SOULIGHT'S AIDPAGES FOR
SINGLE MOM'S FROM ALL WALK'S OF LIFE IS NOW :
soulight's Aidpages for
PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE !
( But single moms are still top in my heart)
ON THESE PAGES , YOU WILL FIND
LOW - COST AND FREE HELP AND ASSISTANCE FOR :
TRANSPORTATION HOUSING FOOD MEDICINE
LEGAL HELP
SHELTERS
CHRISTMAS
SAVING MONEY
FREE STUFF
HELP FOR PETS
FREE HELP IN MICHIGAN
HELP WITH CLOTHING
HELP FIGHTING FOR SSI AND SSA
JUST FUN STUFF
FREE MEDICAL SUPPLIES
FREE MEDICINE
FREE STUFF FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
HOW TO LIVE ON PRACTICALLY NOTHING
FREE CHRISTIAN STUFF
HELP WITH HEATING AND COOLING
ASSISTANCE FOR SENIORS
MEDICAL RESEARCH AND RESOURCES
HOW TO HELP A DISABLED CHILD
GRANDPARENTS PARENTING GRANDCHILDREN
HOW TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK
AND MORE . . .
Here is where you will find a descriptive list of all the pages :
soulight777.googlepages.com/soulightspagesandwhatyoucanusethemfor
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What is my premise for helping others ?
"Love your neighbor as yourself." — Moses (ca. 1525-1405 BCE) in the Torah, Leviticus 19:18
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." — Jesus (ca. 5 BCE—33 CE) in the Gospels, Luke 6:31; Luke 10:27 (affirming of Moses)— Matthew 7:12
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*If there is anybody who would like me to pray for them , please put your request on my site. I am not a saint , and I am not perfect , and I don't have any money , but at least I can offer some prayers. they are free !
Just send me a private message.
If you want to include me in your prayers , that would be cool too ! ; 0
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So , here is my story so far :
soulight-my story so far
soulight
Posted by soulight
on Oct 26, 2006
THIS IS MY STORY SO FAR :
My story actually goes farther back than the story listed below.Back to when I left an abusive husband .
Then I had to move from a big city that we lived in for 13 years because it is too expensive for a single mom with health problems. We moved in with family in a small midwest town ,who, unfortunatley, were set in their ways and didn't want to bend for the younger people ,and kicked us out.(It was actually from religious differences. I am a Christian , they aren't)
I finally found a job that included " health insurance" (that was a joke), and that had hours where i could goto work after school started for my daughter,and be back home before school was over so that I could be there for my daughter ,and then this happened :
2 years ago i fell at work. i worked for a major discount chain store , that sells at "roll-back" prices. i wont mention the name , but you probably know who i mean.
the first thing that happened after i fell , my manager said "you have the same injury on your hand that my mom had when she used to spank me"(weird i know) and "its the weekend when we have our best business" , and "your not really hurt that much" he refused to go along with my request to go to the hospital. a week later , i asked another manager to take me to a doctor . he did , i had a sprained neck, a sprained arm, a badly bruised hip and a problem with my balance and hearing.and i have been going to doctors , physical therapists ,occupational therapists ,and pain doctors ever since then. the company has put myself and my daughter and all my friends and family through living hell. the managers who messed up by not taking me to the doctor immeadiately were"transfered to a different store"
so... after over 2 years of fighting this company andtheir insurance i ended up with no workers comp., no disability and no job. i am permantly disabled , and fighting for social security . my lawyer ,( who has ms herself and is an amazing person and example for me), is a God send , and is fighting for me. , as are all my doctors and therapists.
But , in the meantime , i have 15 different medsthat cost over 1,500 dollars a month. i am currently being helped with those by our community health . but i was turned down for medicaid ,who was paying for the meds , and my lawyer is not sure when my appeal will come through , if it does ,andthe community health may run out. i am praying it doesnt. i am very thankful thati have it.
i have no money. no income at all. my family and church are helping at the moment , and i have applied to everything that i can think of , or have been refered to. i have(not all are as a result of the accident) : insulin dependent diabetes,fibromyalgia , arthritis of the spine, high blood pressure , asthma , sleep apnea , circadian rythm disorder ,a vestibular balance problem , a gait(walking ) problem, myofacial pain disease ,allergies to all sorts of stuff , IBS ,adrenal problems , female problems , chronic pain for which my doctor put me on morphine , and depression (i wonder why?)
