DDDDD

We have been foster parents since 11/1994, and a Group Foster Home since 5/2002.  My wonderful husband and I have 2 birth children (ages 20 & 8), 6 adopted children (ages 13, 12, 11, 11, 9 & 8), and 1 current foster daughter (age 18). Over the past 12 years we've fostered 43 children, not including those who have been with us more than once, or respite placements.  Our family was named "Foster Family of the Year" in September, 2002 for our Region (19 counties in and around Dallas/Fort Worth).

I am a foster/adopt PRIDE trainer (for potential new foster & adoptive parents), I train foster & adoptive parents in topics such as Community Resources for Children, PMAB (Principles & Management of Aggressive Behavior), Free & Inexpensive Family Activities, Adoption Subsidy Negotiation, and others.  I am currently moderator of a foster/adoptive parents' email support group, and former Secretary of the Tarrant County Foster Parent Association.  I have been a Girl Scout Leader for 12 years, and a soccer coach on and off for the past 4 years.

In meeting the special needs of my former and current children (both foster & adopted), I have found that therapists who have direct experience in dealing with the needs of foster and adopted children are few and far between.  I feel with my unique experiences as a foster and adoptive parent, together with the hours and hours of training (substiantially more than the 20 hours currently required by the State of Texas), I am going back to college to continue to help foster and adoptive children and their families as a mental health professional.

I am currently enrolled at Tarrant County College in the Mental Health - Clinical and Psychological Counseling Program.  My current GPA is 3.6.  I am searching for financial assistance to help me through college, together with information and assistance in locating and transferring to a four-year college once I earn my Associate's Degree at TCC.  I have applied and will be receiving a Pell Grant.  I have also applied to several scholarship programs through the college, but competition is fierce and thus far I have received nothing.

Additionally, I am trying to raise enough funds to maintain a vehicle for my 18yr old foster daughter. She will be attending a Christian college in the fall, so all money will go toward her college expenses.  Her busy schedule prevents her from finding a job, so I put aside about $240 per month (almost 1/2 of the foster care reimbursement I receive for her).  Unfortunately, the funds she will receive to help pay for school doesn't come close to the tuition, room and board, and expenses (books, etc.) needed for this college, so it's up to us or no one.

I am also available to answer questions and provide whatever assistance I can offer in connection with fostering and adopting in Texas (I'm in the Arlington Region).

Hiya all.

Well, how do I introduce myself?

First of, I'm nobody and everyone...meaning I do not have a familiare name or face, but I have lived for a few years now, and during I have battled most fancy twitches and turns life has to offer.
On the basis of that, I like to think of myself as one that might lend advices and support to others fighting the same battles I have fought (and won)!

Most important to remember for all, no matter what the struggle is about; there's almost always a solution out there.

Looking forward to getting to know new folks...  ;o)

Hello my name is Micki. Iam a single mother of two beautiful little boys, Braxton 8 yrs old & Aiden 3yrs old. A little over two yrs ago my son moved to NY with his father. I have court ordered visitation in the summer and on holidays. His father is going against the order and wont let my son come home. He hasn't been home in a year. This is killing us. Im under so much presure because my son made me promis that his little brother and I would move to Long sland N.Y. as soon as we could .There are no words to tell you what this has been like for my family, my three yr old starves himself for wks at a time when his brother left, and each time after he visits the same, and thats just the begaining of what we go through. It's been two yrs and we are no closer to moveing. I don't have the funds to move , don't know how to find a three bedroom home for my children and I there , not to mention finding a job there that will afford us to live. I can not afford legal councel at all, so I am unable to file comtemt charges against his father..... My son has some special needs, he has "CAPD" hearing difficulty, and "ADHD", also has an inoppreible "aracnoid cyst", in his brain that was descovered right befor he left to live with his father. I know nothing about my sons medical wellbeing now that he is there , I know nothing about his education now that he's there, and it was ordered that his father provide me with that info. His father never met "his" son untill he was almost three, and that was because we went to NY to make him meet him. ONLY after that did he imedietly file for custody of my son .We fought for over two yrs. untill I ran out of money, Im still paying that off. Please befor you assume I wasn't proven "unfit" , that law doesn't apply to Oklahoma. Just "best interest" = IE", who has more money. What I need is help someway to get there, (N.Y.) money, job, home. ASAP". Thank you for anything you can do. I'm not looking for a hand out, not looking for a new life , my sons needs me and we need him. What has happend is wrong and I can't let this go on till he is 18 . I will do anything to get back in my little boys life. If there is any thing I can do for you in return please don't hesitate to ask. P.S. I miss him so very much.....please, please help us!!!

