Computers 4 Kids is an organization which may provide computers to low income families with kids who cannot afford or do not have a computer. Located throughout the US in various communities, some organizations will provide education and training. You MUST check with the actual organization to verify what exactly they provide and to whom. As with any organization, they you must qualify according to their guidelines - various rules do apply. Unfortunately, Computers 4 Kids is not a national organization, rather a community sponsored organization. Therefore, the organization does NOT have a national database and each office has to be located individually. Some use the C4K name, others do not. All time, services, labor, and computers are donated by their respective community.

• C4K - Charlottesville, Virginia

   

• C4K - Washington

   

• Colorado

   

• free byte- lots of links !

   

• Freecycle - hook up with someone in your neighborhood

   

• C4K- Kentucky

   

• C4K - California

   

• computer recycling center - Computers Available for Teachers, Public Schools, and Nonprofits

   

• COMPUTERS FOR YOUTH - NYC/PHILADELPHIA

   

Get a home computer for under $200!
NY, NJ, PA

• home computer under $200

   

Adaptive Computer Empowerment Services
[California] To improve the quality of life for persons in San Diego County who are disabled by empowering them with computer technology.
Adaptive Mobility, Inc.
[Indiana] Works with clients to determine specific mobility needs and to find resources to meet those needs, including a broad range of items such as wheelchairs, rehabilitation equipment, vehicle adaptive equipment and van modifications. Serves Indiana and Kentucky.
(800) 969-1154

Alachua Free-Net Computer Recycling Program
[Florida] Requests for computers are considered on a case-by-case basis by the AFN Computer Recycling Program volunteers. Some of the areas used for determination are as follows: Priority is given to local community organizations, schools, and non-profit organizations. Individuals with disabilities or hardships where it is demonstrated that the computer would enhance the person’s life. The criteria for deciding where the computers are distributed has been kept deliberately informal, as the particular type of equipment that we have, and the requests vary significantly. This has not posed a problem in the past and we hope it will continue to work in the same way

All Free ISP
Database of free and low-cost Internet Service Providers in the US and Canada.

Castaway Computers, Inc.
[Wisconsin] We accept donated computer equipment and software from companies, refurbish the equipment, load available software, and upgrade the equipment. Castaway donates the computers to individuals, families, schools, charities, and agencies including religious, scouting, genealogical, historical, and other nonprofit entities. (414) 221-3442

Computers for Families (CFF)
[Virginia] Computers for Families is a not for profit organization founded to place computer systems with and provide computer information access to individuals who can not afford a computer system. Currently we are only able to help families in the SW Virginia localities. 540-745-6340

Computers for Homebound and Isolated Persons
[Tennessee] CHIPS is a non-profit project aimed at reducing the social isolation of persons who are homebound, by providing a computer and free Internet access through KORRnet, who manages the project. The primary participants in this project are persons who are elderly, or caregivers, although some recipients are also disabled and homebound.

DakotaLink
[South Dakota] DakotaLink is a statewide program of resources and supports that enable individuals in South Dakota greater access to assistive technology devices and services, to maintain independence, to explore funding options, and to become educated about assistive technology issues. Call 1-800-645-0673 (V/TDD)

First Chance Project
First Chance will locate used computer equipment and transfer it to rural women who do not have computers in their own home. Telephone: 720 855 0501

Florida Alliance for Assistive Services and Technology (FAAST)
[Florida] FAAST envisions a seamless supportive partnership between Florida business and government to provide assistive technology products and services which will enable persons with disabilities to participate in independent living, education, work and recreation from birth to death. 1-888-788-9216

DANIWEB

I have used this site personally and they were a TREMENDOUS HELP!!! When I couldn’t figure out the problem. They were there to guide me, step by step, to completely clean my computer. Free downloads and EXPERT advice!

 Free Computers
[Michigan] We place computers in homes (in low-income Grand Rapids neighborhoods) that could not otherwise afford one. To qualify for a computer, you must complete ten (10) hours of service to your community

FREE GEEK
[Oregon] FREE GEEK is a 501(c)(3) not for profit community organization that recycles used technology to provide computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those in need in exchange for community service.

 Free Online Virus Scan
internet program scans your computer for viruses. often more updated than software you purchase and/or update regularly.

 Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC)
[Georgia] Provides medical equipment to disabled people in the metro Atlanta area who could not otherwise afford it.

 GiveTech
People with severe physical disabilities struggle greatly with things most of us take for granted. Without help, many cannot write a letter, make a phone call, buy something from a store, or hold down a job. In very severe cases, even basic communication is impossible in any but the most laborious of ways. The computer (and, through it, the Internet) solves many of these problems and opens up whole new worlds to the severely physically disabled. Imagine the feeling of self-reliance that comes from needing something and ordering it over the Internet. Imagine the self-esteem one can gain from entering an Internet chat room and being thought of and treated as a 'regular' person, not someone with a severe disability. This computer-aided autonomy is impossible without an input device designed for the disabled. However, for many people, the cost of such a device excludes them from this new world of opportunities offered by the computer and Internet. GiveTech plans to solve this problem for many financially disadvantaged people with severe physical disabilities. 415.750.2576

Head and Heart Foundation of Dallas and Fort Worth
[Texas] The Head and Heart Foundation of Dallas and Fort Worth Provides: Computer Hardware; Technical Assistance; and Information to the physically disabled in the Dallas and Fort Worth area.

