I know I have walked into this divorce thing without being financially stable but I cannot stay with my ex. So I have applied for Food Stamps and Cash Assistance. But they say I probably make too much for a family of 3! I dont make enough to sustain much of anything. Havent gone to court for child support yet so I am suffering. He still doesnt have a job so he cant pay me much of anything. Im almost out of gas, have some food, wasnt able to get my son much of anything for his birthday today. Got him two books. Was able to make him a Cake. Im trying to sell things I dont need like workout equipment and my gold canyon candles that I dont like and never have used. I use to sell it and really suck at it. Never made much of anything. So I dont know what to do. I would rather spend money for food on my kids then myself. They are more important then myself right now.  Im even trying to sell my wedding rings. Im just so angry about everything right now.

Vineyard Christian North Phoenix runs a great foodbank on their campus. They don't turn anyone away for "making too much". They also have clothes and such if the kids need something new for school. Cross streets are 67th Ave and Peoria. Web address is vineyardnorthphoenix.com The Compassion Ministry is only open specific days and times so I would check the site first. Hope it helps.

Awww, keri, you have been through so much in the past year......I am sorry the hardship continues. Please check out stephs suggestion, any little bit helps. Also, you might want to check with some local churchs. Around here at our church, we have what is called a discretionary fund and it is designed for people that approach the pastor and ask him to help pay rent, food, etc to help get back on their feet. I know that last month we helped a single mom family pay rent and get food, it was like 500.00 for her. Check into that and see if your state or area has something like that. Good luck to ya and I will be praying for you.

KERI YOU ARE STARTIN OVER  AND NOW W 2 GROWING KIDS... IN A TUFF ECONOMY TO BOOT    YET  YOU'RE ALSO ON A GRAND NEW ADVENTURE .. DISCOVERING  HOW TO STRETCH THAT BUDGET !!! YOU KNEW IT WOULD BE A CHALLENGE AND YOU WERE BRAVE ENUFF TO TAKE THE PLUNGE ... IM BELIEVING A NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSE IS BEING READIED  FOR Y'ALL AND PETS ,  ANDMORE , Its   TIME FOR KIDS TO BABYSIT, CUT GRASS , DO ODD JOBS TO HELP W EXPENSES!!! WE DID IT   AS KIDS , OUR KIDS DID IT AS KIDS ... AND  IT TEACHES TEAMMANSHIP, AND PULLS YALL TOGETHER AS TEACHES REALITY ECONOMICS ...  I had to  help buy my books  I treated em better then too ... I had to help w clothes, my lunches   ect...  I had to BANK some as did my kids ... and Gary and I Both tried to get few things for families ... Not abusing just Teaching   and being Family  and learning to NOTICE how hard our divorced parents worked  to care for all of us .. , tried to teach my girls how hard dad AND MOM worked to support them ..  Now I see great work , share w each other ethics

Keri Im sorry that you are going through this. I know that things will get better but try to hang in there. Its a good thing you can come in here and vent and that you have many of us that love you and love to help you too. I have been through the same when I was younger. Its very hard and depressing but you will see that God will not let you down and you will come out of it just fine. I say you need to try to get all the suport you can. If not from the goverment then try the churches, the food banks, im sure that there are other places there that can help you. Once you know it yur kiddos can start getting a little part time job and help themselves with  little things they need. I think its harder when you gro trhough this with smaller children. I know you are a fighter and you will be just fine. Good Luck and if you need help I will gladdly help you.

Keri, I jsutwanted to say you can do it! hang in there. my momma did it.

Holly is right the kids are old enoguh now to do odd jobs to give them money... I wouldn't recommend having them buy things for the house and such because they might see that as your responsibility.... I know I did... I remember my mom asking me for money to by something for the house and I was like hell no this is my money! I realize now that it wasnt the right thing to do but I was a young teenager and not willing to part with my hard earned cash I dont figure most teens woudl willingly part with money easily though...

at any rate...my point here is hthat you can do it... look at the bright side.... there is always one of those.... some times you have to take off the poo colored glasses to see it though.

thanks all.

i will look around for food banks on my end of town. Driving to peoria is a LONG ways away and with the gas prices right now thats just not feesable. I know there is a United Way food bank and I will just stop by there later to see what they can give me. I aint giving up. Im just frustrated.

AHH- With me working we are slowly climbing out of our rut.  It is Hard!!!!!

I say having the kids get a job is a great idea- if nothing more for them to buy clothes and any other stuff they might need.  What about a moonlighting job???  Something once or twice a week? 

Well with my own schedule at work its not normal. I work 72 hrs a week but different days. Im just gonna have to pick up more hours at work.

Keri Can you rent a room at your house perhaps to a coworker?? Jst a thought   I have no idea how many bedrooms you have ..