Would You Help a Family in Need.....

At the angel food ministries website you can order one weeks worth of food for a family of 4 for $30.

http://www.angelfoodministries.com/

Give us a little help here. where are you? Town? what kind of help do you need. I can point you in some directions in my town.

Let us know where you live. I have plenty of 24 mos and under clothes for girls.

Hang in there and take care.

L.,

I completely understand your situation. I was there last year 2008, and things are really really tight this year. I don't know how old your kids are... but here are some things you can do to get help fast.

1. Call 211 from any land line this is LA County's source for assistance. Ask about help with bill (electric, gas, phone). Also rent payment assistance.

2. If your kids are school age - LA county schools offer free breakfast and lunch programs. All you have to do is fill in the form and say that you have No Income.

3. Check your local Boys and Girls Club. They usually have after-school and/or daycare for kids at a very reduced rate. It can be reduced further if you talk to a supervisor about being unemployed. Last year I paid $30 for the year, and $15 a day for "early care" so I could go to interviews.

4. WIC is very good for kids under 5. You will get formula, milk, cheese, eggs and peanut butter or beans.

5. Contact your local church a large church usually has more community outreach programs. There's no harm in getting the yellow pages and just calling and asking if they have any programs to help single moms with no income.

6. Call EDD make sure you have filed your Unemployment claim. If you have already filed and its been over 2 weeks and you haven't received anything call and ask for status.

7. Go to your local Social Services (welfare) office, you can find a location in the front of the yellow pages usually - under government -apply for food stamps, and GR cash aid. Also apply for help with Childcare costs. You might have to change childcare providers -- but they might be able to pay the whole bill?! http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/PG55.htm web address to find location.

8. http://www.socialwelfareservices.org/California/Inglewood... listed all kinds of social services in your area. Just call and ask..its hard but you can do it.

9. Also I'm not sure what type of work you used to do, but if you can type minimally you can get temp work with temp agencies, Try Kelly, AppleOne they have the most clerical type jobs. Some Temp jobs turn permanent that's what happend with me last year. Also Monster.com - Hotjobs.com
good websites for work.

I know you must be scared its really hard to ask for help I'm sorry I can't do more to help - I will keep you and your kids in my prayers.

L.

If any of your children are under 5 you can qualify for WIC (Woman Infant Child Program)... Government program that will provide you with nutritious food like milk, cheese, peanut butter, beans, juice etc. search for an office in your area. good luck

L.,

I'm interested in helping you, but could use more info in what you need, the ages of your kids, and where you live so that I could mail you gift cards to stores. This has been my Christmas wish this year that all kids have a gift for Christmas, I know that Christmas has past but I'd still like to help you out. Please tell me stores that you shop at so that I know where to get gift cards too. May God bless you and your family and may this year be a better year for all of us. J.

Hello L.. Just wanted to say in answer to your question, yes, I would. I am also a single mother. I have two children, ages 17 and 12, with one on the way. I was laid off from my job in May of this year, and have been out of work since. I have had to rely on unemployment as my source of income ever since. I applied for food stamps, hoping to get some kind of relief fron these outrageous food prices, but was turned down because my unemployment is "too much". One thing I was able to do was qualify for WIC. I don't know how old your children are, mine are too old to qualify, but by being pregnant, I qulaify. I get milk, cereal, juice, cheese, eggs, and peanut butter. It really helps out. The other thing I did was to call HEAP (the Home Energy Assistance Program) in my area. They help once a year with a utility bill. I chose help with my electric bill over the summer, because it was outrageous. That was a donation of almost $200.00 that was paid directly to SCE on my behalf, which helped tremendously. Additionally, my son's school knows of my financial situation, and he qualified for free breakfast and lunches now. Because they know, they REALLY try to help in every was possible. They set up a meeting for me to get my kids signed up for Medi-Cal (again, I don't qualify for Healthy Families, but this time it's because I make about a dollar less monthly than the minimum required amount, by their standards(, and even signed us up for food boxes at Thanksgiving and Christmas, which was a total surprise! In comclusion, I'm not sure what kind of donations you need, but be specific, don't be afraid to ask for help. You'd be surprised what people can do, and if it's not someone you know, then Craigs List and Freecycle.com are great places to start looking for great free stuff. Best of luck to you and hang in there :)

You should stop by your local church. Most have special funds set aside to help people in your situation. Good luck. I'm sure things will turn around for you.

Hi L., You'd be amazed at how many people would help someone in your situation. Check with your church first. Most have food banks if that's what you need? Also contact your social services office for cash aid, child care help ANYTHING!! I haven't quite been in your shoes, but I do know how hard it is right now and I know how hard it is to take of three kids on your own!! I have been there!! It really all depends on what type of help you need. I could help you if I knew what you needed. Contact me anytime.
____@____.com Bless.

