualify.

It's a never ending cycle, a constant push down. I can take public transportation to work, but to get around and see my boys and being able to transport them would be extremely difficult, not to mention financially stressing. I have scoured employment books, read articles, searched the library, spent hours online trying to find a job, program, a company, anybody who could be a resource whether for low income assistance or employment.
I can probably tell you about a plethora of services this county (Santa Clara) offers for both income assistance and job services.I am registered with CALJOBS; I know all the career sites and have my resume there. I get interviews, however I am starting to think the bankruptcy from loss of business is holding me back when employers do background check.
I also could teach the business writing class or the resume writing classes they offer at Work2Future, I practically did when I took them. I could do the same at Sacred Heart. I've been to InnVision and EHC. I’ve talked to Sunnyvale Community Services. Boy he was a treat he sounded older then my 80 yr old grandma. When I said I need housing and employment help, he gruffly told me to check the newspaper and hung up. I've called St Josephs in Gilroy. I've talked to a program coordinator at West Valley Community Services. I called the Sobrato Organization hoping they had ties to something and one the employees just by grace of god happened to pick up and take my call. I was able to talk to someone at HIF (they couldn't help)
.
I am responsible, respectable and just want to work, have a place to live, and be able to have my children 50/50. I have no police record. I am not in recovery, nor have I ever had to be in a program
I want to work and am attaching a compilation of ALL my work skills. I would not send this out otherwise, I would tailor it specifically to the job I am applying for.

I used to volunteer as much as I could I like being active in my community and helping others. I'm still about that I believe in PAY IT FORWARD. I believe the good you do comes back to you tenfold and that no matter what is going wrong in your life, someone else is struggling just as much if not more; so be thankful for what you have.
I attend church and was a hospitality volunteer for that as well.
I just need help getting on my feet. I have no family, other than my children here in CA.
I do not want to move back east and be far away from them. I want to work, I want to live again. I want to smile and mean it.

I hate what my life has become and know that I am SO MUCH BETTER THEN THIS.
Please help me : money is fine, but it's only a temporary fix, please help me find a program that can assist me in getting on my feet, direct me to employment, and most of all afford me the opportunity to have my children much more consistently so I can be a mom again.
Thank you
Courtney DiMiceli

I want to make a NGO for needy people like student or poor children, because I am a poor student and I know that how tough to be a graduate person.From my boyhood I took help from Club,Library,school's teacher's, neighbours and Class frieds also,

so, I know how tough to be a educated person, I want to help them those who are really needy for education and want to stand on his or her own feet.

I need around $5000,for making a cyber cafe at first as well as foundation a NGO.

So I need help for you.Plz help me for starting my own business and NGO. I want to stand on my foot.Plz help me.

I currently have $165,000 in student loan debt. I am out of school, and working as many jobs, side jobs, and gigs I can find to pay off this massive debt. It is very discouraging to have spent 5 hard years of my life becoming an educated individual, when I have nothing to show for it. I will be paying this debt off for over 25-30 years, by this time I will be 54 years old. I would love to be able to have a life before I turn 54... Owning a house someday would be a dream come true, but I'm not sure it will be since I already owe enough money for one.

Any help would be great. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my plea.

P.S. These are private loans mainly, so I cannot go on income based repayments like I would be able to if they were federal. I did not receive any federal money or FAFSA money. I wish I could go on income based repayments, because life is very hard at the moment.

Thanks again everyone.

I have been working for 2 years in order to save for school. My goal was to go to school and finish debt free. Start my life with zero student loans. It's getting closer to September and I am far behind. I have no choice but to get a student loan, which I have accepted, but I'm looking for some extra help for school costs. It's expensive and it's a lot of time. Time is money, oh how so true, the more educated I choose to be the more debt I have to absorb. Anything will help, thank you!

I have been working for 2 years in order to save for school. My goal was to go to school and finish debt free. Start my life with zero student loans. It's getting closer to September and I am far behind. I have no choice but to get a student loan, which I have accepted, but I'm looking for some extra help for school costs. It's expensive and it's a lot of time. Time is money, oh how so true, the more educated I choose to be the more debt I have to absorb. Anything will help, thank you!