 Illinois Assistive Technology Program
[Illinois] Illinois Assistive Technology Program (IATP) is a not-for-profit agency that promotes the availability of assistive technology (AT) services and programs for people with disabilities. 217-522-7985 voice 217-522-9966 tty

mobility motoring
The Ford Mobility Motoring Program provides up to $1,000 financial assistance toward the exact cost of adding adaptive equipment to a new 2002, 2003 or 2004* Ford, Lincoln or Mercury car, van or light truck, and up to $200 on alerting devices for hearing impairments, lumbar seats and running boards.

 Mobility Project
The Mobility Project exists to serve disabled people living in poverty throughout the developing nations of the world: by personally delivering refurbished mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers and other medical equipment to the disabled in need. By adjusting each mobility aid given to fit the individual who receives it. By providing sports programs for the disabled, to help them achieve greater confidence and health as well as ability with their mobility equipment. By building wheelchair refurbishing and manufacturing facilities in some of the countries where we work, to provide vocational training for local people with disabilities, as well as an ongoing source for repairs to mobility aids to other disabled people in the area.

 Mobility Unlimited
Mobility Unlimited serves as the 'last resort' by financially assisting physically disabled adults who have exhausted all other financial resources available to them (including private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid) and are still unable to meet their mobility needs. Mobility Unlimited strives to improve the individual's quality of life by giving the individual a 'hand up' by helping the individual help himself or herself to remove the obstacle, obtain the equipment or receive the treatment he or she needs to improve the quality of his or her life. Our focus is on providing equipment that will enable the individual to pursue or maintain employment. Mobility Unlimited also serves as an advocate on behalf of physically disabled adults who may need some help communicating with their insurance company in order to obtain the mobility equipment they need to be productive members of their community. Phone 877.516.0605

New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP)
[New Mexico] The New Mexico Technology Assistance Program (NMTAP) offers free services to New Mexicans with disabilities to help them get the assistive technology (AT)services they need. NMTAP's toll-free number is: (800) 866-2253

Resume's, Computer repairs, Computer Support.
This is a personal site, however it is the best way to reach me if the need is there. If you live in the area I can repair your computer, If you need free tech support I can do that. If you need a Resume written I can also do that. I can also help repair documents for you. This would be in my spare time. But I would be glad to assist those with the need. Just email me or call.

 Santa Barbara Computers for Families
[California] The Computers for Families project is providing computers, Internet access and training for Santa BarbaraCounty students whose families cannot afford to purchase them. We believe that access to technology at home is critical to building the skills essential for success in the 21st century. (805)964-4711 x5400

Southern Arizona's Computer Bank
[Arizona] SACB is a community-based, non-profit 501(c)(3), charitable and educational organization, that helps those who are less fortunate. We acquire, upgrade and donate computers, and printers to under-privileged students K-12, who live in Southern Arizona.

 Technology Assisting People In Need
[Ohio] TAPIN focuses on serving individuals who are economically disadvantaged or disabled, and who could benefit by owning a computer, and the agencies which serve them.

The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) [Pennsylvania] A nonprofit organization that helps provide financing opportunities to individuals with disabilities and elder Pennsylvanians for the purchase of assistive technology devices and services.

 Tools for Life
[Georgia] Tools for Life can give you and your family more options for greater freedom in your lives. Tools for Life increases access to appropriate assistive technology devices and assistive technology services for all Georgians with disabilities so they can live, learn, work, and play independently in communities of their choice. Voice: 1-800-497-8665

Utah Assistive Technology Foundation
[Utah] The Utah Assistive Technology Foundation is a private, non-profit organization that works with Zions Bank of Utah to provide zero and low-interest loans to purchase assistive technology. The UATF also offers some small grants ($250 or less) on a limited basis through non-federal funding to families who meet federal poverty guidelines. 1-800-524-5152

Washington Assistive Technology Alliance
[Washington] The Washington Assistive Technology Alliance (WATA) is a consumer advocacy network that helps disabled individuals with Assistive Technology (AT) devices and services used to maintain or improve functional capabilities. Many high-tech and low-tech devices are now available to assist people with disabilities with daily living tasks, communication, education, work, and recreation. Examples are: wheelchairs, Velcro, adapted clothing and toys, computers, seating systems, powered mobility, augmentative communication devices, special switches, assisted listening devices, visual aids, memory prosthetics, and thousands of other commercially available or adapted items. Services also include functional evaluations, training on or demonstration of devices, and purchasing or leasing devices. Their number is800-214-8731.

Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF)
[Washington] The Washington Assistive Technology Foundation (WATF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to, and controlled by, people with disabilities. Our first project is a low interest loan fund (the "Access Fund") established to provide Washington state residents with disabilities affordable credit for purchases of assistive technology (AT) and home and vehicle accessibility modifications. (206) 826-1038

Wheelchair Foundation
The Wheelchair Foundation is a nonprofit organization leading an international effort to deliver a wheelchair to every man, woman and child in the world who needs one. For those individuals, the Wheelchair Foundation offers freedom, self-reliance, mobility and hope.

 Wheelchair Ramp Project  (no website available)
[Washington] Wheelchair users living in Snohomish County or their advocates may call the disAbility Resource Center at (425) 347-5768 to apply for a ramp. Priority will be given to individuals in rehab facilities, minorities and those in rural areas.