Hello,

Well, i am a single mother of three beautifull children ages 2, 6, and 7. I am not working right now due to my lack of experience and flexable schedual. But I am trying to work that out. I often find me self struggling with food and gas. which I think is normal with alot of people these days. My main problem right now is i want to move but i dont have the swecurity deposit.i will have to write more later....................

after reading other peoples post i really dont feel i should be asking any one for help. i have alot more than most and consider my self very lucky. one should not ask for more than they know they need.

My organization VOGV (Victims of Gun Violence) was founded in 2003 after the tragic death of my oldest son.  He was murdered by multiple gun shot wounds and unto this day, no one has been held accountable for his death.  He left five children and unfortunately no insurance policy.  VOGV is designed to aid families with grief issues and some financial support towards funerals and homegoing services.  I wrote a book and had it published to try and help his children and our family in general.  However, because of a lack of funds, I cannot get the book sales generated properly.  I only sold a few here and there.  I work in retail and only get a few hours a day, a few days a week.  I am struggling because of my age and it is hard to get hired in high paying jobs.  I am the string that holds my family together since my son's death and with a little help from the right someone, I could make money on my book sales and donations to the Memorial Fund that could help my family.  I have 19 grandchildren alltogether and I can't even afford to buy them dittley on their birthdays and Holidays.  So I am sending out a plea for an angel of finance to please help us so that we can help ourselves.

hi my name is Francesca Johnson and i just got my 1st apartment. i am a single partent with 2 kids and 1 on the way. i got laid off my job that i had for 8 months. nobody wants to higher me because i am pregnant. i have no money to pay my bills and i just moved in my new place 2 months ago. please help me.

I have been working in education for 3 years and want to find any scholarships or grants that I can apply for to pay for a Masters degree.

I am a single mom (well Im not single I have a bf but he's in another state, now so basically all I have is a little emotiional support, which is the only thing keeping me strong) I have 2 great little boys, one suffers from some mental health issues(like me) and the other has Asthma (also from me) Both their Fathers are crap. One more so then the other. I experienced a great deal of abuse from them. I am in and out of the court house constanly fighting for whats best for my kids. Umm anything else you want to know go ahead and ask I'll do my best to answer. Im from cali so, i'll post as many resources as possible for me.

This page has links to organizations that will assist with financial problems: They offer:

• credit counseling

• the opportunity to help you eliminate past due balances

• financial guidence

• the road to economic independence

• FREE tax filing

• link to the FDCPA

Links - where available - are highlighted in yellow

Amerix
There are also credit counseling services that don't charge set up fees. Amerix is one
and is worth checking into for those who have at least $4000 in debt, including personal
loans and medical bills
 

CL&P NUSTART (No website available)
[Connecticut] The CL&P NUSTART payment incentive program is designed to help low
and fixed-income CL&P customers maintain year-round electric service. Through NUSTART,
customers can reduce -- and even eliminate --their past-due balance if they pay an
agreed-upon budgeted amount on time, each month. Need more information?
Call CL&P's NUSTART team at 1-800-286-5844.

Count Me In 
Count Me In champions the cause for women's economic independence by providing
access to business loans, consultation and education.

Debtors Anonymous
Debtors Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience,
strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help
others to recover from compulsive debting.

Don't Borrow Trouble
[Minnesota] The DON'T BORROW TROUBLE Minnesota Campaign is a public education
initiative aimed at stopping predatory lending practices in the Twin Cities seven-county
metropolitan area. The Campaign seeks to educate families and individuals about how
to avoid predatory lending scams and about available community resources.
The DON'T BORROW TROUBLE help line has been established at
612.312.2020 to offer families a safe place to call before they sign
anything that puts their home at risk.

Free File
The IRS is offering free tax preparation and electronic filing for low-income filers
through a partnership with the Free File Alliance. You do NOT have to be eligible
for earned income credit, and income guidelines are generous. Be sure to link to
service providers through the IRS site, otherwise you may not get the free offer.

In Over Your Head—Life-Saving Strategies for Financial Crisis
Unemployment, illness, family problems, and careless spending, as well as other issues,
can be reasons for not being able to pay your bills. As unpaid bills mount up, the
total amount of your debt can overwhelm you. You may have to take some lifesaving
financial actions. This bulletin helps you understand your options.

Intuit Tax Freedom Project
Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation is pleased to offer free online tax preparation
and filing to hard working Americans and their families who have an adjusted gross
income (AGI) of $27,000 or less, or who are eligible to claim the federal Earned
Income Tax Credit (EITC) using Intuit's TurboTax® for the Web(SM) service.