I have roughly 100,000 in student debt. I graduated with a 3.8, and I have been systematically denied employment post graduation. The system is broken, and i need you to help me get out from under it so that I can get on with my life. Any amount is helpful. Do something positive for this country and aid me. It benefits nobody to let students languish in debt and bad credit. 50000 would rid me of the private loans that I needed to make tuition above the federally available funding. I never spent a dime of it on housing or food; it all went to school and books. My husband and I could get on with our life, start a family, pay our taxes, and pay for health insurance. It's a no-brainer. Your help will directly benefit the very people that will carry this country forward. It's a civic duty to insure that the youth of this country are allowed to succeed; not be crushed under debt. We have the skills, you have the capital. Grant us the capital and we will show you the continuation of this fabulous country into the next century. You know we are capable. Stop holding us back. If you can't give me a job, give me the funding to continue in the only way Americans really operate: to work hard for a living wage to make this country better. Stop wage slavery. Stop the inefficient use of resources caused by low wages granted to college graduates and the denial of jobs to the educated. Keeping the educated at the same wage as the less educated post education is a travesty of the modern culture; it will lead to revolution if it is not remedied. Start now, start by aiding one graduate. Start with me. With every dollar you spend in my name, helping me out of debt, I come closer to undoing the shackles of my bondage and rising to benefit this country. It's patrioic to give. This democracy was founded on moral people helping out others, not by degrading people who wished only to better themselves through education. We are all in this together. My paypal option sits at the bottom of this request. s.pyke@gmail.com. Give. Do it. For your country.

I have hit rock bottom. My father's service was Friday, and I can't burden my mother with the truth, I am 3 months behind in my mortgage and am afraid I'll lose it before I can sell it. But what then? I need prayers and some kind of help or everything I've worked for will disappear and my children will have nothing. I need a hand up, not hand out - and I will do anything to stop this from happening. I am heartbroken that I have failed them so, and this is a last ditch attempt to salvage something. I am educated, well groomed and attractive - not that the physical matters except that I feel I have honestly done all I can and yet feel like digging a hole and hiding. I am not afraid to be alone, but would like to believe I will find someone to love me again...but have this sick feeling everyday the time for that is running out. I will do anything, provide documentation, security in the form of equity, whatever is necessary. Please help me help myself - the fear that my son senses how hard it is for me not to give up and is frightened too.

Recently, I was arrested on hearsay for a DV charge. The charge was dropped because it was untrue & unjust. I was the one assaulted; the judge concurred. Unfortunately, the altercation occurred at 3am on a Friday morning, on MLK weekend, and so what should've been a 12-hour stay, turned into 5 days. In the interim, my 4-year old daughter was kidnapped by CPS, simply because we have no family there--not for any other reason.
Upon my release, I discover that my daughter's already been handed to a foster home & that a hearing had been set for that morning; no one had even bothered to TRY to contact me about it. In my haste, I rushed to the courthouse next door, oblivious of a marijuana pipe I had in my possession (it may sound cliche, but it wasn't mine; I don't even smoke). I didn't get arrested for having it, but this is where the real problem began.
To make a long story short, I pled guilty ONLY to hurry & get my daughter out of a stranger's house & agreed to have her placed with her VERY part-time father who'd only seen her on average 10 days a year since birth (his choice).
Since then, he's attempted to cut me off from her--denying calls & visits. I obtained an attorney, so thus far I've been allotted ONE day per week for 4 hours to see the child I've raised alone since birth!
Additionally, I've worked for her father for 5 years--he's snatched that from me as well. He went on to choose a facility that costs $180 per visit! So, I have no income now, no employment & I have to drive 7 hours to get there. Friends and family have run out of resources to assist me. I still owe the attorney over $1,000 & until visitation is adjusted I'll have to keep paying this ridiculous amount.
I am not your typical stereotype of this sort of matter. I'm college-educated. So are my parents. I grew up middle-class. This is so unfair to me & my child. I've seen her cry before over an injury or hurt feelings, but never before over a broken heart. I MUST make these visits. If you can and are interested in helping, please click the link below:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=8CJ2A4CYKYFMS&lc=US&item_name=Single%20Mother%20in%20Need&item_number=89130¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted

I'm the girl who would give anyone the shirt off my back. Unfortunately, this has left me standing here needing my shirt back.

I'm single. I don't have any children. No one to support but myself. I'm educated. I'm not an addict or a gambler. My parents gave me all the tools I needed to be a successful contributor to society. So I should be able to handle this, right?