my daughter(who also has diabetes) is a wonderful help. she is smart enough to have gotten into college with scholarships and grants. she has had to stay home and go to the community college to help care for me. my muscles dont work well, and i cant lift anything over 1/2 pound without dropping it. my daughter is trying to get a job to help and has applied to over 37 places so far. she hasnt had any luck. she doesnt have any work experience because all she has done in her spare time is help me. my parents have been helping , but my father is in a wheelchair ,and my mom just had complete hip replacement , so they have thier own problems.they also said they canthelp much longer. my social worker said that i cant be helped until i am facing eviction , and then i will have to pay them back. FROM WHAT MONEY?
my lawyer said it will probably be 2 years before my sociail sec. appeal comes up.
in the meantime , i dont know how my daughter and i will live. so far , i have been blessed by family and friends, but i am so ashamed that i can do nothing to help the situation myself . i dont want pity , i just want a way to make it so that i am not such a burden on others.
(I HAVE BEEN READING SO MANY STORIES ABOUT PEOPLE ON THIS SITE ABOUT HOW THEY NEED HELP AND NO ONE IS HELPING. I DON'T FEEL LIKE I AM A BURDEN ANYMORE , JUST VERY THANKFUL. DONT LET ANYONE MAKE YOU FEEL GUILTY FOR NEEDING HELP. )10-5-06
YOU ARE WORTH IT. WE NEED MORE OF THE "UN-POOR" TO STOP BEING SO SELF-RIGHTEOUS AND WALK IN THE OTHER PERSONS' SHOES.-10-5-06
anyprayer or suggestions are gladly welcome please , if you have a story that is similar i would love to hear from you on how it turned out and if you have ANY SOURCES I CAN GO TO FOR HELP.(after all Aidpages are for People helping People !)
thank you
soulight
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soulight-1/26/2007
With all the recent greediness on Aidpages( This was after my first Christmas on Aidpages when people were GREEDY and just wanted more and more just given to them. It made many of us sick of hearing all the greedy requests - sl 04/03/08 ) , I have wondered if all my time put into trying to help fellow Aidmates has been worth it. I have been thinking about this a lot. I decided that if just one person is helped because of something that I put on Aidpages , it is worth it. All the people who are scamming and just out for a free ride of money will suffer in their own ways ,and I don't need to address their problems , but I am on here for those who are willing to go partway with me in solving their own problems . We all need support and encouragement. That is what I want to do - support and encourage people to grow towards the person God made them to be. So , I carry on.
2/07/07
Just another update. My medicaid was just turned down again. I need therapy for my balance , my hip and shoulder , and occupational therapy. My doctor has re-written my functional capacity exam because I am getting worse. My rehab evaluation counselor doesn't think I have enough strength for a full time job , nor is my pain level low enough.
I have spent much time on these aidpages , but not full time. I rest alot in between . My illnesses are sometimes O.K. and sometimes I go into a major flare and everything falls apart. Right now ,I am typing with a major cramp in my left arm down to my hand , and I end up typing with one hand. I am getting weary of the fight , but not for long , God will see me through.
These pages have given me something to do that I have always wanted to do , and I don't even need a car , or money , or much energy to do them. Now why can't a real job be like that ? Of course , I couldn't just stop typing and take a nap whenever I wanted to with a 'real job.' ; )Never give up.
soulight
04/12/07
I thought i might add another update, since it has been a while. My pain levels have increased greatly and i am not sure why . I have to wait to find out though , because i am having a hard time with insurance again.I have to re-apply for some of my assistance through the state , as my lawyer had some major problems(death in family) , and we missed a deadline. I like this lawyer a lot , but this is another set back. i got a special voice activated computer program from my daughter ,and it is much easier than typing , as on my bad days , my arms and hands cramp up. Having all these things happen to me is a blessing. NO I AM NOT CRAZY ! ! ! it is just that i have always wanted to help other people ,and the more that i go through , the more i understand what others are going through , and i am greatful for that empathy. Still , i really , really wish more people came to Aidpages to help others rather than to always want help , as i get weary of the "givemes". Is our country truly full of so many greedy , needy people ? I don't mean needy for money , but needy for a good spiritual , moral base.Anyway, i went to a rehab program ,and though i was not accepted because of my pain and physical problems , they said it will be hard to get social security because i am too intellegent. GO FIGURE , IF I HAD KNOWN THIS I COULD HAVE CHEATED ON MY TESTS BY MISSING ANSWERS : ^ (-ADDENDUM , I WOULD HAVE NOT CHEATED ON THE TESTS . THIS IS A JOKE !