Money Management International
Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, community service organization
that provides professional financial guidance, counseling, community-wide educational
programs and debt management assistance to consumers

Money Saving Advice
Lots of helpful information on how to make your dollars stretch and get more for your
hard earned income.

Onepay credit counseling agency

Founded in 1994 as a not-for-profit organization, Myvesta provided advanced state-of-the-art solutions for people suffering with financial troubles. Sadly, changes in the regulatory environment in the United States made it impractical to continue to be able to offer this needed hands-on assistance and expertise. But our committment to providing consumers with educational and self-help materials produced by an independent voice remains unchanged.

Tax Credit Resources

A web site that provides detailed information about federal and some state tax credits, particularly those that can be claimed by persons with low-to-moderate income. The primary focus of the web site is on the United States federal government's Earned Income Credit (EIC), which is also known as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EIC is one of the U.S. government's most important work promotion and anti-poverty programs. In practical terms, this web site explains: what is the EIC; eligibility requirements; how to claim the EIC on your federal tax return; where to find the right tax return forms; and answers to commonly asked questions..

THE FAIR DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES ACT 

To amend the Consumer Credit Protection Act to prohibit abusive practices by debt collectors.

Know YOUR RIGHTS as a consumer!

United Capital Mortgage Assistance

Behind on mortgage payments? Stop foreclosure - get caught up and back on track with your mortgage. If you are two or more months behind on mortgage payments and can afford your home, United Capital Mortgage Assistance may be able to help you stop foreclosure and help you keep your home.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program

The VITA Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income ($38,000 and below) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call  1-800-829-1040.

State Attorney General
Typical powers of the Attorneys General, while varying from one jurisdiction to the next due to statutory and constitutional mandates, now include the authority to: institute civil suits; represent state agencies; defend and/or challenge the constitutionality of legislative or administrative actions; enforce open meetings and records laws; revoke corporate charters; enforce antitrust prohibitions against monopolistic enterprises; enforce air, water pollution, and hazardous waste laws; in a majority of states, handle criminal appeals and serious state-wide criminal prosecutions; intervene in public utility rate cases; and enforce the provisions of charitable trusts. Click the link above to find and contact your state attorney general.

Im not even sure what this site is for other than just having people out there who know what im going through. I have spent the last few years wondering if im going to be able to hang on. Im an adult survivor of child abuse and sexual abuse. For most of my life I have been able to maintain, but recently I feel like im comming apart. Im sure most of it is related to the fact that my life latley is so out of control. The economy is so bad right now that the stress level's have reached an all time high. I know im not the only one out here suffering, I just feel like I am.  I was diagnosed with Post Tramatic Stress Syndrome, re-occuring depression, Severe Panic and Anxiety. So with all this going on the lack of money isn't helping. I know what I need to do, and I want to be able to do it, I just cant. And I know what your thinking not with that attitude, but I used to have a great attitude, I just lost it somewhere down the road. My husband is Disabled with a bad Back and Knee, It makes it hard because we are trying to maintain a house and raise 3 kids on his disability pay and it just doesnt work.. I've tried everything. I have tried to work and tried to go to school but I just cant finish anything. I start out great and then fizzle. It gets so bad I get so over whelmed I cant continue I start getting panic attacks and then im done. If anyone can offer suggestions Im open. Anything.

until then Im still hanging in there.

REFERENCE: MY BETER-THAN-FICTION, REAL AND TRUE ACCOUNTS OF MY LIFE-UP THRU TODAY. THE LAST YEAR....THE ULTIMATE TRIALS.......(MY OWN BLOG). I COULD REALLY USE INFORMATION, WHETHER IT BE LEGAL, SOCIAL, OR COUNSELLING. I WONT TURN DOWN ANY ADVICE I CAN GET. COURSE IF THERE IS A FOUNDATION THAT CAN HELP ME FIGURE OUT WHAT MY NEXT MOVE IS, ;   IM ALL EARS. RIGHT NOW, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO GET MY CHILDREN BACK FROM FOSTER CARE. I CANT EVEN BELIEVE I AM HAVING TO SAY THAT. THEY WERE TAKEN OUT OF MY HOUSE BECAUSE A COP, WHO DIDNT HAVE RIGHTS TO BE IN MY HOUSE, CALLED DCFS , TOLD HER ID BE GOING TO JAIL. HE ALSO KNEW AT THAT POINT THAT HE WAS NOT TAKING ME TO JAIL. I HAVE NEVER BEEN EITHER. THE THREE SPEEDING TICKETS I HAVE HAD IN THE 19 YEARS IVE DRIVEN IS THE EXTENT OF MY LAW BREAKING EPISODES. THE INTAKER KNEW THAT I WAS NOT IN JAIL 10 MINUTES AFTER SHE TOOK THE REMAINING THREE BABIES FROM ME.       DOES THIS SOUND KOSHER TO ANYONE? GOT ANY ADVICE?       LOTS MORE TO THE STORY, IF UR INTERESTED. TC

