Dear Mr. President: A Single Mother's Message to President Barack Obama
61Please Listen to this While Reading this Hub...
Dear Mr. President Obama:
Like millions of Americans across the USA and abroad, I watched your inaugural speech from start to finish. I was amazed by your ability to express that sense of hope, strength and innovation to us, the American people. I would like to congratulate you on becoming the 44th president of the United States of America.
I've been out of work for almost six months now, things are getting pretty desperate. I'm writing this letter in response to your assertion that we, the American people can do what needs to be done to get ourselves out of this depression our country is facing. I'm personally here to tell you that unless the government steps up this will not be possible for my family.
I live in Chicago. I love Chicago, it is my home and I am very loyal to my neighborhood, my city, my state, however... the welfare system in IL seriously needs some restructuring. I appreciate the opportunities that are provided, the food stamps have been a real life-saver for us. I worked for a month in my community in order to receive a welfare check that I never got, though. Do you understand that, taking a month off of job-hunting in order to subjugate myself to sweeping floors and cleaning toilets never to have even gotten the help we so desperately need?
I was told I would be getting invaluable job training, unless they meant they would be training me to sweep and mop floors, I don't think they held up to their end of the bargain. I'm not looking for a hand-out. I need help. I have years of experience in the customer service field, but with the recession being what it is... jobs are just too scarce, applicants are just too many.
Other people were depending on me for that money I was expecting from the welfare office. I've gone to every McDonald's, Burger King and diner in my neighborhood looking for work. I am not above working any job at this point, as long as it is honest and pays. (Notice I didn't say "pays well." We've moved beyond being paid well at this point.) I am two months behind on my rent, and if things don't change soon, I'll be evicted, homeless and on the streets with my daughter.
Her father is currently unemployed as well, I haven't received child support from him in over a year. He has some issues I'd prefer not to air in this public forum. I do not know where he is or what he is doing.
When I went into the welfare office before I started doing community service I was told that I had to be there every day from nine in the morning until two in the afternoon. I wasn't told where I would be going, and as such, I asked if it would be possible for me to go between eight in the morning and one in the afternoon since I am the only one here who can pick my daughter up for school.
The woman taking my case under consideration told me if I didn't work the hours assigned, (which were not up for negotiation,) that I would not be paid. She then told me not to bother going through with it, if I couldn't do it. I hadn't responded yet, she just immediately gave up on me. How does welfare work if it doesn't allow single moms and dads to be available to pick up their kids? It seemed punitive to me, perhaps even a little backwards.
It turned out that I was able to work something out with the woman in charge of the office at the church I did community service for. They were wonderful people there, very friendly, dedicated and hard-working individuals. After being there for a couple of weeks my benefits were suspended, however, due to a missing piece of paperwork. Then, my paperwork at the church went missing. It took me three days, traveling back and forth to the DHS office, spending money I didn't have on bus fare before my food stamps were re-issued. As for my financial and medical benefits, who knows? I may see them, I may not.
It seems to me that in order for welfare to be truly beneficial to single parents we need to have a system in place that can provide a sense of security and appropriate job training and education when needed. Benefits shouldn't be pulled without a phone call or a letter explaining why and what is needed to re-instate them. Many of the caseworkers that are dealt with behave as if the money is being taken out of their own wallets or every case is a scam.
In this economy, sir, we are not trying to scam the system, we're just trying to not fall through the cracks. Failure is not an option for most of us. Please, help us help ourselves. Thank-you.
Participate!
Have you ever needed to collect benefits from the state to make ends meet?
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"I have years of experience in the customer service field, but with the recession being what it is... jobs are just too scarce, applicants are just too many." Don't you love it, with your customer service background, when you call one of your creditors to plead your case and have to tell a customer service rep in India that you are out of work? I too, have a very strong background in customer service. I truly do not appreciate being told by an Indian customer service rep that my unemployment is "unfortunate" and "not a problem".
I am pretty much in the same boat you are in except that I don't have a child. This is both good and bad. At least I am only responsible for myself;however, I am not eligible for anything! Have a look at my HUB:
Living On A Wish And A Prayerhttp://hubpages.com/hub/Living-On-A-Wish-And-A-Pra
These are small potatoes ways of making money, but they all work, and after 6 months, I am beginning to make enough money to just meet my bills.
I have also found a great resource for food: Angel Food Ministries. Look up AngelFood.com to see if it is available near you. Even though, it is food you buy, the prices are sharply discounted, and it is high quality food. One Angel Food box for $30 is more than I need for a month! This is open to anyone. There are no income requirements or requirements of any kind.
I expect great things of our new president. Surely, things will be better in days to come!
Grace & Peace,
Suzanne
ocbill: I don't know what can be done. I am putting a call out there to everyone to write a Hub, write your senator, write the president... tell anyone and everyone you know who is unemployed to keep the faith, keep looking and hold on tight. We have to work hard, we have to work together and we have to work smart. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment on my hub, ocbill, I really appreciate your thoughts on the matter. You raise some very interesting questions.
justmesuzanne: Thank-you so much for taking the time to read and comment. I completely agree with you and appreciate your link & information on One Angel Food box. I'm checking into it first thing. It's hard to understand why so many jobs are being shipped overseas. We're left with many Americans unable to afford to live here in America. Seems counter-intuitive!
It is short sighted corporate thinking that looks only for the dollars in their pocket and doesn't realize that they are killing the very consumers who ultimately keep them alive.
Absolutely, justmesuzanne! Let's all think on that for a few...
You know, you can actually send this to him:
EMAIL PRESIDENT OBAMA
http://change.gov/page/s/yourvision
You might even hear back!