Anyway , i plug on and I DO NOT GIVE UP . We all need to keep up the good fight ,and run the race. In the end we will recieve the prize.
soulight
April 18 , 2007
Today I just need to vent a little. I do love helping people, but it would help if they help themselves a little. I spend hours finding information , and then people come on a page and ask for assistance with something that is already addressed on one of my Aidpages. It seems people don't even want to read the page for help ,they just want me to do ALL the work for them. I hope these people start helping themselves ,or they will be caught in the 'please help poor me' trap for the rest of their lives ,and it seems that this is a miserable way to live. I don't want to live that way.Maybe some people do.If that is the case , what a sad existance.
soulight
5/11/07
As of today , i will start helping people only through prayers and my Aidpages , at least for a while. It is so tiring to help so many who have an emergency or crisis. My own health challenges and life challenges need some attention , so i pray that people search for help for themselves , starting with my Aidpages as a jumping off place. I care about people and what happens to them , but i need to care about me and my daughter too.I still struggle with all the things listed below. I am blessed by help from family and church , but it still is quite a struggle and very energy zapping . My own health problems already include low energy challenges , so i am pulling back on some of my commitments in my life right now to save what energy i do have for the most important things.
I will still add things as i find them for assistance ,and i will still monitor my pages everyday , but i will not be helping people on an individual level . I hope people understand this. It would be so cool if some others stepped up and STARTED HELPING OTHERS AND REALLY MAKE AIDPAGE PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE ! ! ! : )
soulight
5/25/07
So , I am feeling much better . My asthma was part of what was causing the fatigue. And , I will be having a sleep study , as I probably have apnea and stage 4 sleep problems related to the fibro. What fun. Still , my problems might be lessened if I slept better.
I hope to interact more with people on Aidpage , and I still hope and pray that there continue to be more people who HELP EACH OTHER OUT !!! :<)
My review with my social worker is coming up in a couple weeks. Anybody who reads this and is a pray-er , lift me up ! Please !
soulight
6/07
Am now waiting for results from the sleep study. Sleep studies are interesting things ! They stick electrodes on you , tell you that you have to sleep at least 7 hours ,then tell you that the camera on the table is so that someone can watch you while you sleep ! It is a blessing that I slept at all. Two things though( i already knew) i snore A LOT , and i dream A LOT )
I think i slept , i hope i slept enough.
Still , GOD IS GOOD , ALL THE TIME. No matter what , He will see me through.
soulight
June 27,2007
Well , i have sleep apnea. Now that we know , we can do something about it and hopefully i will not be so fatigued all the time. It is a mild case ,though. I only stop breathing 5 times an hour.(!)
We had to put our beloved Ginger to sleep on Monday . She was a very special , loving cat. We will miss her so much. Thank you God for giving us the gift of Ginger.
soulight
7-19-07
Insurance companies and the governments alternative are disgusting.
I need a second sleep study , because they need to fit the APAP (breathing machine) . They also think that I may have seizures while I sleep as the whole inside of my mouth is chewed up.
GUESS WHAT ?!
MY LOCAL COUNTY INSURANCE COVERS THE FIRST SLEEP STUDY FOR THE DIAGNOSIS, BUT
THEY DO NOT COVER THE SECOND STUDY OR THE CPAP MACHINE TO TREAT THE DISORDER ! ! !
SO ,
I can find out what is wrong with me , but they won't help to make me better ! ! !
Thank God they do pay for my meds , which are now up to about $2,000 a month.
It is amazing that those of us who are low income in this country are alive at all.
I credit my life to Jesus Christ . I would have been dead before I was 20 if it weren't for the Lord ,
and that is the most true thing that I have ever said.
soulight
12/04/07
I guess it is time to update my story . Especially with the news that I just got today !
It seems that between my last brain MRI and the one I had about 3 weeks ago , I had a stroke ! Wonderful news , not. If you are a praying person , please put me in your prayers as to what the medical team should do next to help this situation.
At least I know now why I have falls all the time.
I am not discouraged . GOD IS GOOD , ALL THE TIME . HE DOES NOT CHANGE ,AND I KNOW HE LOVES ME NO MATTER WHAT ! ! !
soulight
January 16 , 2008
Boy am I depressed . My hearing has finally come up next month and my lawyer has a great (not) attitude. She said the judge that I have is the worst one for my case. She tried to change the judge by saying that I can't travel so far to attend the meeting ( I will get way too fatigued) . They won't let us change anything , so guess what ? Now that she has said so much bad stuff about the judge , we are stuck with him. PLEASE KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS ON FEBRUARY 11 . THIS IS SOOO IMPORTANT TO ME .
THANK YOU !