We are a struggling counseling practice in Maryland struggling to survive against large hospitals and inpatient facilities.  We are trying to help both a County and inner City communities - all those that need help with drugs, alcohol, domestic violence and mental illness.  We try to be different by starting new groups or projects all the time.  However, after 3 years, we still have only one computer (actually our others were stolen), Goodwill furniture, and no money at the end of the month.  I want to continue to serve those in need and often do things pro bono.  But things are getting tighter by the minute.  Our rent keeps going up and our revenue keeps staying the same.  We work long hours for fees that are never reimbursed or rates that we cut.  We need that big break like a singer getting discovered.  We have faith but no end in sight.  We strive nonetheless to serve others in crisis while all the while not letting them know that the practice continues to be crisis.  We are women owned and operated but welcome all.  Help!

Hello everyone,  I am a 30 yr old single mom of two boys aged 3 and 11.  My life has been filled with so many traumatic times that I'm not sure where to begin....I was involved in a car accident in 1995 when I was 17 that caused me to be in a coma for two full weeks.  From that, I am blind in one eye, have grand-mal seizures, and I also needed to have multiple procedures to fix the left side of my face.  My cheek was shattered and I broke 12 different parts of my skull.  My short-term and long-term memory is severly damaged and I find it very hard to concentrate and thats just the brief portion of the problems that I have from that accident. Life has been such a struggle for me!! I wasn't able to finish high school but I did get my GED. I also applied for SSI but was denied 3 times. I always tried to stay positive and to not give up but its getting the best of me now. I have not held a job longer than 6 months because of my health. My family wrote me off after the car accident, I think because of the change in my appearance so I have no type of support. I did manage to have two beautiful, loving boys but their dad disappeared during pregnancy. I don't know how to go on, I cannot manage my bills and taking care of two rapidly growing boys has proven itself to be a challenge. I don't know what else to do and I don't know who to turn to. I just recently was fired from yet another job because of their lack of understanding to my health issues despite the fact that I was a hard-working employee, ya know, the one who comes in early and stays late to get the job done. I tried organizations in my area but I don't seem to qualify for anything!!! The only thing that keeps me sane is the love that my children have for me. Little do they know (and they never will) that I don't know if we are gonna be on the street tomorrow or how I'm gonna clothe them or that there are many nights that I go to bed hungry for the sake of feeding them first.  I've always had the idea of opening my own restaurant, nothing big and fancy, just something that I could get started with.  I am a great cook and I know that I wouldn't have any problems making money with that career choice. And I will be able to take care of my health better being my own boss.  I just don't know how to get started. My credit sucks and there is no one in my life that I can go to to ask for help with helping me finance it.  Are there any grants out there for low-income people to start a business?? Would I absolutely need good credit to start one??  Am I even being realistic about the whole thing?? Should I just go find a corner, tuck my head in and give up?? My whole life has been hard, when is it ever gonna ease up??  I know that I'm just ranting right now but thats how my mind feels, like its all over the place!! Any advice, referrals or cash assistance will be very helpful, I thank you in advance....Thanks everyone for reading!!

I am a 31yr old recently divorced mom of 3 kids. i was in a marriage for 12 yrs., and because of his disposition as a husband my kids and i have been thrust into a sandstorm and i'm trying desperately to feel my way through. i don' know who to talk to or where to turn. my greatest fear is because of my financial unstableness my children and i will suffer for something that i virtually had no control over. i'm lost and dont know what to do. i look at my kids everyday and my heart breaks even more.i want to give my kids the world they deserve it,they're good kids and dont deserve to go through this storm.pls help......lost,confused, and anxious to start living.

Hello

I have a real problem with some saying no to my daughter. I do not have any one to talk to or any Suport Group. Both of my Parents are deseased. I am a single Mom and I don't get Child Suport of any thing.  I don't make a lot of money, I just have enought to pay my bills and I don't have any thing left to get us some Food and I only get $ 10.00 in Goverment help, (Food Stamps). I don't go to the doctor. Because my Insurence has change and I don't know if I have a copay is $10.00 or more In not sure.  I just wish I had friends so some one to talk to.

