Single parents, is it really hard taking care of children on your own?

My husband has left me and my two children, one 2.5 years old, the other one is 5 mos old.

I have a B.A. in Mass Communications but find it difficult to find a decent paying job.

I am on welfare right now receiving Cash Aid, WIC, and Food Stamps.

I'm also in California in Sutter County but will probably prefer to find a job/relocate to Sacramento County.

I am also planning to go back to school to become a registered nurse.

I'm looking for information to get myself into subsidized housing and putting my children into subsidized daycare while I go to work and attend school in the evenings and/or saturdays.

My family tells me it will NOT be possible for me to finish even my Associate's in Nursing.

What do you think?

What is your story and how are you getting by?

Is it hard to receive vouchers for daycare and a spot for subsidized housing?

Please share you experiences with me.

And yes, I have filed for child support.

Thanks!

I am a single mom of a 'medically senstive" 3.5 yr. old angel... i acquired 3 associates in a year, i am currently at a university gettin my B.A. and working... it seems hard at first but you have to get focused and keep in mind your goals... hell write them down where you can see them... don't allow other people to dictate what you can accomplish in your life... fight for what you believe in... also check out local daycare centers there are many resources out there for childcare... is there any family how is willing to help watch your children? or friends? When you have accomplished what you set yourself up to accomplish you will appreciate the drive in yourself. I have been told many times that I will not be a good mother, I cannot find a job, I will not finish school, I cannot have a normal life with a "medically sensitive: child... but I would be damned if I let all the negativity get in my way... PRAYER also helps.... do you have a church family that could help you? That helped me get through the first year...you to need to strengthen your support system... take online classes if possible... good luck... all you need is as much faith as a mustard seed!!

I'm remarried, but I was a single mom once.

Go to your Department of Human Services office and ask for a Family Assistance packet. There will be a checklist of everything you're applying for and what will seem like a million forms to fill out. Do them in pencil, because they get confusing.

Turn them in and then call back that same afternoon to schedule an appointment. If they give you any waiting list crap, call back every day until they schedule you and go in.

The assistance is there for people like YOU. Don't let the lazy people that aren't even trying keep you from getting it. You can do this, and there is help.

Good luck.

people do it all the time yes its hard but its all about determination. if you can get daycare then why not? don't give up.

It will be tough. You really need help in raising them. Most cases lead to break downs. Do you have a mother or some relative that can help you get along? It'll be alot easier. You need to make the most of your wages and benifits. But still have a night for yourself to keep you sane :)

Most junior collages in CA (I live in southern) offer child care for free through programs such as CARE for welfare parents, and EOPS for low-income parents. They pay for books and Goviners fee waver will cover tuition. Pell Grants pay out twice in a semester for low-income family's to go back to school.

I am currently attending class and receiving $1947 per semester to go, don't pay for books or tuition, and have my two sons (4 and 1) in there day care center.

I don't know about low-income housing as I room mate with my friend from high school, so my rent is low.

Good luck!

Call your local Section 8 housing program in your county.
There will be a waiting list but some properties are low income. There is a difference between these two. Section 8 is federally subsidized and the other goes just by your income.
There are online courses you can take for school.
Call your local school disctrict and find out the programs for the daycare programs. If you are recieving assistance, then start with that to pay your daycare.
Your family is wrong to tell you that. There are grants out there for single mothers and financial assistance to go to college. If you find the right programs and resouces you will be able to make it to your goal. It wont be easy. But it will secure a future for you and your kids. Good luck.

Get a well paid job then you should be able to train in Nursing. Make sure the Kids don't miss out, pay them attention and get a friend to babysit or a sleepover or something like that. I'm sure there is some scheme for medical training as it saves lives.

Good luck, and I hope you manage.

I'm not in US, so its completly different in UK. But you can achieve anything by being organised. I managed with 2 very young lively boys on my own and worked and gave them all the love they needed by planning everything - military style. Money was tight but rewards were plenty.

If you can put your mind to it, and you can recieve the tools to make it happen, than DO it. It may not be the best living enviroment, but its a roof over your heads.

I wish you the best of luck, tell your family they should be more supportive.

I just have one thing to say to you. I"M SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
You had me worried at one time.
I was mad at you, for what looked like weakness.
But you are going to be alright. Keep doing and keep going in the direction you are going.

It is going to be a BLESSED YEAR for you! THANK YOU GOD!

I have had custody of my two daughters for 11 years, they are now 17 and 14, and while I will admit it has been a struggle at times, it has been well worth the effort.
If you had the intelligence and determination to get a B.A. then you should have no problems changing your major and getting a nursing degree. Many schools have a daycare on campus, be sure and check into that.
I can't imagine family telling you that advancing your education is not possible, with hard work anything is possible.
I never collected child support, I had their mothers parental rights terminated, so if your ex does pay his share you are one step ahead.
There will probably be times when you just want to sit and either cry or feel sorry for yourself but in the end it is all worth it.
The rewards are so great ( seeing your babies grow into young adults) that it is all worth it. Tho I will admit when the oldest hit teenage-hood I had some misgivings...
I wish I could give you answers on the housing and daycare but I didn't go that route. But just have faith in yourself and love for your kids.. You will make it.