04/03/08
I guess it is time to do another update ; 0
So ... I got the flu complicated by pneumonia ( even though I recieved a flu shot and a pneumonia shot ) and ended up in the emergency room on a breathing machine and I.V.
This was all shortly before my SSI/SSA hearing . I had no choice but to cancel the hearing . My doctor wrote a note so that I would still get a gold or silver star from the Social Security people for being good ( am I sounding sarcastic today ? ) Anyway , my hearing has been re-scheduled for June 2008 , so it is not too far off. I call this situation the time that soulight got sick so that her lawyer could have the judge that she really wanted ;o ) .
I think that I am going to make this blog a little more exciting by adding more information than just the saga of my medical journey . I will start adding more fun stuff and stories.
04/04/08
Lately , instead of working on my more serious Aidpages , I have been doing freebie and precious stuff type pages . Sometimes I need a break from all the sorrow in this world. So many people are hurting .
Being a human being with MANY faults and trials of my own , it can be overwhelming hearing other people's struggles. I LOVE ASSISTING OTHERS . IT IS ONE OF MY PASSIONS IN LIFE. But I am just a regular person who has burdens just like anyone else , so sometimes I need a break.
04/07/08
Today , I have been working on my recycle/reuse/regift/wanna-be-a-hippie in my younger days page.soulight777.googlepages.com/recycle,re-use,and re-inventing . It is a page of reminiscing , recycling , creative uses of things and other groovy stuff. I am hoping that some day I may be able to have a bigger place to live . Maybe with some earth to plant in and an outbuilding to "do" messy art projects , potting plants , recycling bins and other puttering fun . Someday . . . with God anything is possible.Plus , I have been working on my dumpster diver page soulight777.googlepages.com/livingthefrugallifeormemoirsofadumpsterd , and my free-stuff-for-Christians(or who ever wants free Christian stuff) page soulight777.googlepages.com/christianfreebies ( I love the gadget that I found for this page where you can feed the little fishies swimming around - check it out for a cheap thrill !), oh , and my free for homeschoolers and life long learners page http://free-for-homeschoolers.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/ . Many pages tend to link together in one way or another and I end up going off into many little baby bunny trails . The story of my life. ; D To quote a favorite movie ( The Dream Team) "Chaos is great" Order is great too , but I am afraid is pretty foreign to me ;+ (. I guess I had better start working on a " How to organize your home and your life page .
04/08/08
Since I have been feeling pretty good lately , I hope to assist more of my fellow Aidmates by pointing them to help that I have found . I hope this feeling good lasts for a while !
So , it is really , finally spring ! Michigan , where I live , is pretty unpredictable , but I think we are over the snow . It has snowed in May here ,and once even in June ! Hopefully , we won't set any more records. We already set the record for the most snow ever in some of our winter months this past year .
I have started writing a few things on Aidpages discussion pages. This is a great concept and I hope more people start using these tools for finding help .
Well , no more to say right now . I haven't really worked on any pages yet today . Instead I am trying to touch base with Aidmates who have asked questions. I hope I don't miss anyone. If I missed you and you are reading this , remind me please !?!?!
04/14/08
What a difference a couple of days make . I feel like crap . It is either another flu-type thing or strep throat . BLAH : < ( . I am trying to work on some pages , but I think I would rather go lay down .
This is why I am working on a links page of all my pages :
http://soulight-s-links-page-for-free-assistance-and-how-the-pages-can.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/
Now if people need help and I am sick ( which can be for days in between when I am on Aidpages ) , hopefully , they can find something that may assist them. I hope that I feel better faster this time and it doesn't turn into pneumonia again . If you are reading this , include me in your prayers , O.K. ? Thank you ! soulight
04/15/08 - DO YOUR TAXES ! ! ! You know I'm talking to you .
So . . . I have a throat infection plus a double ear infection. No wonder I feel like crap :( . That's all . I'm going to take a nap now. soulight
04/16/08
Wow ! Prayer and antibiotics can sure make infections better fast . It is amazing how little things are so important if you can't have them . I just had 2 pieces of bread ! The last few days my throat was so swollen I could barely get an ice chip down . Bread is so good , especially when you don't have to push it down through a painful throat ! Today , I am just happy about prayer , antibiotics and bread ! Thank God for the little things ( and the holy things ) in life. ; )
P.S. If you are hurting and you are a martyr about it , like me , please don't try to 'tough it out' . First , you are just making yourself worse , and second , those who care about you suffer too .
