Hello from the Midwest

[hollz]

My name is Holly. A friend back in JR called me Hollz one day and it just stuck. I am 24, and the mother to a 5 year old boy with mild Autism. It sure has been one heck of a journey into awareness of special education, and children with disabilities. I got pregnant the very beginning of my senior year. I had just gotten out of one bad and abusive relationship and had to move back home when my first love and best friend and I made the mistake of not using protection. I graduated with honors despite missing about half of my senior year once all the missed days were added up. I had preterm labor problems, but did manage to make it to graduation day. Michael is my whole world, and his Autism has changed so many views I had. I tried going to school online, but family issues made it harder and I had to temporarily relocate to another state and ended up having to drop out. I am looking to go back to school in a few months and finally be able to say I am doing something with my life.

With my son's disability I had been unable to work for several years now. I live on a pitiful amount of child support, and no additional help from the father. He is now in preschool and able to handle a daycare situation, but I have been unable to find a job, as our community has suffered major closings and layoffs. I admit I have been too picky, afraid to go back to fast food as once you are an adult, its hard to move UP from that. I don't want to be stuck in a dead end job the rest of my life. But sadly bills need paid, and options are narrowing.

[AmbRena8708]

Hey! McDonalds (fast food) isnt really all that bad... chances are you're not going to be stuck dropping fries! ur experience of raising a child with autism alone has taught you much of what you need to know to move up the managment latter fast! They pay PRETTY good and its good job security! And once the managment experience is under ur belt the oppurtunities are UNLIMITED! I'm unemployed as well and I have my fingers crossed for a call from McDonalds! I know I will take the job if offered! visit their website you might change ur mind!

[hollz]

I've worked at Burger King as a teenager. I won't work for the Mc Donalds in my own town. If things get down to it, I may get a job with a Dairy Queen franchise, that also owns a pretzel maker. I have a friend who works for it and she says the boss is much nicer and flexible than when she worked Mc Donalds anyways. I want to go to school more than anything, but get stuck when it comes to the first expense. My camera.

[angie1976]

Hello hollz,

Have you contacted the Department of Health and Human Services? They offer assistance in paying for child care, aid for children with disabilities, as well as temporary assistance for needy families (assistance in paying utility bills). They may be able to assist you, and it never hurts to ask, right? Here is a link to their website:
http://www.hhs.gov/children/index.html, or they can be contacted at their general information number: 877-696-6775.

You might also consider going to the main page of singlemomfinancialhelp.com:
http://www.singlemomfinancialhelp.com/, as there is information relating to getting financial help for going to college, government financial help, and information on how to be able to work from home, etc.

I hope that this information is helpful for you.

Best wishes,

Angie

[hollz]

I've looked over the main page, and it really does not give many direct resources, more of a explanation of what various things are. Telling somebody to search the internet for these types of aide is sending them on a dangerous path since 9/10 things they find are going to be scams, because the shadier people of the world know how much women like us need help, and they are going to prey upon that.

Sadly I think I am going to have to take a whole new approach to my college education. And maybe someday I will get my dream of being a photographer, but until then focusing on keeping the bills paid is priority...