Disability Resource Connection                                                           607 Southeast Everett Mall Way                                              Suite 6C, Everett, WA98208
(425) 347-5768

WisLoan Program
[Wisconsin]Open to Wisconsin residents of all ages who have a disability and who want to buy assistive technology. The program has no income requirements, and does not require individuals to exhaust personal or public funding. Under the program, banks provide loans at prime- plus- two percent to qualified borrowers. Loan amounts depend on the item purchased and the ability to repay the loan.

Micrecycle

Rochester, NY- Free and Low-cost Refurbished Computers Available Now Through Micrecycle:

 Computers for Education Back-To-School Promotion
Location: Micrecycle, 98 College Ave., Rochester, NY14607
Media Contact: Debra Jacobson (585) 697-1944 • debra_jacobson@rmsc.org

Computers will be available for pick-up a week or two after applications are processed. For more information about the program or to request an application, call Alex Johnson at RMSC/Science Linkages, (585)256-3170.

****************************
Computers for Children (no website available)
2550 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY
874-3350
Hours: Monday - Saturday 10-6 pm

Refurbished computers from $79!

loaded with Windows OS and antivirus
Package includes:
Tower, Keyboard, Mouse, Screen, Disk drive, speakers.

*****Some Printers Available - starting @ $20****

Custom built computers - for only $469!
Windows XP
80Gb HD
512 ram
Celeron Processor

All systems are internet ready. Computers for Kids takes in computers from individuals, businesses & organizations & refurbish (upgrade), then the  computers are donated to area schools. Computer &  cash donations accepted. Volunteer opportunities.  Also provide training to youth in computer  refurbishment skills and software training.

"This registration Web site allows residents with special needs and their families, friends and associates an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies, so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency"

https://www.deltafour.com/NewJerseySNS/

More Details:

http://www.nj.com/helpinghands/citizenscorps/index.ssf/2008/06/are_you_register_ready_for_dis.html

  Hi! My name is: Madonna. Nice to meet you! I want to update you on my situation. Previously, I wrote about my terrible situation. I wrote about the 4 Bdrm., 3 bath, 2 kitchen, two-story home that was situated on 10 acres of land. The house was condemned and not fit to live in due to falling down. The house was snake infested with 'water moccasins'. We lived there 4 years. I was bitten 7 different times while living there from the snakes. Not to mention the deadly Black mold infestation. We own 10 dogs that we've raised their whole lives. Parting with them was not an option for us. However, with this many dogs it's difficult to the point of being impossible to finding another place to live. Our dogs are well behaved and trained to go outdoors to potty. Two of them are 16 years old. We are responsible pet owners. Not all people are responsible pet owners and allow the dogs to destroy the rental property, which makes it hard for people like us to find a rental property to move to. The house we lived in posed a threat to my husband's life too. My husband of 23 years, is Final Stages of Cirrhosis Stage: 4 Liver Failure, in need of  a Liver Transplant. The Dr. gave him '6 months' to live and that was '5 years ago'! Praise God! They said he would be bed ridden and unable to walk in two weeks~within the month. That was 5 years ago! He feeds all the dogs everyday, takes out the trash, cooks dinner for us and plays with our dogs and does very good! He even works on his truck trying to get it running!!!!! I admire my husband's strength and determination and his trust in God! My husband according to Dr.'s is a walking miracle!!!! I prayed and kept looking for us another house to live in that was snake and mold free! To no avail. I didn't give up. I trusted God. I prayed everyday for 4 years.....finally.....God spoke to my husband while we were riding down the road. I gave up on looking for a house being told 'No pets' so many times. I just stopped looking. I got tired of the disappointment after getting my hopes up. We passed by a pretty white house with a huge yard in city limits. The house looked empty but I just kept going. My husband said, "Honey, let's look at this house....back up! The house looks empty!" I said, "It may be empty but they aren't going to let us have our dogs! We have 10 dogs and nobody is going to rent to us!" He insisted that we stop! We did. I pulled into the drive and told him it's a beautiful house but the note may be out of our league and probably no dogs allowed!" Nice home and yard! There was no number available to call. No name or info. Within '5 minutes' of us being at this house....here comes the Owner into the driveway! Asking, "I'm the Owner of this house! Are you interested in renting it?" I told him that we haven't looked inside of the house yet! And wasn't sure of how much he wanted?" He handed me the key and told me look inside! He only wanted $325. a month! Cheaper than what we were paying! Then I asked the important question, "Can we have 10 dogs here?" Surprisingly he asked, "Do you keep them fed and took care of?" I said, "Yes, Sir. They are very important to us!" He said, "Yes you can have them! I won't charge a pet deposit! I will come by and see how things are going!" I said, "I have one more question, Are you a Christian?" This was important to me too! I wanted a Christian Landlord! His Father was a Preacher! He was raised in Church and was glad I asked him that!" We are still here in our new home and have been here 7 months now and loving it! Great neighbors that all love dogs! God has truly blessed us in many ways! However, our lives are not picture perfect! The day after we found our new house, I was busy packing and preparing to move. Our floor furnace blew up. Gas filled the house. I called 911. The firefighters got us and our four dogs out of the house. But our bird and fish that we had died due to the gas. We were lucky to be alive. The firefighter told us that our landlord was suppose to have replaced the floor furnace due to it blowing up before and cause a woman to lose her life in that house. I didn't sue or prosecute her but have taking action to keep her from renting that house again until it's brought up to code. We thank God for our blessings. Just because we are blessed does not mean we are problem free! We have learned to trust God and to do our best to help ourselves and be thankful for what we have and to not want what we dont' have! Sometimes God just gives us what we need and that is a blessing too! God can do all things. But he wants us to help ourselves! Because if he did it for us, we would learn to depend on him for everything! He wants us to help ourselves so that we can get the glory and satisfaction and pride to say "We did it!" So we can be proud of our own accomplishments! He helps us to help ourselves and he can open shut doors! This is part of our growth, faith and trust in him and in ourselves too! God Bless You! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers! Remember to pray for yourself too! Your situation can change....ours did! Have patience, understanding and devotion!!!! It can happen for you too! God Bless~