soulight
04/17/08
Praise God for antibiotics ! I feel better everyday ! I am still totally fatigued . Even more so than my usual fibro fatigue. I have to take rest breaks all the time . I can't use my voice activated typing program until my 'lacerated throat" heals , so my arms and hand tend to cramp up , but I am better. Plus , I can eat more than bread today ! I can actually swallow without pain , which is TOTALLY COOL ! Today I am working on the help with housing -paying rent - fixing your home -paying your mortgage page .http://free-help-to-fix-up-your-home.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/ and the Grants for Individuals page http://grants-for-individuals.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/ -soulight
P.S. - I am told that many people with fibromyalgia have had unrealistic expectations of ourselves all our lives and we need to slow down as doing too much makes symptoms worse . It's true. : ( Fibro is God's way of saying ENOUGH ALREADY ! )
04/19/08
A quote that I like , but it makes me itchy :
If you think you are too small to make a difference...try sleeping
with a mosquito.
~Dalai Lama
04/21/08
Today I am feeling really sick to my stomach :> ( Side effect from antibiotics). That is a negative for sure. Two positives to counteract the negative :
1. It is a beautiful spring day and I love hearing the happy birds outside .
2. I have more energy back , so I could at least make an attempt at cleaning .
I am working on a page that I just started called Articles of Note . Nothing fancy , just articles that have touched my heart and maybe will be of value to others , I hope.Just for sharing . That's all. I have listed it on my Googlepages link page. There are some pages that I list on this page that I don't list on Aidpages : soulight777.googlepages.com/soulightspagesandwhatyoucanusethemfor
I am also working on my DISABILTIY RIGHTS AND SUPPORT page . Never give up ! ! !
http://winning-the-social-security-game.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/
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Here's your totally useless fact of the day from an e-mail group :
Levan, Utah is "navel" spelled backwards.
It was so named because it is in the middle of Utah
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04/24/08
Well , today I am tackling the DENTAL BY STATE pages . Two things:
I like to work on these pages because it helps those of us with dental challenges.
I don't like to work on these pages because it usually gives me a headache. It is hard to find new resources for dental care that covers those of us that are low-income.
http://more-free-and-low-cost-dental-help-listed-by-state.app-sl-1.aidpage.com/more-free-and-low-cost-dental-help-listed-by-state/
04/25/08
I just added a cool resource to my Dumpster Diver /Frugal low income living page: soulight777.googlepages.com/livingthefrugallifeormemoirsofadumpsterd .
It is a site on the Net where you can get glasses for as little as $8.00 ! ! ! The most expensive pair that I saw was priced at $39.00 ! ! ! Check it out ! Now I might be able to get new glasses if I can pay for an exam . That would be cool.
05/05/08
I said that I was going to change what I wrote here so that it would have more positive stuff , but the truth is , I don't feel positive at all lately . I feel like crap . My body is not working for me the way that I would like and my spiritual life could use a boost. Do I feel sorry for myself ? The fact that I don't want to answer is a good indication that I do. I also am depressed , which I need to talk to my doctor about. I still do not give up hope but I am feeling down right now.
Please keep me in your prayers. I continue to pray anyone who would like me to for their lives also. - soulight
05/08/08
I am feeling better , although now I have another cold. I am suspecting my c-pap machine. I keep it clean , but I am thinking I should use a disenfectant on it too . If anyone else uses one of these machines and has the same problem , will you IM me and tell me what you do about it ? Thanks
Today I am working on many different pages. I found over 325 resources that I bookmarked to "use later" . Later is whenever I remember , I guess ; o )
So , on the Frugal living/Low Income Living page : soulight777.googlepages.com/livingthefrugallifeormemoirsofadumpsterd I added information about low cost phone companies. I also am working on my Original Single Moms Page : soulight777.googlepages.com/soulightsoriginalsinglemomspage . This is the page as it originally appeared when I found Aidpages in 2006 . Going back to add things to this page reminds me how much I want to reach out to my fellow single moms. We are millions strong in the country and still fighting for our rights and the rights of our children . Plus the DEAD BEAT DADS thing is just disgusting.
I have to say that my ex has worked his way into this infamous group of dead beat dads . My daugher deserves so much better from him . She is a wonderful person and I am proud of her for who she is becoming . Guess what her father is the LOSER on this one. His stupid decisions have made him lose out on a wonderful relationship with a super person .My daughter is the best thing that came out of a bad marriage . I am so blessed by her
Another page I am working on is the Freebies for Christians page .soulight777.googlepages.com/christianfreebies I found a site where you can download and copy up to 1,000 copies of articles/studies to share with your group or church . Pretty cool.