HI, Have you tried the Salvation Army,or Food Bank. Also try Catholic charities. You will have to do a search for that on the internet. If you are a member of a church they maybe able to help you too. IF you have any children under 5 WIC is available and they can give you info for services to help you as well. Hope that helps and I will you the best.
Y.

If any of your children are under 5 years of age, your local WIC office can provide food coupons (milk, cereal, cheese, peanut butter).

Angel Food Ministries has low cost food boxes ($30 for food for a family of 4 for 1 week).

Healthy Families for insurance for the children.

Talk to an administrator at your children's school regarding meals. Many schools provide discounted breakfasts and lunches.

If you attend a church, talk to someone there. If you do not, go to your local church and speak with someone to see if they have assistance available.

L.,

Try dialing 211 in your city and they should be able to help you. Also try your local churches and police department for referal services.

Please be sure to post the types of needs you have and the ages/gender of your children, maybe someone who reads this can donate clothing or toys for your children.

Good luck and please post updated information.

Also, be sure to apply for unemployment, food stamps, wic, etc. When we there is a need like this put your pride aside and use the resources that are available to you.

C.

Hi L.,
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles right now. How old are your children? What kinds of items are you looking for? Where do you live? I might be able to help and I would love to if I can. Write back when you have a chance.

God bless you,
Y.

http://angelfoodministries.com/

They are a lifesaver for those of us in your position. Also local churches can help too.

Hi L.,
What is it that you need?? My family and I don't have much but we might be able to help with some minor stuff. Please send me a message if you like.
Be Strong and Stay Faithful.

Please give more details - such as what you need for children what ages?

Do you need food? Warm clothing? Shoes?

As far as basic expenses go, call your utility companies and ask about low-income assistance programs.

contact your local Salvation Army - that's what they're there for :) Good luck and God Bless!

L., Where are you located?

L.,

This time of year especially there are lots of organizations that would help you and your family. What part of town are you in? There are churches, community groups, charities, all within Los Angeles that have lots of generous supporters who could probably help you. Also, what type of work do you do? Maybe someone on the listserve could refer you for work somewhere. Please leave a little more information so you can receive the right type of assistance for you and your children.

Hi L.,

My name is Sita Helms. I am the Director of Helping Hand Worldwide. We advocate for Moms, kids, Seniors and Military families. We receive food donations from stores. You can email me at ____@____.com to find a location near you. We are happy to help any one who needs food, clothes or a referral to an agency in your area.

Please do not hesitate to call on us we are happy to help.

I am a stay at home mom who started this group. We now have 95 volunteers and pick up food in south OC 7 days a week. In 2008 we have received close to 2 million dollars worth of food donations (in kind) from stores.

We have plenty of food and would like to make sure you and your family eat a balance diet.

With Every Best Wish!

Sita Helms

L., As you can see, there are several people who want to help you. We really need you to update your original message with: ages & genders of your children (perhaps even their clothing sizes), what area you live in, and if there are specific things you need. We are all anxiously waiting to hear from you and to help you. Peace and Love to you, B. C

Hello L.. I have looked at the responses that all the other moms have posted, and they were exactly the information that I was going to give you. Please don't ever be afraid to ask for help because the ones who will suffer from it all is your children. This is why mamasource.com is here....... I know the moms here on mamasource will try to help out as much as they can, I will too. Do you have a list of items that your children and you may need? I know I live in a totally different state but I can still try to help as much as I can. Just go to the programs that some of the moms gave you information about and see what they can. It may not be a lot, but it can help. And through it all, keep your faith in God and watch him work through so many people. Some you may know, and others you may not(moms on mamasource and the assistance programs) If you can please give us a list of items that your family need and we'll see what we can do. May God bless you in this time of need and forever!

Im not exactlysure where you are located but there are Rescue Missions in both Los Angeles and Orange County ( I think Santa Ana). They can provide you with options as can local churches who do a lot to help people who need food, sheltering and clothing. I know of a church in Garden Grove on Magnolia called Friends Bible Church or something like that, they provide lunch on Thursdays and send people off with bags of food. I know this happens all over the place so please ask around and call your local churches. Also look at applying for WIC and food stamps temporarily to get you thru. May God bless you.

L., in what city are you located? People are more likely to help a "neighbor".
Go to Golden Share Foods on the web - you can order food for your family if you are near one of their locations. Very economical and highly recommended.