The hard lesson I've learned is that you can't give what you don't have. And sometimes, it needs to be okay to say no. A dollar here and there to the Ronald McDonald House, March of Dimes, Easter Seals, etc. = a good way to give to several worthy causes. A hundred dollars here and there to a friend in need, to the church, to the poor or other worthy cause = still doable. A thousand dollars (x4) to the jerk who broke my heart = big, huge mistake.

There are millions who deserve your compassion more than I do and I would encourage you to help them first. If after that, you have a little left over and can relate to the jam I've gotten myself into, I would appreciate any support you can lend.

I am swallowing every ounce of pride that I have in doing this. And I'm fairly certain it won't amount to anything but I feel I have run out of options. I just need to get my head above water and move forward.

And, though I've learned my lesson, I will make a promise to pay it forward (WITHOUT getting myself into the same situation again).

Thank you for your time!
Lisa

I am shocked that I have come to this. Yet I never judged or declined to help those in need, it is simply odd that I have landed in the spot I'm in.

I am a Nurse (Hospice) receiving Disability, and waiting to get back to work. I deal with severe spinal problems, I have had multiple back surgeries, multiple spine procedures, and now live a life in pain daily. No crying here, I am an advocate for others that live in Chronic Pain.

In Jan.'12, I blew out my knee that has already had 2 surgeries. I am waiting for MRI, and results that will tell so much more--a 3rd knee surgery, or back to work?

It is this interim point that I am asking for help to get through.

The last home I was living in, turned out to be a home with several types of Abuse going on. It was there I hurt my knee, and was treated like an animal. I left at the end of Jan., for my own safety, and am staying with family this month,who really can't afford me.

***I was blessed to find a reasonable place to rent for March, it is getting in there that is the issue monetarily. My family can not help me now, (or I wouldn't be here asking). They have been there for me, gave me a couch to sleep on, and ears to cry to.

If anyone who reads this remembers the care they received from a caring and educated nurse, and wants to help out, just know that I am striving to get back to nursing, to make money again, etc. In pain or not! I don't let that keep me down. I am not a lazy person, and actually I hate not being able to work right now!!

Thanks for reading...AND THIS WILL BE PAID FORWARD!!

I am hearing and speech handicapped man aged 46 years living in Kolkata, India. My wife is also same handicapped but not fully educated, and have normal 12 years son. Presently, I am working in odd jobs but earning low income is not quite enough to make both ends. I am facing lots of financial difficult for paying households, my son's school fees, tution fees, groceries credits, electricity bills, Doctor's bills and dues returned to money lenders.
Any amounts will be accepted and with your help perhaps my quality of life may emprove.
I thank you from my heart as Sincerely from the Heart,any small donation will help. You send some money through my email transfer:ranroi400@rediffmail.com
God Bless You

Hi. I'm a young man of 34 years, still single, but enjoying life. I was well educated growing up and studied business in college. I've had some recent hard times with the economy just as everyone else has. But I was prepared and was able to survive on money I had saved up. But that wasn't enough, I had to cash in my retirement account in order to still make ends meet. Being the business-minded person I am, I took a hard look at my finances and cut back on every single thing I could. But even then, my expenses still seemed to be more than my income. I requested my student loan payments to be reduced based on economic hardship and found myself borrowing against my credit cards each month in order meet my financial obligations. Now, I've found myself borrowing on one credit card just to make the payment on another credit. I did this just to stay current on my monthly payments so I wouldn't ruin my credit. My credit rating is very important to me and I don't want to risk it being lowered.

Right now, here at the beginning of the year, I'm just trying to get a new start on life. I'm wanting to wipe out most of my debt so that I no longer have to worry and be stressed about that day after day and be able to concentrate on the more important things in my life. I've started clearing out a lot of clutter in my life. I've gone through a lot of my storage boxes and getting rid of things I no longer need. I'm selling my car that has been giving me issues since the summer and now needs a repair that will cost over $800. I'm making plans of moving to another part of the country which I feel has a lot more opportunity for me. I want to get more involved in the lives of our youth. I'm starting a website which gives tips on money management and plan to integrate a monthly email newsletter as well. I want to organize local meetups for youth to teach them about money. I was also recently hired as a tutor for an online tutoring company. And I want to get involved with Big Brothers too.