06/02/08
Wow , I can't believe it has been so long since I have written here. I have been dealing with a nasty bout with asthma and another problem which I will say would be fixed if I could "touch the hem of Jesus garment" ( a Biblical reference to a woman who touched His robe for healing for a 'womens' problem). Anyway , I have been working on my pages on and off , but have not had energy to type much .
Oh , and if you could , will you please include me in your thoughts and prayers ? My appeal hearing for disability is on Thursday June 5 .
Thank you ! soulight
06/21/08
It seems such a long time since I have written here. Two weeks can be very long when you struggle with pain issues . I have been trying to recover from my hearing and a road trip . My hearing was crazy and I am still waiting for the outcome.
My road trip caused a major pain crisis. I just road in the car while my daughter did the driving . Got a meal . Shopped at one store . And the next week was my pain nightmare. However , one has to make a trade for a beautiful day and I would do it again . One beautiful day for one week of fatigue and stress . It will have to be a VERY BEAUTIFUL DAY though ; 0)
soulight
07/24/08
WOW I haven't posted here for a while. I have been struggling with severe pain and fatigue.
Well, I got my decision at the appeal level . I lost. The judge manipulated all of my testimony and evidence . What he wrote is so different from what was presented. Things were left out. Things were added that weren't presented. Things that my doctors said were re-written as things the patient( me) had postulated that I had . Case in point : doctor said that I had a stroke . Judge said that patient thought she had a stroke.
My lawyer said this judge was like this , but I did have hopes that my case would still be approved. What now ? I have to think , talk to my lawyer and see. I do know that working an 8 hour ( or 6,or4,or2 ) hour days is not possible . The only way I get through typing things on Aidpage is by typing /resting/typing / resting. The judge said that this contridicts even my doctors by saying that if you add up all the 20 minute on the computer with the 15-20 minute resting it adds up to several hours of being able to work full time . I am just so discouraged and I feel so invalidated. Please pray for me.
Thank you , soulight
?
FREE ASSISTANCE FOR OUR MILITARY HEROS AND THEIR FAMILIES, free help for national guard families , those in active service ,and veterans ;financial help , assistance with medical needs , day-to-day living challenges , food , dealing with loss , education , and more as it is found.
* “The soldier above all others prays for peace,for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war “
–Douglas MacArthur *
06/21/08
Free camp for children with parents in military service !
OPERATION PURPLE
"These free, week-long, overnight camps are open to all military children. The program aims to help military kids experience carefree fun while also learning coping skills to deal with war-related stress and fostering relationships with others who know what they are going through."
http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=op_default?&from_www.operationpurple.org
06/02/08
This is very important information for the mental health of our military heros . Nothing should keep people from seeking help for their health , mental or physical .
The following consists of excerpts from the article . To read the complete article , follow the link at the end of the excerpts.
E-News from Washington Vol. 08-21 May 9, 2008 Department of Defense Announces New Policy on Disclosure of Mental Health Treatment
.........................On May 1, 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that military personnel will no longer have to disclose any service-related mental health treatment they have received when they apply for security clearance. The security question, referred to as “Question 21,” has been an obstacle to members of the military seeking mental health care. ..........
..........................Previously, military personnel and others applying for the clearance who had sought treatment for PTSD and other mental disorders had to respond “yes” and provide details of the treatment. . In 2007, a report by the Army’s inspector general found that soldiers were hesitant to seek treatment because they worried about losing their security clearances .........
.........................In addition, an April 2008 report released by Rand Corporation found that approximately 20 percent, or 300,000, of service members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan report symptoms of PTSD or major depression, but only slightly more than half have sought treatment. This survey and others have shown that a major reason service members do not get help is the fear that it will harm their careers. ................................
...........................“It’s time for leaders of all stripes to step forward,” adding, “You can’t expect a private or a specialist to be willing to seek counseling when his or her captain or colonel or general won’t do it.” .......................
E-News from Washington is provided for informational purposes only by the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Beth Powell Director, Public Policy and Professional Issues American Mental Health Counselors Association The only organization working exclusively for mental health counselors 801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 304 Alexandria, VA 22314
Website: www.amhca.org
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06/02/08- Another wonderful source from Elaine of TSA
Here is a very important organization . I have quoted quite alot from their site because it is so crucial that we pay attention to what they have to offer :
"REALifelines for Injured Vets
Recovery, Respect, and Success for Injured US Veterans |
|
Our Mission
Since 2004, REALifelines has been dedicated to providing our nation's injured veterans with a return to civilian life that respects their sacrifices and honors their right to live full, productive lives.