For anyone who uses pay pal and would like to make donations for animals or elders in our area, your greatly appreciated.I do more than rescue dogs and elders from my wheel chair, I am rescuing families who have a right to legal representation and cant afford it.... 

If you up for starting a new future come and join me in my new venture here is my web site which will soon have a great shopping mall included for all memers, in fact it is just a matter of days and i am so very excited, I cant waite to be able to shop at my favorite stores i usually have to drive several hundered miles to shop in person..... here is my web site:

http://prepaidlegal.com/hub/dbrown49 

I am a 33 year old mother of 2 beautiful girls ages 4 and 10. I have become disabled and unable to work any longer due to many medical problems. I amstarting my 2nd appeal after being denied again. This time around I am going to have a lawyer. I have had my first phone conversation and the 2nd one is coming on Jan. 26th.   I am stuggling badly to make it month to month. im back to needing some help again. I really have no where else to turn and have exausted any help that was an option. I receive food stamps each month so we can eat, but I do not get any money at all. We have no luxuries, just the basic, phone, lights, car insurance , and household items including personal items. If anyone can help us out, It would be so appreciated and would lift a huge burden from my shoulders.  I feel alot of guilt right now , not being able to care for my girls in the way i always have. Its a real uncomfortable feeling to be skimming by. I just dont know where else to turn.

I love my girls very much but I cant do this alone right now, I need some help from up above. If you cant help, please at least keep us in your prayers and I will do the same for all of you. Thank you and God Bless you all !!

loneliness, Inspirationals, self-worth,dating again

is there any programs that would help the disabled in getting even a used car

working on new homepage - http://www.viviti.me/starrweaver

I'm wanting to find a way to earn more income, so that I can make a fresh start with my kids. Wanting to move to the west coast and get away from the south & east coast.

Have home that needs work, but nothing here but bad energy & memories. Need to make a clean break & start over. Have skills in web design, writing, cooking, knowledge on various subjects. Hoping to earn enough to move - house, furnishings & such will be left behind. Taking only personal items & sentimental treasures. Less costly this way...

Any suggestions on how to secure some property out in OR - WA- area...let me know. Just need land with maybe a double wide that's livable to start with. Water/sewer set up on property, don't really need elect. if generator is avail.

No restrictions on land use, want to be able to have crops & livestock. Want to put up solar, wind and water systems. Open to living/purchase options...

I was raised in a very loving family. My mother is the sweetest most caring person I have ever known. I am legally blind, but not totally blind(: thank God and my mother that never gave up finding out what illness I really had as a child. No matter when the doctors missed seeing what was really wrong with me and told her I was going to die as a child, my mom would not except it! She never gave up on getting me well! May GOD bless all the loving momma's out there! If u need a friend to talk to I am a great listener(: MY HEART TRULY GOES OUT TO ALL THE SINGLE MOMS OUT THERE!!! GOD bless each and everyone of U! 

JESUS has come  to....

 ¹⁸The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

 ¹⁹To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 

 My heart bleeds for young mothers that are in need of a safe place for them and their children. I would ask that ALL true believers STAND UP and PROTECT abused mothers and children!!! 

James 2:14-17

 Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead

 ¹⁴ What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? ¹⁵ Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, ¹⁶ and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

 ¹⁷ So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 

I am a disabled vietnam era veteran. About two years ago I suffered two strokes and saw first hand the obstacles that people and families in need go thru when they are struck with an unforeseen incident. The world can turn into a cruel and cold and lonely place. It seems that the only visitors that approach you are people that want to take their pound of flesh. All the collectors come to collect their debts and there is no way of holding them off. Sometimes families are forced to make harsh and rash decisions just in order to survive the tradegy.

I do not want anyone to feel the way that I did when I had my strokes. Dealing with the feeling of complete loss and disarry of your life only compounds itself on your situation. It harms both you and the family around you in so many ways. The emotional, physical and financial strain can become unbearable. Along with the illness and long sleepless nights you are also plagued with the ever approaching feeling of doom. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO SURVIVE!!!

I was able to first hand experience this and to speak with others that have gone through these incidents also. There are a few basic needs that must be met in order to get through this crisis safely and remain in a stable environment.

Basic needs include but are certainly NOT limited to:

Food / Shelter / Medical Care

Knowing that someone cares and that there are people who can or want to help, makes a big difference in bridging the gap to becoming healthy and viable again.

What I have decided to do and wish to attempt to pass on to people are both the basic needs and the knowledge that there are others that care and sympathize with people in need.