I feel that making these plans are the direction I'm being called towards. I feel it's right within my soul. And I feel there will be many positive aspects to this later on the down the road. But the truth is, I'm still in debt. I'm still trying to work on my financial obligations. The tutoring company I was hired with is a new company and was supposed to be live in January. But I was recently told there were some complications with the website and it may not be until March or April before we could start. So that was income I was counting on that's not happening right away. Add to that, I'm in the middle of moving and came across unforseen expenses that I was not expecting. Having no current job, I'm trying to find ways of paying for those. And since I'm moving, it's kind of difficult looking for a job. And since I have no job and no income, I'm really not sure how I'm going to afford a place to live once I do arrive.

So, as you can see, even though I've been trying to make some positive moves in my life, it's becoming increasingly difficult due to the lack of income and the increase in debt I have. So it would be a great help if you're able to make a small donation. Then I can start moving forward and changing my life for the better. Thanks so much for your consideration.

Can someone help me and my family. I am single mother, with 2 diabetic children. I lost my job right after Christmas, and have enough left to live on for about 2 weeks. Along with my job, I lost medical insurance. My kids are diabetic. We are in danger of losing our home now.
I have been putting in job application after job application and have not had any success. I am educated and have worked full time my entire life. At this point I don't know what to do. My own brother that I put through college and supported financially for several years, told me I could sleep in his garage. Then he said no, he didn't want me and my kids there. At this point, my heart is broken, and I am sick inside. I took the kids' Christmas presents back. What I really need is a job and some help to get us by.

I recently discovered I am pregnant with my first child and am overwhelmed. I am excited about the idea of becoming a mother and know that I will be a good parent. I am educated, hard working and love children.

I have been a dog rescuer for over 10 years, working as a foster parent for my local humane society. This is 100% a volunteer position that I donate a lot of my time, energy and resources to. In the past 10 years I have rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed over 300 dogs and puppies.

I do have a full-time job to pay my bills. I am a hard worker and have been at my current job for 6 years. However, due to the economy in my area, my income recently took a sharp nosedive. I am looking for additional work to supplement my income and/or a different full-time job (that is not commission based).

Unfortunately, my bills are now behind and my home is in foreclosure. I own a small farm in the country and have a great set-up for the foster work that I do and a great place to raise a child. Rentals in our area tend to be higher than what my mortgage payment is now ($550), so moving wouldn't be a better move for me financially. I am currently 3 payments behind.

With cold weather here now, my electric bill has spiked and is now averaging about $195 a month (most months it is only about $85-$90).

I own my vehicle outright, but it's older and seems to be in need of more and more repairs. Right now I am in debt to my mechanic $165 for brake work he did 2 weeks ago. It's an older SUV and a gas guzzler.

I do not live a fancy lifestyle, by any means. I do not have cable tv, high-speed internet, new clothes or shoes, expensive purses or designer sunglasses. I live a very modest and healthy life and do not believe in waste. I'm not a drinker, not a smoker and do not use drugs of any kind.

The humane society foots in the bill on all of the foster-dog related expenses (vet care, food, toys, etc.), so I have no money going out towards that. I have cut back on the number of dogs that I foster, from 2-3 at a time to just 1. I am a responsible foster parent and in no way a hoarder.

I intend to continue fostering up until I have the baby (due date is August 15th). I get so much personal fulfillment out of rescue work and I know will miss it when the baby comes. However, I know that I will want to focus 100% on my child and being the best mom I can be.

I have always been a big believer in paying it forward to the greater good. I'm hoping that this plea will reach someone out there who is currently in a comfortable financial position and willing to assist someone who is not.

I can, and will, provide proof of any of the facts I stated above, including a letter from my employer, a letter from the humane society director, copies of my utility bills, mortgage bill, etc., upon request.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story.
Financial support would be deeply appreciated, but ultimately I seek the opportunity to learn the skills to live a self-sufficient life. I am a college educated single mother of a vivacious boy in 3rd grade. More than ever he deserves a healthy mom who can provide all of his basic needs.
My greatest desires include: intensive therapy, financial / budgeting counseling, and physical therapy.
Even though I have had some productive years, I continue to struggle with bouts of debilitating depression. After these episodes it has become increasingly difficult to rebuild my life. I am enrolled in the state run therapeutic program, but because of high demand meetings are bi-weekly at best.
I admittedly have done an atrocious job at managing my finances. Over the years I have attempted several different budgeting styles unsuccessfully, I am certain that much of my failure is due to simply not understanding how to budget effectively.
Finally, following an accident in 2008 I have continued to suffer chronic pain. I am confident that physical therapy would resolve much of the pain. Again financial limitations inhibit me from seeking treatment.
At this time I have been out of work for 1 year, which is the longest I have been unemployed since being of working age. At present I am enrolled in a Work Force program. Although my doctors have not cleared me for work, I continue to utilize what the program offers to the best of my ability.
I am doing my best to make the most of the help that is available to me, but my resources and spirit are dwindling.
I am open to any advice, and would be most grateful to anyone who would be willing to donate their time to help me reach my goals.
A- Boulder CO