We understand that injured US veterans want to contribute to society with the same dedication they showed as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.
Our promise is to work tirelessly to meet that objective for you, and for every injured veteran.
Real Help, Right Now
Click on the links to the right to learn about the assistance programs, employment opportunities, and awareness initiatives that are meeting the needs of injured US veterans and their families.
Provide a REALifeline
If you represent a company, non-profit, small business, or similar organization interested in improving the lives of injured veterans and their families, please contact the federal Director for Veterans' Employment and Training (DVET) in your state"
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How to contact the DVET ?
Simple ! Go here :
http://www.hirevetsfirst.gov/realifelines/One_on_One_map.asp
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05/08/08
This site is from the BBB . They include helpful links for all areas of the armed forces .
http://us.bbb.org/WWWRoot/SitePage.aspx?site=113&id=3d3286aa-873a-4584-8e73-3b222088ef62
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04/08 April
April is Military Month for children . Here is a page with TONS of resources for military parents and their young children
http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=key_military
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04/20/08
Do you have a son or daughter in the Marines ? Show your pride ! Here is a page that will help you.
http://parents.marines.com/page/ParentsForm.jsp
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03/24/08
If you are currently in the position to help financially , here is a good place to put your money. This is a special kit for spiritual guidance :
http://give2.ccci.org/featured/rdk-ct/
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"Operation Happy Note
is a volunteer effort to send musical instruments to our deployed service men and women throughout the world.
Steve and Barb Baker from Fergus Music started Operation Happy Note after their son was deployed to Iraq. They had sent him a guitar and then a buddy wanted one.
These soldiers were so pleased with having these instruments over there that Steve and Barb wanted to find a way to get more instruments to our troops, hence “Operation Happy Note”.
Since March of 2005 we have sent hundreds of instruments including guitars, mandolins, banjos, violins, harmonicas, and accessories. Steve also wrote a lesson program with CD for those who don’t know how to play.
“We can’t stop now!” says Barb, just because her son is now back home with his family. There are just too many requests that keep coming in, these soldiers need the joy that music brings to them."
http://www.operationhappynote.com/index.phpid=1
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This is a refreshing organization to find , and it is much needed . It is for military in Afganistan and Iraq :
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Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
is the nation's first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans. IAVA is an independent organization and is not affiliated with any groups other than our sister (c)4, IAVA ACTIN FUND.
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http://www.iava.org/for-oif/oef-vets
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Are you a member of the military who has to leave a much loved pet ? Here is an organization that will help .
A NationWide & Global network of Individual Foster Homes that will house, nurture and care for
the dogs, cats, birds, horses and all other pets for all the Military personnel Only.
(Foster: to give temporary nurture, care and shelter.)
As of April, 2002 ALL the Pets of the Military are now classified as "Part Of The Family"! "-A quote from the site. To access the program , go here :
https://www.netpets.org/netp/foster.php
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FOR VETERANS AND THOSE IN THE MILITARY CONSIDERING CIVILIAN LIFE This is another wonderful resource courtesy of Elaine of TSA. Transitions from military to civilian life are made smoother with the assistance of the Veterans Resource Central . They provide everything at a very low cost or free to veterans and their families.
Veterans Resource Central
The VRC provides information
and guidance to veterans transitioning to civilian life, to military families challenged by life
issues at home, as well as to active duty individuals considering civilian careers. We introduce
veterans to a network of community business leaders many of whom are veterans, family
members of veterans or who just care about veterans and want to help you with your transition.
. The goal of VRC, a Pennsylvania-based, non-profit organization, is to
help returning veterans adjust to civilian life and discover appropriate career options. We have
consolidated many resources in a central clearinghouse and continue to incorporate additional
resources.
Our Services
VRC combines technology and people helping people. The support VRC provides veterans is at
a low or no cost to them. Through our partners, we provide the following services:
• Career planning
• Job placement
• Business start up
• Family support
• Peer-to-peer assistance and support
• Stress management consulting
• Financial advice and counseling
• Career networking
http://www.veteransresourcecentral.org/index.shtml
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THE SOCIETY OF MILITARY WIDOWS (SMW) was founded in 1968 by Theresa (Tess) Alexander to serve the interests of women whose husbands died while on active military duty, of a service-connected illness, or during disability or regular retirement from the armed forces
http://www.militarywidows.org/
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A site called "Ancient Mariners and Forgotten Soldiers" . This has poems , memories and stories , as well as links by and for america's military
http://www.jacksjoint.com/military.htm
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Living a life with disabilities , I sometimes need mental health counseling. I imagine that in the armed forces , you also would find times that working on your mental health would be crucial to living a full life. Here is a great program for free counseling. ( ANOTHER HIGH FIVE FOR ELAINE OF TSA FOR THIS ONE !)
http://www.giveanhour.org/cms/index.php
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Here is a special kit , including a DVD , for the children of those that are being deployed . This is free.