HI EVERYONE!!?

PLEASE I NEED HELP VERY URGENTLY. OUR APARTMENT BURN DOWN COMPLETELY YESTERDAY ABOUT 13:01, WE LOST EVERYTHING AND THE LANDLORD TOLD US ONCE YOUR APARTMENT BURNS DOWN YOUR LEASE IS ALSO GO WITH IT AND THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO OR GIVES US. SO HE CALL THE RED CROSS FOR US AND WHEN THE RED CROSS ARRIVES THEY PLACE US AS DISASTER CATG. AND SEND US TO QUALITY HOTEL NEAR BY TO STAY FOR TWO DAYS WHILE WE WORK OUR WAY FOR ANOTHER APARTMENT OR HOME, THEY ALSO GAVE US $135 FOR FOOD. NOW PLEASE I WANTS EVERYONE WHO CAN TO THANKS RED CROSS FOR THEIR HELP.  VERY KINDLY IF ANYONE HAS PLACE FOR SUCH AS APARTMENT/HOUSE THAT CAN ACCOMODATE SIX (6) PEOPLE WHICH IS MY FAMILY SIZE FOR FREE OR FOR A REASONABLE PRICE MAY CONTACT ME AT 1-508-963-2872  AND IF ANYONE WHO CAN HELP US WITH ANY AMOUNT OF FUNDS CAN SEND IT TO:  DORIS PREMPEH, 560 LINCOLN ST, UNIT 7186, WORCESTER MA 01605, USA.  AND TOO YOU CAN SEND IT VIA PAYPAL TO GKISSI5011@CHARTER.NET. FOR MORE INFO OR PROVE OF WHAT I'VE SAID HERE YOU CAN CONTACT WORCESTER MA POLICE, FIRE DEPT. AND THE RED CROSS OF WORCESTER COUNTY ON 181 COUNTRY CLUB BLVD, UNIT 445 INCIDENT THAT OCCURED ON 03/30/08. THANKS FOR YOUR HELP AND MAY GOD BLESS ALL WHO CHOOSE TO BE THE GOOD SAMARITAN IN OUR SITUATION. THANKS AGAIN.

GEORGE AND DORIS P 

I want to know are their scholarships and grants for people who have family members to

alcoholis and cancer. I am finishing my master in education and looking for grant to pay for my

PHD in Counseling and transportantion.

Last year I was hit by several tragedies and I am still in disbelief. March Seventeen of     “06” I broke my

ankle and I was in the emergency room for three hours a doctor walking by saw my leg he got x-rays.

The first week spent in hospital with my leg wrapped because of the swelling they couldn't do any

surgeries. Second week I had the surgery. After I was well enough to go home my dad me a wheel chair

and walker. At, the time my dad was sick going in and out of hospital it was an everyday thing. Then my

dad ended up in the hospital. I was at home and the phone ring and picked it up it was hospice which I

had no idea what hospice was for. Then told my dad was dying and he would put on hospice in the

house. I was called to meet with the doctor and my sister. The doctor told us my dad had two weeks to

live and he had liver cancer and any cancer treatment would instantly kill him. Since I had huge casts in

bed everyday while dad was slowly die across the hall.  May Ninth of last year, I came back home from

my second surgery to find my mom crying over dad his was slowly shutting down with his last tears we

prayed and on the same day at 8pm he passed. Now my mom takes care of me and my disabled

sister.But I have my education and I want to continue it my dad was my inpsiration and he still but my

mom has join my team. My education has become my number one priority it has kept me together and it

has become theraphy for all the pain and saddness is still there but I have future to look forward to. My

dad would have been proud.

Hello everyone, I will try my best to explain mine and my familys situation and maybe someone somehow will be able to help us in a true time of need. my husband was disabled with a rare disease in 1999 called syringomyelia (a cyst that grows inside his cervical spinal cord) My 13 year daughter was diagnosed with two different conditions when she was 13 and is now 16 years old. She is having to take florida virtual schooling because of her health conditions, I feel so sad for her because of all her High School memories that she will be missing out on, some good, some bad, but at least they would be her memories. Her (1 condition) is called the conversion disorder and her (2 condition) is nuero cardio sincapeid. We have become very far behind on all our bills, rent, utilities etc. while trying to pay for my husband and my daughters medicines. I will admit part of me is scared at this point in all of our lives but yet I pray every night that the Good Lord will open a door for us. this website i dont know maybe maybe not, but here i go any help out there or any donations that can be spared at this time, will be so deeply and truely appreciated and a blessing of mircales at this time in our lives. Thanks B.