Forgive me for posting a non lyme related plea here, but I am at a loss for what to do. I thought maybe turning to my main support system, the Lyme community, might be a start.
I am a social worker and I have a family in dire need I have worked with for about five years. In all likelihood, many of them are infected, but we don't know.
The mom just two weeks ago took a very brave step in asking Dad, who has been abusive for years, to leave. Mom is now on her own with five young children.
She is feeling desparate, somewhat suicidal, and very alone. She very much wants to make it on her own away from this abusive environment.
I am wondering if anyone is able to help, or has any ideas. She lives in Massachusetts. She is in desparate need of:
1. School supplies, all five start school next week 2. School clothes 3. Payment of her electric bill; electricity is about to be shut off (I don't know how much she owes) 4. Rent money,very behind in rent
If anyone has decent kids clothes that are in style but outgrown, willing to donate a gift card to Walmart, Target, Old Navy, or Bob's Stores, CVS, PLEASE email me at [email protected].
Also if anyone reading this lives in the Central Massachusetts area, and would be willing to befriend this woman for support, that would be wonderful. She is not the needy/clingy type, more the type to isolate. She is a very nice woman,intelligent but has struggled her whole life.
Thank you. Please shsre this if you have any ideas, such as taking up a collection at work,, etc.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Wow... I'm so broke this month, I can't help... But I will contact you next month and do what I can.
Sounds like she really needs the help and it's nice that we know from YOU that she's worthy of it.
I hope things work out well for her.
For those who live in MA, maybe you could give sizes of clothing needed.
Hugs to you and to this woman! Thanks for trying to help her. Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
i'm sorry but i don't have kids, but if you let me know i'll pitch in and send school supplies.
may not be a lot and i am totally clueless but if you can tell me what to do, i'll be glad to ups a package for her.
Posted by QuietFury (Member # 15829) on :
I spent most of my life in Massachusetts and they always had good programs available for women in need. There is a state run program (I'm sorry but I can't remember what it was called) that would pay utility bills for those in need in order to keep their heat & electricity on (especially when kids are involved). At that time, the family did not need to be on Welfare to receive those benefits. Of course, being a social worker, you probably have access to all that information, so I'm not telling you anything new.
How about local churches? Many of them have low-profile programs to help the needy.
Some schools offer help for families in crisis. If the mom calls her kids' schools, the faculty may be able to help with supplies. Back when I was a hair stylist, one of my clients was having a difficult time. She notified her daughter's school and the girl was given school supplies. The teachers also got together and got her some clothes. It's worth a try!
Also, Craig's List (craigslist.org) has a free section, as well as a barter section. Lots of people give away clothes their kids have grown out of, furniture, etc. And since it lists by area, she can pick it up and not pay shipping costs.
I'd love to help but I'm currently wading in credit card debt from way too many stupid doctors and useless treatments (prior to my lyme diagnosis). But if the woman is looking for a penpal to vent to, I'm up for that. Just let me know.
I truly hope things work out for her.
Darcie
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
TRACY, KUDOS TO YOU FOR TAKING THIS ON AND HELPING WHERE NEEDED AS USUAL!!
go to my newbie package link below, and print off FINANCIAL BURDENS compiled by melanie reber ...
pages 73 - 91 ....great tips there!!!
i hope MASS. MEMBERS reach out to this family in need!
god bless you tracy for just being YOU! Posted by shazdancer (Member # 1436) on :
If the husband is gainfully employed, she should be able to get child support before any kind of legal separation or divorce, even if she also has a court order barring him from seeing them, or only seeing them with supervision. Call the local shelter for the names of good lawyers and good resources who know the laws in these areas, so she can get the assistance she needs.
Best of luck to her,
Sharon
Posted by proudmom (Member # 15532) on :
I went through the very same thing except I only had 3 children. The emotional toll on mom is horrible.
Depending on the ages of the children they too will be going through quite an emotional time.
She really needs to be in touch with a single parent support group or some type of counseling for the abusive relationship she and her family had.
I found a really helpful web site that maybe you can look into for her or have her look into some of the resources listed there.
I was able to get school supplies through my childrens school and one of the local churches.
Truly wish I could help more,
proudmom
Posted by Tracy9 (Member # 7521) on :
Thanks so much for all the suggestions, I am passing them all on to her.
Husband doesn't work, so no child support. I know she has contacted welfare, and I suggested she contact the local domestic violence program as well.
I haven't seen her in about a year, since I used to go there and do home visits but have been too sick to do so. I am going to do what I can with her over the phone and get there if I can. I would love to see them get help from a local agency but she is distrustful; however clearly I cannot provide all that she and the kids need, especially with the distance.
Again, if anyone can mail her a gift card, I will privately give you her contact information. Thank you so much for all the ideas, and Randibear for sending her a WalMart gift card!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Your kindness is heart warming, Tracy.
I've sent this post out to people on my email list. Hopefully that will help get the children some of the supplies they need.
Thank you for caring.
Posted by Lymeblue (Member # 6897) on :
Tracy what size aprox? How many boys and girls??? How big??? I would like to know more about this before shipping stuff.
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
Thanks for trying to help her. ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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