Without sufficient friends or family to rely on, a single person with special-needs pets needs your help in any amount. No steady work in spite of many interviews and diligent searching, multiple health issues, and lack of adequate support network have left this person in a desperate situation. Ten dollars will buy a bag of groceries. One hundred dollars will pay an electricity bill. Eight hundred dollars will help keep this person and the pets in their home. Eighty dollars will help keep communications open so this person can continue to look for work. Eighty-three dollars will buy prescription dry and canned pet food. Twenty dollars will pay for human prescriptions. Two hundred dollars will buy a warm winter coat that fits and which is suitable for job interviews. Five dollars will buy a thrift store garment in the person's current size (presentable clothes that fit are an issue). One hundred twenty dollars will buy a suit for a job interview. Sixty dollars will buy shoes that do not hurt and which are suitable for work. Thirty dollars will help pay for the laundromat for a couple of weeks. Fifteen dollars will buy an herbal supplement to help treat a life-threatening condition.

The financial situation for this person has become very dire due to lack of work. The person is applying for many types of jobs at any rate of pay. This is a skilled and educated individual who is eager to do any work of which the person is capabale. Any amount can help relieve the health-robbing pressure and burden on this person. Two hundred fifty dollars would allow the person to get a needed cleaning for the first time in over two years and to check on tooth pain and a possible jaw problem. Ten dollars will cover the required donation required to visit a low-income medical clinic. Twenty-five dollars will cover most urgent prescriptions for a month.

Two dollars will buy a little bit of fruit. Four hundred dollars will provide a vision exam and new glasses or a couple of pair of replacement lenses as this person is having difficulty seeing with the old glasses.

Please forgive the third person description. It is very hard to write this and just about impossible to use the word "I" in telling this story.

Even a tiny amount will help go for something necessary. No amount is too large or too small to be appreciated or put to practical use to help a very grateful person climb out of a very bad situation and create a more stable and secure life. Thank you again for reading.

I am a 28yo female no children living with my mother. I need to get $5000 for a decent ride to and from work. I currently have a job that I work two days a week on cause of the convenience that my sister drives by there those two days. I am educated and have the potential to have a high paying job if only I had a means of transportation. I live in the country of Virginia and it is a 45min-1hr drive to get to Northern Virginia where all the job potential is available. If there is anyone that can help me I would be very grateful.

