To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Jen.  I am a 27 year old single mother of 4.  (Abigail 5, Zachariah 4, Christopher 3, and Joshua 1) I was fired from my job nearly 2 months ago because I left work in the middle of my shift to pick up my son, who was sick at the time, from school.  I've not been able to find work that is willing to work around my need to get off when one of the kids is sick, or needs to go to the doctor.  I am currently receiving unemployment, but because it is less than half of what I was making while working, I am not able to make ends meet.  I am a hard worker when there's work to be done.  I believe in working hard for what you have.  It allows you to appreciate what you have, even more.

I have enrolled myself in Nursing School.  Classes are set to begin January 16, 2007.  I will not be able to attend school, work, and be a mother to my children, all at the same time (childcare is my drawback).  If there is anyone that is willing to provide financial assistance to my family, during the next 7 months, I would greatly appreciate it.  Upon completion of my Nursing Program in June, I will have received enough training, to work in a profession that pays no less than $16/hr. 

My children and I have had a year of ups and downs.  Thirteen months ago we became victims of domestic violence.  I immediately had my husband arrested, and taken to jail.  Finding a steady job since then, has been a real issue for me, since I am only 1 person to my 4 children.  When something happens to one of them, I am the only one available to tend to their needs.  At one point this year, I was working 30 hours a week, just to pay the childcare bill, leaving barely anything, if at all, for the rest of my bills and food.  I have borrowed money here and there, but am at the point that I cannot borrow anymore, because I cannot say when I'll be able to pay it back. 

I want to make something of myself, and prove to my kids that regardless of how bad things get, as long as you have faith, and believe in yourself, you can rise above it all, and achieve your dreams and goals.  I want my kids to be able to see me graduate in June.  I want to make them proud.  I want to make myself proud.  I know that I can get through the rough times.  There's a light at the end of the tunnel, and I'm going straight for it.

I believe in "Paying It Forward".  Meaning, when someone helps me out, I "Pay It Forward" by helping out 3 other people.  I hope to be at a point this time next year, where I am able to help out several other families for the holidays.   

If there's anyone that can help my family and I in our time of need, we will forever be greatful to your kind and selfless acts of generosity.  From my family to yours, God Bless & Merry Christmas!

I really hate to beg but its getting so very hard to make ends meet, I just got my electric bill and there is noway I can pay it and the water and food too. Got a job but dont get pay enough to do everything I know it sounds like I'm crying but I dont know what else to do have no back account and make under 1100 in a moth after rent that leaves 530 and then theres food (have been going to pantrys) gas bill is 190 and then electric company 396  (the pipp plan ran out on 4/15/07), so they are not trying to be helpful with other payment plans. What should I do!! Call everyone I know But they are in same shape as me If I pay any thing it will have to be eletric but house cant run without. help with anything will be helpful. Thank for reading this!

Well it happen electric company cut me off, Ive been in the dark scince 4/30/07, and there is no money here .I have call until I'm blue in the face. I feel like I'm at the end. We still have school and homework, clothes food going bad u know. But still not trying to be down on life but whew it alot after awhile anybody know what I mean??

Thank 4 reading

Trying to make it and need more poeple to talk!!

Have been without eletric for 2weeks and counting....trying everything I know to come up with the money.

ABOUT FIVE YEARS AGO I LOST MY JOB DUE TO ILLNESS..TODAY IM NO BETTER BECAUSE MY ILLNESS IS DEPRESSION...I LOST MY MOTHER AND HUSBAND WITHIN FOUR MONTHS OF EACH  OTHER AND I COULDNT DEAL WITH IT..I GOT IN FINCIAL PROBLEM THATS STILL ON GOING..LOSING INCOME THAT KEEP MY NOSE ABOVE WATER.TRYING TO MAINTAIN MY HOME OF THIRTY YEARS  FEARING HOMELESS..SO MUCH WORK IS NEEDED OM YJE HOME BILLS MOUNTAIN HIGH..  WANTED TO RETURN TO SCHOOL THAT WASNT FEASIBLE BECAUSE I OWE THE SCHOOL..IM IB CONSTANT TEARS BECAUSE I VANT WORK.

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Feel free to participate in this public group space.

Two easy ways to do this:

1. Add a comment or a question here - on this page... or on any other page in this space.
   
2. Or, if you want to start a separate thread - make a new page.

Either way is good - the important thing is your participation. On Aidpage, people support each other by speaking out and by paying attention to each other - as simple as that.