Single mom w/2 babies needs help!!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2006

If your children are under the age of 5, you might qualify for WIC vouchers. They'll provide you with free milk, eggs, cheese, cereals, juice, peanut butter, and (if applicable) baby formula for bottle feeders or carrots & tuna for breast-fed babies.

Selke · Feb 1, 2006

Does anyone know of any special programs that I can get assistance on while I go to school for my RN? I want to do my RN but I don't know how I will survive financially. I am in Orange County. Please help with any suggestions:uhoh3:

You can do it. You MUST do it because your children are watching you and you are modeling to them that you will not let others determine your life for you. You must show them how to fight and survive and live well. ...

I was a single parent of two little girls without child support, social supports, encouragement, you name it -- I was on AFDC for 3 years in Chicago while I finished up the last year of my master's and then two years of nursing ....

You do what you have to do, dear, in order to survive. You can do it. You are strong; you created and birthed two gorgeous children! You can do anything! Ask at the school you want to attend about support programs for moms. California may have social support programs, too. Sign on for WIC. Your school may even have a daycare.

Take a look at Katherine Arnoldi's graphic novella-book "The Amazing True Story of a Teenage Single Mom." It's wonderfully inspiring!

Barb2000 · Feb 1, 2006

I was a single parent of a baby (no child support) when I went for my BSN. It was a struggle, but somehow I made it through. I obtained employment at the university I was attending (which worked around my school hours). It was only part time minimal wage, but it was something. My financial status qualified me for a grant that covered almost all my tuition, books, fees. Then, I was still able to take out student loans to cover my housing (a very cheap apt), and living expenses. I found a church with reasonable daycare fees, but you might even be able to find a sliding scale type fee arrangement with the county? I got food stamps to get help with that expense. I had no extra money for 4 years, but am so glad I did it when my daughter was so little. I graduated with alot of debt, but was able to get a great paying job, and still ten years later am paying off those student loans. But it was so worth it. I am still further ahead financially than I would have been if I had put school off. I really had to tighten my belt, and had to keep focused on my goal to get through each day, and remind myself it would all pay off. My daughter has no recollection of how rough we had it, and I am so glad that when she needs things now, I know I can provide them. Talk to the financial assistance counselor at the school you want to attend, and ask about ANYTHING available that could help you get through school, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Ask about job placement at the school. Good Luck to you!

jenniferenee73 · Feb 1, 2006

I have started prequisites a few times so the last time I tried to get a student loan they said no because I have stopped and started and stop the same course of study. Maybe I can change it to liberal arts so it will fly. Yeah I have two toddlers and I work fulltime as a medical assistant in clinical research trials. Thanks so much for your advice! Take care.

Jennifer