I just don’t know what to do, I am a 23-year-old female. I was mainly raised by my mother (58) she was married for a number of years and is now divorced. We had an excellent relationship up until I was about 11 when we moved from the city to the smallest village in the middle of no where, when I was 16 I moved back to the city to attend college, I was home schooled from the age of 13 so had to do make up courses if I ever wanted to attend university as I never got any schooling qualifications.
Over the years Iv tried to visit as much as I can but with schooling taking up most of my time and due to us living about 9 hours apart, is been difficult.
We are both very similar, which causes a lot of arguments, both equally stubborn. We fight a lot.
She’s dealt with a lot, such as a three-year prosecution agents her, which absolutely broke her, mentally and emotionally, it was a hard time for both of us, my grades suffered a lot and I began to worry about her mental health. Because it went on for so long, a lot of our arguments would be blamed on the stress of the whole situation. I always thought that once it was over, we would get better.
I graduated from university a year ago and it’s the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to visit more frequently. I thought it would be a great opportunity for us to fix our broken relationship,
When ever I visit, it gets to about a week, a week and a half and I just have to leave in fear our relationship would just crumble, this time it’s a little different, I broke up with my boyfriend of a year, who I was living in the city with and decided to get away so about two weeks ago I came to my mums, then within a few day a friend of ours (yes we share friends, we are VERY similar) was raped and beaten up, said friend is very messed up about it and has needed me around, you know just to listen, pretty much just to be here. So I decided to stay longer, when out of the blue my dog died. This dog was my guardian angle and helped to keep me strong when times where hard. Having him leave me was probably the single most heart-breaking moment of my life so far (don’t think I’m just inexperienced with life (my partner (my first-love/childhood sweetheart) of 7 years and I broke up less then two years ago) I know heart-break.
We have argued less this time considering the circumstances, but not for lack of her trying, well that’s how it feels. With everything that’s going on anytime I feel tension in the air I have just said “No, not now, we will not argue” and either left the room or had a time out if we were in the car or something.
She’s very ‘bohemian’ has a very radical way of thinking, outspoken and always on the side of the underdog, I have absolutely no problems with this and I most defiantly love her for exactly who she is. She’s been the best teacher of life, she’s had a hard life, and I feel I am more educated against the world because of the way we can talk about things.
When I’m here I try to put some order to the chaos, you know tide up (its always a mess) it’s a big house and can take ages to clean ever room.
I just broke down, I was cleaning the kitchen, and this isn’t just polish and vacuum. I was removing all the moulding fruit and vegetables from the bowl, when I noticed that she had three bags of potatoes in the fruit bowl. I wrapped them up to put them in the potato draw only to find a draw full of rotting potatoes.
She hoards stuff, I tried to throw away a few disposable Tupperware boxes when she told me she uses them to store things, fair enough. Then I notice a huge stack of them on top of the cabinet, like she hasn’t even considered using those ones.
This all sounds so stupid, I know, but usually when id be strong enough to just brush it off and sort it out, I don’t have that strength rite now, I am so worried for her, I am beginning to feel as though perhaps I should move in with her to be her carer, but we don’t have the sort of relationship that we could live together full time, last time that happened I was 15 and I would hate to live in this area again, I have nothing but bad memories from my childhood here. The people are very closed minded and keep them selves to them selves, my mum loves it here, she grew up in Africa, and says round here reminds her of a happier time. It’s not for me.
And on top of it all, she doesn’t earn very much money (she practically volunteers at a place to help people with special needs) and iv been struggling to find a job for months now, iv started receiving benefits with is £50 per week, but the debt of our dog dyeing is at least £500, and our other dog has to have an operation to have his eye removed this Friday (which is just more £££) all my benefits are going towards that and all the money she can keep aside goes on that as well.
The house is falling down, her ex husband was a builder and they had brought a run down place to do up, he smoked away all his time and practically nothing got done. She’s lived here for over 10 years and only a few weeks ago had windows fitted in the kitchen, before it was just stretched plastic. Most of the walls are just plasterboard, the sink is broken, we have to carry water down from the bathroom to do the washing up.
I don’t know what to do, I worry about her mental well being, I don’t know if she’s developing Alzheimer’s, she had a memory test at the doctors and they said she was fine, but I just don’t see how this can be the case. I worry about her physical state, she has extremely bad arthritis and struggles to move somedays. I worry about her financial situation, but without work there’s nothing more then £50 a week I can do.
I am not keep my job search limited to my degree; I have applied for supermarkets, MacDonald’s, all manor of places all over the country.
I feel more then ridiculous for posting this, but I don’t want to be a burden on the people in my life, and simple don’t know what to do anymore.
Grammar and spelling aren’t a strong point of mine, please don’t judge me on that.

TL;DR - I need to help my mother financially, to fix the crumbling house, to pay vet bills, to fix our relationship and just to survive when life is hard.

I am a female entreprenuer, I would like to start my own website business, times are tough and would like to test the business world for a new venture. I am a business major, educated and smart. Just need $1000. Anything helps. Thank you

I don't really know how to start this. It's such a different concept. I guess I'll just get to the nitty gritty of our situation...

My soon-to-be ex-husband cheated on me for 3 years at least 9 different times. At first I was in denial about his double life, but eventually I came to terms with it and just decided to try to stick it out a bit longer for the sake of my stepkids. They moved here from England in 2007 and I've been raising them since then. They're 17 and 19, and I was trying to wait till they both graduated high school before filing for divorce. I also have a 2 year old with him. I kept his infidelity a secret and carried the burden on my own, not even telling my family, until...the kids found texts in his phone last June to the woman who is now his fiance. In June I had to call the police because he nearly got into a fistfight with my stepson and physically got into my face as well, plus he told all of us that he was going to kill himself, but this has become a frequent ploy for manipulation by him. I have been primarily a stay-at-home mom the past 2 years bringing in only a few hundred a month. He was the primary breadwinner bringing home $4000-5000 a month. He moved out and moved in with this woman a block away from us, has not spent more than 5 hours with any of the kids since June, and refuses to provide any child support for any of the kids aside from paying the health insurance (which his work pays for), paying his car insurance, and only recently giving his 17 year old a few hundred dollars a month which she has to save for her bills too. I have been forced to figure out how to make ends meet and raise and support the kids on my own. I love my stepkids and happily will continue raising them and figuring it all out, working what I can and taking loans from whoever is willing to help. It's just really stressful and really tough right now.