L.,

If you are in the Pasadena, CA. area, Child Care Informtion Service may have a program to assist you and your children in this situation. Please call ###-###-#### and ask for the children in crisis coordinator or go to 2465 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA. There are also several community programs to assist families in need, including the Salvation Army. There is no shame in asking for help.

how old are your children? are they boys or girls? and what types of things do you need for them? There are many places that you can go to for help, depending on your situation. There are shelters that are specifically for women and children and you can go to the Department of Public Social Services and apply for Cash Aid or other services until you get another job. They can also help you to get child support, if that is an option. If you have a baby boy, I can give you books, toys, clothes, some of it new, most of it hardly used, and new shoes. Let me know.
Blessings to you and your family!

Hi! if you live in Cali you can call 211 and it takes a few minutes but they will answer follow the promps and they will be able to help you. I send you my blessings L. to you and your family.

Hi, L.,

Could you tell me where you are, the ages of your kids and what you need?

Lynne E

Social services. And L., you tell them whatever it is you need to say to make them give you the full benefits availabe. Be wise before you answer or fill out income forms. Make it the worst you can. You have to...they are predudiced and will not give an inch when you deserve it so butter it up and walk in there and get what is coming to you for those babies.

Wendy

Hello L.!
I'm sorry for your losses. Yes I do believe in helping others. I can donate some clothing items and maybe a gift card. I woulg like to get your childrens age and clothing sizes. I can see what I can do. I would start by filing for unemployment or pulic asst. If you'd email me directly to my email address @ ____@____.com I hope I can be of some help. The LOrd will answer you prayers if you ask him. Don't give up faith!!
Sincerely,
M.

Hi L.,

I have boy clothes size 4T and some shoes size 9 and some boys toys, I was going to give them to Goodwill today (making room for the new xmas clothes and toys) but I'd be more than happy to bring them to you instead. Also I have some non-perishable foods I could give you too. As a single mom myself, I have been in your shoes. I ran out of gas on my way to work a few months ago trying to eek out the last bit of fumes the day before payday (of course) and didn't make it. A complete stranger found me stranded on the side of the road and brought me a few gallons of gas. I am forever grateful that God sent me that individual. During your darkest days an angel will find you. God bless you sweetie and don't ever give up hope.

Sincerely,
Jenn

L.,
I'm so sorry to hear you are in this position right now. A lot of good suggestions already, and any large local church is definitely a good one, but no one mentioned a few resources I know of...
* L.A. Rescue Mission, they specifically have programs for women!
* Toberman House in San Pedro
* Harbor Interfaith Shelter
* LOVE INC (in San Pedro I think?)

If you want or need further info on these resources, like phone numbers, please email me, and I can look into it.
Tara

Hi L.-

What do you need exactly and I will send you what I can.

Blessings to you...

L.

L.,

How old are your children? What type of items are you in need of? Toys, clothes, shoes? Big or small, please list some of the items you need. Are you willing to accept gently used items? You can reply on this website or even more directly to my personal email ____@____.com. I can't promise anything, but I will do my best to help. I have a 2 yr. old girl and I have lots of toys and clothes for a young child. I also have some casual clothes and a few professional pieces of clothing in size 6-8 that were mine and are very gently used. If none of these items work for you list what you are looking for and I will do everything I can to help.

T.
____@____.com

I am sure money would help her. I almost positive that is what she is asking for.

It is incredible to see all these moms lining up to help you. I'd love to be one of them, too. Please be sure to let us know what city you're in, etc. so we can help with clothing, food, etc.
Things will get better so never give up!

Love Inc of the South Bay
310-831-LOVE ###-###-####)

---------------------------

Grateful Hearts Storehouse
3838 /3842 Cerritos Ave.
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
###-###-####

Food Distribution:
No walk-ins, please make an appointment for one of the following days:
Wednesdays , Thursdays & Sundays
Closed Monday and Friday

Dear L.,
How old are your kids? What sizes? Where are you located? Stay strong and believe! Angels are watching over you. Merry Christmas
R. Romero

How old are your children? I have baby girl clothes that I was going to donate to the Womans Care Cottage. They are in North Hollywood. Look into that organization for yourself as well. Good luck to you.
Here is my email address if you have a baby girl who needs clothes. ____@____.com

L. ~ I have been where you are, and I KNOW how hard this time can be. You could look into WIC for food for the kids, and Medi-Cal for health insurance (those two things SAVED me & my boy). Good luck to you, mama

Try going to www.freecycle.org
It's a place where you can get needed items for free...it's a "donation" site which allows people to recycle what they have and letting it help others.

Also, contact your unemployment office... right away.
Also, contact any community service organizations or social service organizations in your area for any assistance... or medical/dental coverage. It will take research, but it is out there.

Also, tell your parents/family about your situation, I"m sure they can provide some sort of support in terms of helping with your children, or clothing/food etc.
How about your friends? Or local church?

All the best, and take care,
Susan

The OC Rescue Mission may be a place to start. Their address is One Hope Drive, Tustin. And the toll-free numbervis (800) 663-3074. I hope this helps!