SINGLE MOTHERS ON A MISSION...THE INTERNATIONAL NONPROFIT
SINGLE MOMS AND DADS ORGANIZATION
www.singlemoms.org
This organization is dedicated to providing assistance for single parent
families. They offer advice and resources to improve the quality of life for
the family headed by a single parent.
SINGLE MOMS
www.singlemom.com
This organization helps single mothers find all sorts of resources from
employment to scholarships to legal assistance.
SINGLE PARENTS NETWORK
www.singleparentsnetwork.com
This site provides valuable information about parenting on your own.
There are many articles to read and many links to other sites that can
provide help and information. This online community is a great place to
learn about parenting and meet others who share your situation.
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
This department varies somewhat from state to state, but most will point
you in the direction of financial assistance, child support collection and
advising you of other programs you may qualify for.
SINGLE MOTHERS SHARE
www.making-ends-meet.org
This organization is dedicated to helping single moms make ends meet.
They have several programs, including one that provides gift cards to help
moms handle emergency expenses. Another of their programs raises
money to help with financial emergencies by pooling resources of
participating mothers. Mothers who join the program add money to the
“pot” each month as they are able. Participants take turns using the
money accumulated by the entire group to ease emergency financial
burdens, creating an informal “savings circle”.
CO-ABODE
www.coabode.com
Though this site is dedicated to home sharing for single mothers, they also
provide information about other resources available to single mothers,
such as state by state programs that can help single mothers with first
time home purchases, etc.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
This organization, like the Department of Social Services, varies state to
state in the programs it offers. But, your state’s DHR may be able to help
with subsidized child care and Medicaid if you qualify. They may also offer
emergency food and energy assistance.
NETWORKING AND DEVELOPING A SUPPORT
SYSTEM
One of the most important things you can do to help manage the
challenge of raising a child alone is to develop a support system. Members
of your support system help you out when something comes up – and you
do the same for them. Here are some of the resources you should have in
your support system.
FAMILY
If you have family nearby, life can be a lot easier. You may find that you
can rely on a relative to provide after school care for your children, or just
another person you can count on to help out with them when you need to
be somewhere else. Your extended family can also be a powerful influence
in your child’s life; helping you to create a true sense of togetherness.
Celebrating family traditions together and creating a sense of nurturing.
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FRIENDS
ReplyDeleteYou might be surprised to find out how willing your friends are to help you
out when you need them. Invite your friends over for a painting party
when your new house needs some fixing up, or let them take the kids for
a weekend while you have some adult time. Particularly if you don’t have
family around, a tight network of friends for you and your children can be
a great source of love, strength, support and fun.
NEIGHBORS
Neighbors can be a great resource for when you need a babysitter on
short notice. If you have someone nearby who can watch the children for
you to run a short errand, it can be a godsend. Neighbors are also often a
great resource for carpooling to school or work. And, if you’re lucky
enough to live in a neighbourhood that has a lot of children, your kids will
have instant playmates. It’s also helpful to find a neighbourhood with an
active neighbourhood association. Neighbourhood events can provide
great social activities for you and your children.
OTHER SINGLE PARENTS
One of your greatest resources should be other Moms who are in the
same boat. You’ll each understand the others needs, and be able to
provide all kinds of support. You can trade babysitting, so that neither of
you has to pay someone. You can get the kids together for a playdate that
will allow you to have some adult company at the same time. You can
even hand clothes down from child to child.
EMERGENCY HELP
Now that you’re on your own, you need to have plans in place in the event
of an emergency. Have you designated someone who is authorized to pick
up your children at school in the event they become ill or have an accident
and you’re not readily available? If you become ill, is there someone who
can watch your children while you recover? Do your children know who to
call in the event of an emergency? Do they know to dial 911? Is your
home properly equipped with smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire
extinguishers and other emergency equipment? Do you have an escape
plan that your children understand in the event of a fire in your home? All
of these special considerations are especially important when you’re the
only adult in the home.