I hope to help bridge the gap between the needs and the needy!

I am starting a non-profit organization to help veterans and their families cope with the difficult and rocky time between receiving either their benfits or their pension. I wish to exted this service also to the homeless in need.  

I need help to get this venture started. Any help from you would help out the cause greatly!!!  One of the things that we need too do is purchase wholesale/discount/surplus items to raise  funds for the cause.  
  We can't do this without you and there are people waiting to be helped. Please help us bridge the gap between the needed and needy.

I want to be an organization that ACTUALLY helps, not just a name that people are turned away from when they are in need.

After having lived in Europe for 31 years, 10 in Milan, Italy & 21 in Heppenheim, Germany, I returned to the U.S at the end of 2004. I have a M.S. in mathematics from the university of Illinois. Professionally I've been a systems software developer for 42 years. Having difficulty finding a job -- from my point of view, because most of my experience has been assembler programming on IBM mainframes, making me somewhat of a dinosaur -- & from the market's point of view because I'm  euphemistically "overqualified," I would like to go to an online university to get a degree in accounting, most likely an MBA, but since my total income is the pittance I receive as SSDI, "Yes, Virginia, I'm disabled," I'm not able to afford the rather hefty tuition from most of these places & I'm loathe to encumber myself with a student loan, because there being no guarantees, I might not find a job post-degree, but I'd still have to repay the loan from the aforementioned pittance which barely keeps pace with inflation. So, I'd like to find a scholarship, a fellowship or some kind of grant to allow me to attend an online university. In the meantime, I've found a great job developing mainframe system software for Compuware in Cambridge, MA, starting 7/17/06. I'll be leaving here in FL to drive there on 7/9/06. I'll be back to update my info once I'm settled.

Well, it was a great job until the company closed the development lab in which I was working & unceremoniously RIF-laid off all but 2 of the employees there, including yours truly.:-( So, we moved back to my condo in Boynton Beach, FL on 11/14/2007

Then after 15½ months there, on 7/30/08 we drove to the Palm Springs, CA area & looked for a house, finding a short sale in La Quinta on which we made an offer. There was never a reply to the offer, so we found another, better normal sale in Rancho Mirage on which we made an offer. That all fell through when we discovered that I had unwittingly left some documents needed for financing in storage in Florida. So, we canceled that purchase & drove to Agoura Hills, CA, where Judy's oldest child lives, where we've been living in a Homewood Suites accessible room since 10/6/08. In the meantime we found an apartment here into which we're scheduled to move on 11/28 if the movers ever arrive -- but that's another story. This is a beautiful place, surrounded by mountains, which I love, & despite my advanced age, I'm still seeking gainful employment & I've given up on the online university MBA, preferring to take some free courses from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), an IT professional organization of which I've been a member since 1964.

I am 40 years old and I have MS which Multiple Sclerosis, I am on a fixed income and only get a little ove 600.00 a month, my son gets ssi and gets 537.00 a month, I try to work at a place that hires people with disiabilites through the vocational rehabitation service but don't get paid that not much because it is piece work. at times it is hard for me to work every day cause of my MS, I never know how I am going to feel from day to day. My son will be turning 18 in September, and he talks about wanting to move out, so I will probably lose his income, recently my car tore up I have a hole in my raditor, and needs to be fixed, and I need to get the brakes as well, it will cost me 495.00 dollars, the MS Foundation is going to help I hope with a little bit of it, but I have to come up with rest, I also heat with propane and trying to get propane put in my tank before the price goes up more, I don't get any child support from his father, I don't want to have to sell my house I grew up in this neighborhood and I like it, here, it's peaceful and quiet.  I can't believe that I actually found this website, God answeres prayers. I had to file chapter 13 bankruptcy on my house to keep it so my son would have a place to come home too, cause I lost his ssi check for a while caue he got in trouble and to be sent to  a boys home,  so I have that extra payment to a bankruptcy court, I have  alot problems out of my MS that keeps me from working alot but I do try, and trying to help myself even with my MS, I am tryiing my best to be self supportive, but as of right now everything is falling in around me and stressing me out and it's got me worried, if there is anyone out there that can help me in anyway, it would greatly be appreciated, my email address is mandy1267@localnet.com and I have a paypal account also which is mandy1267@localnet.com  I am not one that likes to ask handouts, but I believe that I was brought to this website for a reason, and if you are able to help I thank you and if not I thank you anyways for taking the time to read this, and may god bless you in every way possible.

Hello out there, my name is Big Papa.  I am a 54 year old man from the South San Gabriel, Old Wimar area of So. Cal.  I have experienced many beautiful moments in my life, and I have also had to survive some very painful times.  I know that we all are here on earth for some very specific reason, the problem is that many of us go through our lifetime never learing what this reason is.  If anyone out there needs help it is me, but I realize that I will never recieve help unless I give help. I would much like to hear from anyone out there who has a message and let us begin to do some damage repair.