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Welcome to Wounded Warriors
Our Mission: Supporting Families Our mission is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically. Wounded Warriors mitigates their trauma by allowing them to find peace and solace as a family once more in family-friendly resorts that we provide free of charge. The resort condominiums that we own in Orlando, Florida and Galveston, Texas are quiet havens where war torn families can reunite and become stronger.
WOUNDED WARRIORS
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The Coalition to Salute America's Heroes
was created to provide a way for individuals,corporations and others to help our severely wounded and disabled Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans and their families rebuild their lives.
Salute America's Heroes
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A hand up , not a hand out.
USA Cares exists to help servicemembers and their families deployed across America and around the globe. USA Cares provides support with relevant and direct assistance that improves challenging situations and betters the life and well-being of Americans who ask so little, yet give so very much.
USA CARES
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Here's a site for military wives
It has information about finding websites for military bases around the world, poems and essays and articles written by military wives, a question and answer page for all things having to do with the military and military wives, and much more.
Welcome to SGT MOM'S PLACE -
Military Life explained by a Military Wife! Everyone is welcome here! If you like this site, tell all your friends or link SGT MOM'S to your home page!
Sgt. mom's Welcome Page
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STOMP (Specialized Training of Military Parents)
is a federally funded Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center established to assist military families who have children with special education or health needs.STOMP began in 1985, it is a project of Washington PAVE, and is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
The staff of the STOMP Project are parents of children who have disabilities and have experience in raising their children in military communities and traveling with their spouses to different locations.
STOMP serves families in four main ways:
STOMP PROJECT PAGE
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Here is another site recommended by Elaine of TSA ( thank you Elaine !). I am glad Elaine thought about this page .
Strategic and Enabling Goals-VETERANS' ASSISTANCE
Strategic Goal 1 - Restore the capability of veterans with disabilities to the greatest extent possible and improve the qualtiy of their lives and that of their families.
Strategic Goal 2 - Ensure a smooth transition for veterans from active military service to civilian life.
Strategic Goal 3 - Honor and serve veterans in life and memorialize them in death for their sacrifices on behalf of the Nation.
Strategic Goal 4 - Contribute to the public health, emergency management, socioeconomic well-being, and history of the Nation.
Enabling Goal - Deliver world-class service to veterans and their families by applying sound business principles that result in effective management of people, communications, technology, and governance."
VETERANS ASSISTANCE
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This page is for those in the
National Guard and their families another great resource courtesy of Elaine of TSA
All sorts of help can be found here . You will find programs for helping the transitions that family must go through specific to the National Guard , as well as practical help for emergencies and financial hardships.
OVERVIEW OF ASSISTANCE FOR NATIONAL GUARD FAMILIES
Here is a clickable map and resource page
to find the National Guard Family program in your state and city :
RESOURCE FINDER AND SEARCH PAGE
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For general help with daily needs whether you are military or not :
FOR MORE FREE ASSISTANCE , CLICK HERE
**********MORE BELOW KEEP SCROLLING DOWN ! **********
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Here is another good site recommended by our fellow Aidmate Elaine of TSA: Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront provides
About Us
Operation Homefront
Operation Homefront is one of a select few charities privileged to operate under a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) presented by the Department of Defense.
Read the MOU
Operation Homefront provides emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind, and to wounded warriors when they return home. A nonprofit 501(c)3 founded after September 11, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,000 volunteers in 31 chapters nationwide. Since its inception, Operation Homefront has provided critical assistance to more than 45,000 military families in need.
How We Help - Operation Homefront provides aid to families struggling not only with emergencies, but also the problems of everyday life. Existing programs include:
- Emergency Aid - Food, baby care items, vehicle donation and repair.
- Computer Program - Allows children and spouses to stay in touch with their loved one.
- Financial Assistance Program - Crises such as illness, homelessness and death.
- Furniture Program - Donated household and baby furniture; working order appliances.
- Moving - Providing physical labor for families when a service member is deployed.
- Social Outreach - Adopt-a-family, Thanksgiving/holiday baskets, back-to-school supplies.
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http://www.operationhomefront.net/
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I'm very sorry . Some sources were erased at the bottom of this page .I will see if they are in my copy and repost them.
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