I knew I was headed to a divorce, but I had no idea he would just abandon all of us completely like he has. And to top it all off, he has become very psychologically and emotionally abusive towards me and even sometimes towards the kids. Oh yeah, he also had no sense of self-control as far as spending goes, and he ballooned our debt up to almost $50,000, though some of that is medical debt as well. I'm facing divorce and bankruptcy on my own with 3 kids. As I type this I don't even know how I hold it together, but I've managed to. I'm healing and getting stronger and more able to put the pieces back together for the kids and I, but this is a BIG hole we're in, trying to escape, and it may be embarrassing to admit as an educated individual who never thought I'd be in these shoes, but I need help. If you are willing to help us, we would really appreciate it and it would truly make a huge difference in our lives. This feels so bizarre asking for help online like this, but I think it's an awesome way to really be able to help those in need. I'm glad I found it so that we too will be able to help others who need it most. In the meantime, thank you again for all your help at this extremely difficult, stressful and emotionally taxing time. You have no idea how much it helps knowing that people you don't even know care about if you and your kids are going to be okay. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Hi everyone,

My family and I are going through a challenging time. In October 2010 our car was repossessed and I began to walk to & from work 6 miles each day. I didn't much mind because whatever you have to do to make a legitimate living you do hands down. Unfortunately I developed high blood pressure. That coupled by a chronic pain condition caused me to resign from my job. I did not qualify for unemployment because i quit even though I explained I had no transportation and the job required field visits which I couldn't make without a car. My husband had been trying to find work for two years after his job literally closed overnight with no notice. In May of this year we figured things were looking up. We've borrowed from family members, sold our dryer, jewelry, handbags , etc to our local pawnsmart. My husband got a job in May only to be laid off in August because a coworker made a costly mistake that cost the company their contract with delta airlines. He went to apply for unemployment and was told he wouldn't qualify until october when dept labor begins to look at the april/may/june quarter. Then we received a notice that since he didn't have that many wages for that quarter he'll have to wait until november and reapply. We don't have a car or any, so each time we need to go to dol we walk the 8 mile trek there and back. We have no family in GA where we live and friends seem to exist when you are not in dire straits. We spoke to our leasing company and said we would be late with our October rent. we've contacted one social service agency at the beginning of the month. My husband was interviewed and approved by the worker who said her boss had to sign off on the paperwork. when my husband checked back week later, he was told do not come back to the office we'll receive an approval or denial in the mail. now we have nothing. We've had to ask our local library for toilet tissue, scrape change for soap which is used for both body, dishes and clothing. we are both college educated, no criminal history, hard working adults. To ask for help is really difficult. Our rent is 550 a month. Iam really scared that at any moment we are going to be evicted. A donation of any amount would be appreciated. Thank you and may God bless you.

Hi, my name is Susana... and, I'll be very greatful for any help at all.

Although I grew up in a lower middle class family (disfunctional, and often abusive), I now live in abject poverty. I've made some mistakes. Who hasn't? Society can be quite unforgiving to those who've done a series of dumb things in the past!

Without going into a very long story here, I'll try to explain our situation. I'm an educated, intellegent, kind, and creative person. I'm not on drugs or alchohol, nor am I in any way a self-saboteur. My basic needs are pretty simple - a half way decent place to live and the knowlegde that I'm making progress in my life.

My most important goal is to help my family. I'd like also, to in some way contribute toward making the world a better place for everyone.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for one day. Teach a man to fish and he can feed himself for a lifetime." (Unknown Author)

If you'd like to help me help myself and my family, your contribution won't just be a drop into a bottomless bucket! I'm working diligently to reunite my family, clean up my credit, get a real place to live, go back to school, get off of government benefits and get a job, eventually start my own business, and give back to others.

Those aren't unreasonable goals, yet due to a lack of basic resources, reaching any of them has been extremely difficult. We're hanging in there. Currently, we're trying to raise enough money to relocate and get out of homelessness.

Please help us if you can. Thank you; and may God bless you and yours always.