God's peace to all,

Big Papa

The Business i want to start up is wholesale/retail shop. I have been relying on others for way to long due to disabilty. S.S. Disability pays me 599 amonth , i dont make enough to pay my bills and at times i have gone hungry or gone with out medication. I need  Help to start my own business so i will not have to rely on others to pay my bills for me, who really dont have it to give themselfs.I just want one chance in life to make my life and myself better.I want to be someone. Can you help me? any infomation would be greatly appreciated as i do'nt have the money to purchase infomation on free grants.

tlcountrygal@aol.com

God Bless All Of You

And Thank You

 *(Updated January 2011)*

 Just looking for help for my Mom & yes also for myself. Have tried & tried beyond means to keep working but my medical issues are getting to be such that I can't work anymore. I had fought my doctor wanting to put me on disability for some time, but I'm really tired & sickly. I try keeping busy on occasion with some volunteer work; I've got to get out sometime & do something! I share a place with my Mom for financial reasons, but I'd sure like to be able to help out more. She's on disability herself but also does a bit of volunteer work. I'm not sure what all I can request here but any help would be greatly appreciated! A decent home, furniture, car, etc.

We would love to buy a home, but our credit situation is pretty grim  (medical bills, student loans). As many know, renting gets old real fast. Our greatest wish is to find a nice duplex if at all possible, but a nice home in a decent area certainly would be a blessing. If someone would just give us a chance! We desparately need to move.... We aren't city folks anymore, & just being uncomfortable here is the least of our problems. Our house just isn't safe. Our landlord is like many; not enough time to fix this house, but always wants that rent on time. We are terrified that the large hollow tree across the street is going to fall on our house. Parts of it break off every year, & in Oct. 2009 I was nearly killed when a chunk of it broke off & landed not 10 ft from where I sat on the porch. Ripped my power lines (& a neighbor's) right off my house! We NEED out of this house before one or both of us gets hurt!

Now, I stay online almost constantly searching for grants & any other source of funding I might be eligible for. My credit sucks mostly because of nedical bills (10 surgeries in nearly as many years). But I also made some bad financial decisions with my education & was always so eager for those student loans that I overloaded myself. The loans have been forgiven for now but my credit still stinks of course. For the most part, alot of these places that say they have missing money for you, or can get you a grant, etc... many always want money. And hey, I'd pay the fee to those that checked out but neither of us have the fees to pay! But yet, I still search & will continue to do so. Again, if someone would just give us a chance!

Mobility is also an issue; neither of us can walk very well. We both use a cane but we also each have a walker, rollator &  power chair, however we can only use the power chairs at home, due to not having any way to transport them. I've been on a site called Free Charity Cars, trying to hopefully get a wheelchair-accessible van or most any type of otherwise modified vehicle (car, truck, etc.).

You know, all any of us can do in these times is pray.... Please pray for my Mom & myself, & I will certainly do the same for you--whomever you are. Again, any help is certainly appreciated. I also appreciate just having a place like this to ask & am glad others can ask also. Thank you!

Take care, & God Bless!

NOTE: As of Oct. 21, 2009, my doctor has finally decided 2 put me in a wheelchair. But that's ok tho because I've accepted it & have had enough. I can barely walk, my back & legs have finally betrayed me, & I've been in the most horrible back pain ever  (looking at spinal surgery - again). I was always against being in a wheel chair, because just like all my docs have said, you start 2 lose muscle tone once you get in a chair. There must be exercises... Anyway, I've called the local Disability Network & the ramp prices are outreageous. I did see a nice power wheel chair at a local pawnshop... My caseworker says I should be able 2 get a wheelchair thru Medicare, etc., but it may take some time. I haven't any... That 'time'... I've run out; I need a power chair! My Mom suggested a scooter, which would be great, but I need the back support that a chair offers.

If any1 has any advice, suggestions, comments... Feel free. Even if just 2 chat...

I don't have the first clue how to do this, so I am just going to put some basic details for now.

Hello my name is Niki. I am a single mom and am on disability. My daughter is a bright beautiful 14 yr old, she has a big heart and a very strong will. Later in life that will serve her well, now it mainly creates havoc in our home. My son is 7 yrs old. He is adorable, very intelligent and a total sweetheart. He has recently been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder PDD-NOS.

This has pretty much consumed all of our lives lately. There are aspects that have been ongoing for a long time. It has always been nearly impossible to keep up after him. He's always kind of done things his own way, etc. It wasn't until he started having these meltdowns caused by him just being extremely overwhelmed in the classroom, that it was suggested to me that there might be something "wrong" with him. This is not the term I would use of course, it is however the term I was hearing constantly. I will blog about that whole chaotic experience when I get a free minute (probably at  4 in the morning or so). It seems like for the last year I am doing nothing but scheduling appointments, filling out questionnaires, making phone calls, explaining PDD-NOS to people, going to various appointments (doctors, therapists, assessments, specialists, IEP's), applying for "services", etc. I feel like I need an assistant. I am exhausted.

