Just need a little support

[mommyof2]

Hi,my name is Jessica. I am 24 years old and a single mother of two beautiful children. I have a son that will be 5 in July and a daughter that will be 3 in two weeks. I have had a lot of struggles for over the last two years. When my ex-husband and I seperated I had to move in with my parents. Both children and I had no other option but to stuff ourselves into one room. I had no job and no money. Their father decided to run from his parental responsibilities. For the last two years I have been an exotic dancer to beable to provide a home for my children and I. We have lived fairly comfortable. I have now came to a point that I have to give that up. I have allowed the dancer lifestyle get the best of me. I need to stop, but am scared of giving up everything I have. I ask myself "How will I make my rent? My car payment? Pay for childcare just to attempt to find another job?" I cry as I write this, because I love my children so much. More than I coud ever express. I just don't know what to do. If anyone has any advice or is going through a similar situation, it would be great to hear from you. I feel so scared and alone in this. Please and thank you.

[AmbRena8708]

GIRL!!!! I am definately in the same bout as you well a few minor differences: the first one being I never had the body to be an exotic dancer the 2nd I only have one kid! *sigh* my daughter and i live in a LITTLE BITTY TEENY TINY space.. I dont really have any family to back me up, So i'm out here living on welfare (which isnt enuf) thats "sanctioned" no car and no babysitters and to top it all off there is NO DAYCARE in my lil city, NOR any HOUSING FUNDS left, I cant give advice just KEEP UR HEAD UP!!! when you feel ur letting the dancer life get the best of u just remember the most important thing in the world to u, those kids, and who knows maybe well see you in the next video doing some OFF THE CHAIN dancing... Also the last job i got... I actually had the taxi taking me to PICK up applications, my baby was with me! Sometimes you do what you gotta do... also apply online and look for jobs that provide day care, but soon as u get a job the state will help you pay for child care! but other than that CRY and LET IT ALL OUT because it takes a bigger toll on you if you dont, trust, I am unable to cry and the whole world sees me as INSANE (which may or may not b true)

[angie1976]

Hello mommyof2,

I think that it is good that you stop dancing, especially if it makes you feel bad. There are a number of things that might help you, like if you do not receive child support from the father of your children, the Department of Health and Human Services will help with this. (They call it Child Support Enforcement). They also provide assistance in paying for child care, and temporary assistance for needy families which include things like utility bills. I think that it would really benefit you to contact your local HHS office.

This is the national website for HHS: http://www.hhs.gov/children/index.html. The site explains how they help families, and other service that they offer.
You can also call their HHS information line to get information regarding your local HHS office: 877-696-6775.

Good luck, and keep us posted. We are all rooting for you!

Angie