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"What to do between school & work?"

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Q: Dear Joy, I am a 25 year old single mom. I have a two year old little boy. I have filled out the Federal financial aid packet and I am enrolled in 12 hours this fall semester. Here is my problem: I work a minimum of 40 hours a week and leave my son at a sitter, that costs $60 per week. I feel so guilty for not being able to be with him anymore than I am. (He does visit his father a minimum of every other weekend for which I am thankful that he has a relationship with him). On top of the 40 hours and the every other weekend, I am now looking at another 12 hours, finding time to study and still spending good quality time with my child. I know that getting a degree will help us both in the long run, but what about the time I am going to miss out on now? I feel like I already miss too much. I am wanting to know what, if anything, I can do, or any assistance/programs out there to help me be able to possibly stay at home with him, other than when I am at class. Please don't get me wrong, I am not lazy and I do not want to work the system. I just want to get an education so that I can eventually work in a successful position, and be with my little one while getting that degree. Do you have any suggestions for me? Please help. Thank you so very much,  A. & C.

A: Dear Amy, Yes, it isn't easy to be a single mother and try to raise your child by yourself.  Work and school can be a difficult choice.  You need to make a decision.  As you mentioned that complete your degree will be good for you & your child in the long run.  If you work 40 hours a week and taking evening classes... It's going to be tough because you will not have enough time to spend with your son.  It's a decision that you have to make and I can't really tell you exactly what to do.  Many other single mothers from our Web site have to make the same decision that you are going to make as well.

I also included a few Web sites information for you.  Hope you find them helpful.  You can also try the WIC program for more help or even the SOCIAL SERVICES department in your county. 

Many help in food or financial aid will help you through. There isn't any particular grants for single mom. As far as we know, "Financial Aid" should be available at your college. If you are a full time or part time student - taking from 6 to 12 units per semester/quarter and you don't make much money per year. You're eligible for financial aid such as State grant (depends on each State), Federal grant, "work study", and loans.

You should ask your 'Financial Aid" to apply for it. It usually takes 6-9 months to get approve. However, the counselor should be able to assist you with more information. You can also apply for some kind of 'low-income' grant for student. Again, it depends on each State and school as well.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ - Financial Aid from U.S. Department of Education.

You can also try to contact the WIC program - http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ - The WIC program for women, infants & children. They offer variety of helps through local agencies & offices with toll free number & much more.

CFDA is a government-wide compendium of Federal programs, projects, services, and activities which provide assistance or benefits to the American public. It contains financial and non-financial assistance programs administered by departments and establishments of the Federal government.

Amy, I wish you the best and please let me know you are going to do it. Your son needs you. Don't ever forget that.

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