My daughter just started high school. She is loving it, so that's a plus. I chose to enroll her in a charter school through the county, because where we live, the high schools are less than desirable. In fact every HS in our district (except one that was built after the study began) was labeled a "drop-out factory" in a well-publicized study done by Johns Hopkins University. She's been in this school district since kindergarten and I have been less than impressed. My choice was probably not the most financially sound, by many accounts. If she went to her homeschool, she would get free lunch and a bus pass. At this school, there are no buses, I have to drive her to and from school everyday (It is 17 miles from our house via the freeway) and I have to give her money to buy lunch. We are definitely feeling the gas prices and rising grocery prices! It is worth it to me though. I just hope I can find some way to keep up on everything. This school could make a huge difference in her future. The very first day, she came home and told me something, I never thought I would have to hear "Mom, this school is really cool, I actually feel safe there". Safe? Is this what you should be worried about at 14?? In the city we live in, it is. In addition to an obvious lack of safety, she has been taught very little during her time in the home district, I am actually sickened at the basic things that she does not know. It seems that school has literally become a place we send our kids to learn one thing and learn it well, how to pass state tests. It is sickening. This is not based solely on my daughter's reports, the teachers have told me themselves. (I'm feeling another future blog here) Things have been rough for her. Her dad is a total dead-beat. He paid nothing the first ten years of her life, then once he finally started paying child support  the disaster really began (I'll blog about that too..I promise). She has a very difficult time with her brother and his diagnosis, we are working on that. She is resentful of the extra time, care and attention he requires. She is resentful that I am sick and tired all the time and she is resentful that we don't have the money for her to go do things with her friends, or to take vacations, or buy the clothes/shoes/etc that she wants, unless we find them at the thrift store. She's a smart girl, she understands but she doesn't like it. 

I have been having a number of health problems. My being so sick and tired all of the time makes it very difficult to get much done. I basically practice DBT skills as much as possible, but I will be the first to admit, it doesn't come naturally. In addition to my original disabling condition "medication resistant ultra-rapid cycling bipolar disorder", I've been diagnosed with narcolepsy. For years I was dealing with people thinking I was lazy or out partying all night (I was not). I kept telling them, I am just tired...exhausted...all the time, no matter what I do and I don't know why. The doctor I had at the time was sure it was a side effect of my medications, so he started playing musical meds. All to no avail. Finally, I got a new doctor (I had county at the time, so you are assigned a doctor). He went over my file, asked me a number of questions, etc. finally, he looks at me and says "have you ever been tested for narcolepsy?" He was confident that was why I was so tired. I had a sleep study done at an independent sleep lab and not only did I have narcolepsy, my Multiple Sleep Latency Test showed that I go into REM sleep in approximately 7 minutes (to put this into perspective the average onset of REM sleep is about 90 minutes after you fall asleep). After years of medicine-go-round, I am now on the bare minimum. I take a mood stabilizer, a medication that treats both my narcolepsy and ADD together and a medication to help me sleep. The thing about narcolepsy is the flipside seems to be insomnia, basically your sleep is all out of whack. Oh, and I take Imitrex for migraines. That's all I was going to be taking, until about 2 weeks ago. Enter the new symptoms, I was having these horrible headaches that were diagnosed as migraines. Then new symptoms started. I have what are called "stars and floaters" they are basically a visual disturbance caused by what I was told are occular migraines. A few weeks later, I started having stroke symptoms (sharp pain in my shoulder, shooting down to my hand, numbness in my hand, slurring my speech, unable to walk, etc) The doctor I saw thought that I must be having TIA's "mini-strokes". It was later decided that I am having some sort of complex migraines that are a combination of migraine with aura, occular migraine and basilar migraine. The neurologist said to me "we don't really know a lot about migraines at this point, but this medication has worked for some people that have these symptoms" he then prescribed me propranolol. He explained to me that it might lower my blood pressure. (I guess it "might" since it is primarily prescribed for hypertension). This should be interesting since my blood pressure is low enough that it is mentioned every time someone takes it. (I saw an ENT last week and the first thing he said when he walked in the room, "Hi, wow, your blood pressure is low") I did tell the neuro, he still thinks I should try it, saying I will know pretty quickly if it is going to effect me in that way because I will probably get fatigued or maybe pass out. ~~~~I'll write more here later.~~~~

I found this site one night while I was sitting at the computer, trying to stave off a major depression (at my therapists recommendation). I guess I am having a hard time admitting it, but I've gotten so far behind on my bills. I try to figure out how, but it is just that much more exhausting. I know that I've been slowly whittling away any chance of getting caught up by getting caught in a vicious cash advance cycle. There have been other contributing factors. I've decided that how it happened is not what is important at this point. Getting myself out of this hole, so that I can focus on what is important; my health and my children and their needs is. Ultimately, I need to find us a new place to live (I'll be having to blog  for a year to catch you guys up) and something is going wrong on my car every month now, so I will have to be figuring out a way to replace her :^( However, right now, I don't know how I am going to get through this month. I've officially reached the point that I can't even count on cash advances to fix this mess.

