I am a divorced parent struggling with five kids, where do i go for help?

Question

This community that i am in does not have many options to get assistance. I have currently received custody of two nephews and the state does very little to help. I do not have any family and do not know of many resources. If you have any ideas please help.

Answer 1

First of all - the Salvation Army is there and does every year the Angel Tree thing -- and they are even located in most rural communities -- if they are not there -- there is some other organization that takes their place and puts up Angel Trees for the Children (and all you need to do is to go to the local department store and find out who is sponsoring the Angel Tree, and go to the organization and ask if they can INCLUDE your nephews and children on the Tree for Christmas too).

Then .. have you looked around at some of the churches in the area -- look in your local community newspaper (sometimes they are printed once a week) -- they will have a community activity listing and will list in there the places where there are food giveaways (if you qualify), lending closets, and Places to obtain clothing for the children (if that is a need).

Then .. Goodwill also is a good place to go and purchase for very little some of the things that you will need in the home.

Answer 2

You didn't mention where you live, but if you live in the USA, no matter what state you're in, there is a State office that will give you whatever help you need, be it medical, food stamps, dental, etc. Don't believe that when they tell you they can't help you; they can, and should. That's what they're there for.

It's all according to your income. If you have a job, and you make less than the poverty level, they are obligated to help you. If you need housing, there is a Section 8 office for low-income housing. If you need food or clothing, there are food stamps, food banks, local churches available.

Look in the first few pages of your local telephone book for a 3-digit assistance number; like 211 is in CT and 311 is in NY. Most numbers like that are powered by the United Way, which has branches in every state.

You can reach out to your nephews' father(s), and they should be able to help you out with them. Since you are divorced, your ex-spouse should be helping you out with the other three children.

I don't know of anything else to tell you, except good luck with your efforts.

Answer 3

You tried from help from the government at the local, county, state and federal level? Try all of them, I know it can be frustrating but you have to do it for you and your kids. In addition, go to a local church and explain your situation to them. What city are you in? Maybe I can assist you in finding help for your and your kids.
Being a good parent is not an easy job, being a single parent is that much more difficult. Do not give up!! My e-mail address is [e-mail]

Answer 4

The answers are good and I know one other thing you can do is pray...I do not want you to think I am a bible thumper because I am not. I know what it is like with kids and divorce because I have two small children and a single parent and it is difficult these days raising children. Things will work out and I would check into some of your church groups and in Kentucky we have a Christian Appalachian Project that is good to help.

Answer 5

This is so tough, I dont know what to say.
Firstly I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your 5 kids. Taking on your nephews is a very noble thing to do. I commend you.
Perhaps you could speak to an organisation like the Salvation Army? They may point you in the right direction for the assistance you need.
Good luck to you, be strong.

Answer 6

OK first why are you consulting Yahoo answers? Struggling but you have internet access? OK here are my suggestions. Harsh maybe but realistic:
Cut all costs that are not a necessity such as: TV, Internet, Cell phone, movies out, eat out/fast food, designer clothing, etc etc etc
Invest in a savings account: A few cents here and there adds up at the end of the year. Even if you just put $20-50 in a month it gains interest. And you'll have something to fall back on
Conserve electric: Make sure lights are off when you leave the room, no need for night lights etc, use battery powered alarm clocks, the only thing that should be plugged in all the time is your fridge
To save on energy insulate the windows: make sure in winter cover the windows with plastic to keep heat in, summer time try to go as long as you can with box fans (my DH and I went all summer w/o AC)
Buy in bulk: This includes certain foods, toiletries, certain clothing items, etc
-Food that won't perish within a few weeks is worthy to buy in bulk, rice, cereals, canned goods etc
-Meats can be bought in bulk, cut into portions and bagged to be frozen. Good idea for large families
-Breads can be frozen for a couple weeks at a time
-Toilet paper is good to buy in bulk along with paper towels and deodorants
-Clothing such as socks, underware, etc sometimes can be cheaper if bought in bulked qtys
Watch for sales at stores (clearance) it's great when you have kids or even for the savy spender it's cheaper to get 2 pairs of pants for the price of one since it was on sale, also check thrift shops.
-See if you're elidgable for food stamps, welfare, social security etc
-See if your state provides health care for the kids or "kid care"

This is all I can think of for now. Remember to cut the things you don't NEED to live. FOOD, SHELTER, WARMTH, TRANSPORTATION are means to live you need food to survive, clothing and heat to stay warm, a place to live, and a vehicle to get you around. You don't need to drive a BMW to survive but a running vehicle is better and more efficient than something you will need to have towed once a month. I am not totally sure your situation so I am just giving a general broad range bit of advice. I hope this helps. God bless and I hope your situation works out for the best.

Answer 7

Dept. of Family and Children Service are wonderful in Georgia. I think every state has their own version. The name might vary but the job is the same. Good luck and God bless you for taking the nephews in.

Answer 8

Look into becoming a foster parent.
Even if the kids are related to you.
The state will help. You get more money
for being a foster parent than just welfare.
Don't give up. You are in my prayers.

Answer 9

And I thought I had it bad with three! Bless your heart!

Start with your church... then United Way, then Social Security, then your state assistance bureau.

Find the kids parents and file for support from them.

Answer 10

Start with your local church. Churches know where to go to get help. You sound like a good person, taking in two nephews. God Bless you.