My son has another appointment at Oakland Children's Hospital with the Neurologist next week and we are awaiting a call from the pediatrician regarding an appointment at UCSF for my daughter. She was seen by a pediatric spine specialist two years ago, because she has scoliosis (the school nurse believed it could be due to the weight of her backpack...the kids are carrying backpacks that are way too heavy during their formative years and it is actually warping their spines) At that time, the doctor said it was pronounced but didn't think it would get any worse, since she had already hit puberty. He was wrong, it has gotten worse and now she's being referred back. I drive a black car with a broken AC, during these summer days it is like driving in an oven, I can take it ...it's not easy...but I can. My son however has major sensory integration issues, he whines and complains and/or falls asleep any time we are in the car (I was quoted $200+ to fix that, needless to say with everything else, AC got put way down the list) I've been pulled over twice because I have a crack that spans my entire windshield, I was informed that I will no longer get warnings and that fix it tickets for windshields only give you 2 days to get the repair. Just after I found out it would cost way more than I could afford for a new windshield, I went out to run one of my many errands and guess what? my check engine light came on! I just had to have part of the cooling system repaired a couple of months ago (a big contributing factor to the cash advance cycle). The car squeals when I turn left or right, so I already knew I needed to have that checked out..but when? how? Oh and this month...my registration is due..I have no way to pay it and my insurance renewal is next month. I have to have my car, otherwise I can't get my son to all of his appointments, or my daughter to her school and heaven forbid I don't have a way to get over and pay all of my bills. I know..walk. I have ...many times, but I am still recovering from ankle surgery. I broke my fibula 10/06, then had to have ligament reconstruction surgery 12/07. It is better, but I still haven't regained all of my muscle strength (though both calves are starting to look closer to the same size) Yesterday, I got a 48 hour notice from PG&E (I applied for HEAP over a month ago, but they told me friday that they are just now going through applications for June) I had planned to have a yard sale at a friend's house to try and clear out my storage unit, solving a a couple of issues 1)I get rid of a lot of stuff that we no longer need while making money to pay bills ..the original plan was to have the sale to raise money to move..now that has to take a back seat to more immediate bills 2) I don't have to pay the extra $100 a month that I am paying for storage. Well, I learned that she had to postpone the sale until next month and that just sent everything kind of spiraling down. The yard sale was my last ditch effort to keep things afloat. I'm feeling very overwhelmed. I never get a break. My son is finally going to start school again in October (yet another blog), he'll be attending 2 hours a day. For right now, it is me, doing everything, all of the time.

The most frustrating part is it seems there is nothing I can do to "boost" my income when needed. I mean I can't even buy a $1 lottery ticket in hopes of winning a couple thousand dollars to get everything caught up...because if I did, it would be counted as income for the coming months. The government agencies don't say "oh, you have debt? ok, we'll let you use that money to cover your debt and then you can start fresh next month". lol. Wouldn't that be nice?? Even if I had someone to ask for help, I couldn't because if someone pays any of your bills or loans you money or whatever, you are required to report it. It just feels like a lose lose situation. Back before I went on disability, when I was working full time, going to school, raising my daughter...when things were getting to be too much, I couldn't afford to go to the doctor, my insurance cost too much, I knew I was sick, but just kept trying to do it alone. I had to quit school and then I was missing so much work that I couldn't keep up on my rent..let alone other bills. Finally,  I tried getting help. I called every agency I could think of and then some. They all basically told me the same thing, if I were on drugs, homeless, unemployed etc. there would be services available to me. Since I was none of those, there was nothing they could do. I remember saying to this woman, "so basically there are no programs to help keep someone from losing everything?" She said, "no, but once you are in that position, call us back" Wow! How's that for encouraging.

It is true though. I WAS there within a few months of that very conversation. It took a while and things got pretty bad. But, once I was approved for Social Security, I became eligible for Medicare, a Section 8 housing voucher, free school lunch for my kids, Lifeline, etc. I am well aware of the services out there. I am not however aware that there is anything that helps when you get in over your head and you are already receiving services. I guess more than anything it helps to have people believing in you and more importantly helping you remember to believe in yourself.

Some days I am able to keep perspective, I can see what needs to be done and what I need to do. Other days, like today, it all seems so impossible..it is as if no matter what I do..it will be no more than a temporary fix. I'm trying to stay positive about it all, so I guess I will just have to see how tomorrow looks *smile*.

Hi

Im on a list for a lung transplant and Ive contacted several organizations for financial help but have not gotten anywhere so if there is anyone out there that can help or know how I can get help please nlet me know.    thank you all for your help

Hi! I am a single, disabled Christian mother. After many years of daily pain and discrimination I have learned to change my way of thinking. Is it difficult? yes. I am 50 yrs old and have been alone since I was 35 yrs. old because of this illness. I have learned to put my trust in God and do what I can, when I can. Applying for help and scholorships for my son`s college was difficult.  But he worked at it and earned 3 Scholorships! I have help, and do worry about my condition as I am becoming bedridden,  But I know that trust and contentment come from my Lord.

     Emily Elizabeth Dickenson wrote; If I can stop  one heart from breaking. I shall not live in vain. If I can ease  one life from aching, or cool one pain, or help one fainting robin into his nest again, I shall not live in vain.

     My trust is in God. He says in Palms 56:11'In God I will put my trust, I will not be afraid what man can do to me".

     Their are many wise people in the world who offer advice.  Don`t ignore, but write down what others say, leave it as your legacy. Be positive and remember "Each difficult moment has the potential to open our eyes and our heart".

God Bless, Stacylynn

 i am an honest caring person that is disabled and so i my daughter my mom lives with us and she is retired.here comes the holiday's and we will not have christmas again they do have thing call neighbors in need which is not that great and they don't give you much.so if anyone could find it in theres hearts that can help please do so.god bless you and everyone.and wish i had a car so we could get around to where we need to go.

I wear many hats in this life, Daughter, Mom, Grandmother, Ex Wife, Disabled, Feminist, Activist, Mom of a Special Needs Child, Lingering Social Security Disability applicant, Workers Comp Nightmare Survivor, and I am sure some labels some people don't use to my face. :)~ 

I am here listing all the sites where I or someone I know has received assistance in the past. It is listed under NorthFloridaResourcesPossibilities right here on Aidpage. Thanks Emil for creating this site!