:)
I know how hard it is to get government help. Many people don't realize what a headache it really is. You should e-mail him, atleast.
justmesuzanne: Oh, how awesome is that! Thanks so much for the link.
foxility: Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate it. I'm going to e-mail him!
Great! Can't wait to hear what he has to say! :D
It seems there are many, many hubbers already facing the harsh reality of this horrible economy. The beauty is this is such a caring and creative community. Sharing cost-saving ideas and links to resources and just general support so that when we're feeling panicked/frustrated/mad as hell there's a place where we can come and vent and learn from others. We may not be able to find actual real jobs for each other, but we can cheer each other through this. Sending you good job/money karma and lots of hugs and prayers. MM
Hi Nicole. This is painful to read --the realities of the economic meltdown are ever so harsher to hear when spoken not in the detached voice of TV anchors but in the heartfelt voice of citizens that suffer the real consequences.
It's really bleary the number of hubs that I get to read lately on this difficult topic and this difficult situation. I very much like the way you close your letter, "help us help ourselves" --I think it reflects what most people feel like, nobody is after a free ticket, just everyone would like to see a situation where honest hard work paid off, especially when everyone is ready to deliver on the hard work, there just doesn't seem to be any of it. When I think of the millions that have gone to bailouts and how unfair it is that honest citizens are stuck in the way to nowhere... makes me very sad and very mad.
I wish you the best, Nicole --thanks for sharing this.
You know, along with all the great ideas for mutual support that Mighty Mom mentioned, let's remember to go through each other's HUBs to get to Amazon to make purchases. Even if you don't buy the item featured on the HUB, a percentage of whatever you do buy will go to the Associate whose site you used to access Amazon. Checking out each other's Google Ad Sense ads would probably be a good idea, too!
:)
Nicole,
I'm not sure where to start. Being a single mom with a dead-beat dad is hard enough! For a woman who WANTS to work, has training and can't get a job, that is beyond depressing. I'm afraid that in your state, as in many, the "regulars" on welfare know best how to work the system and have nothing else to do all day long. For someone who isn't used to asking for help, we wouldn't know where to start to get a little help in between jobs.
I can tell from the way you write and the tone of your work that you are a bright woman who will end up on her feet. This economy sucks. I think the corporations get it pretty well, however. Their earnings are WAY down and nobody's shopping or buying. I really hope that things turn around in your area soon and you find your way back; I'm sure you will.
I'll say a little prayer for you, that someone will come along who sees your talent and hires you in a better job than you've ever had before. I wish that for you. Keep your head up. You'll be okay.
Madison
Everybody- Well, I wrote Mr. President Barack Obama. It was odd, because I've written every president at one time or another for the past... gee... since the first Bush was in office... Perhaps even going back to the Regan years... (I'm very involved in grassroots enviromental actions...) And I didn't get a "Hey, you wrote the President," confirmation letter. *shrug* We'll see if there's any response from his team. BTW, have any of you guys listened to the music I posted with this Hub? It's my friend Brandon, and it's absolutely fantastic. I thought it fit the tone of the hub / the hope for our new president and what kind of times he'll (we all hope) be turning us towards.
Mighty Mom- Aw, thanks, sweetie. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my hub. I love Hub Pages, the sense of community here is absolutely fantastic and heart-warming.
Elena.: I debated writing this hub because it is pretty depressing, but I really wanted everyone to know how I was feeling about the president and our current situation, economically. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, I really appreciate the well wishes and compliment.
justmesuzanne: Absolutely! I always have, I think everyone should. It's a great way for us to do a little bit for everyone here on Hub Pages. As always, thanks for the excellent suggestion!
Madison Parker: Aw, thank-you so much for being so supportive and complimentary. Everyone that I met through the welfare office who were regulars were very nice to me so I don't want to say anything mean about them, but my goodness, they definitely knew how to "work the system." I tried to learn from them, but ... I guess I'm just not used to asking or demanding, no matter what the circumstance. In a sense... I am very lucky, because I live in a huge city, so something has to turn up soon, hopefully. Thank-you again for taking the time to read, comment and more. I really appreciate it.
Hi - I never read the politiical hubs or stuff about President etc, but this was a great read and thanks. Very good hub!
Julie-Ann Amos: Thank-you so much, for taking the time to read comment and compliment.
Nicole, my heart goes out to you. Thanks for sharing your story and that wonderful song. I also believe that someone as intelligent and hard-working as yourself is bound to find success eventually, but I understand why it needs to be sooner than later. In difficult times, I often turn to affirmations for help. That way, I can focus on how much better I'll feel when things work out. A good one for you might be "I'm a money magnet." :) If you find yourself trapped in thinking patterns of worry or lack, an affirmation can help with rewiring your brain and boosting your spirits.
I wish you the very best of luck and I look forward to reading more of your hubs!
Hi Nicole
I had a lot of this stuff to contend with here in the UK in the 90s. Thank God that (so far) we're ok this time around, but my heart goes out to you, because it's so much tougher when you have a child to care for. You write beautifully and have such a positive attitude that I'm sure something will turn up trumps for you. Keep positive. There is a light on the horizon Maybe it's only a pinprick at the moment, but trust that the dawn always comes.
Hi Nicole
When I had 4 young children at one point we needed food stamps, but we didn't qualify because we hadn't had food for only 6 weeks and that wasn't long enough. Then my husband got a job of putting a window in for someone and the client gave him some money to pay for it. We banked it so the cheque would clear and we could buy the window. Guess what, they considered that to be our income and therefore again we did not qualify. Would not consider the fact that it was not our money, it was for the window so we could earn money that we had been paid for yet. We never ever qualified for food stamps.
I have never relied and will never rely on the government for anything and that is the way they have set it up. So as few people as possible will qualify.
Nicole Winter, I am sorry to hear things are going so badly for you. As others have noted, you are bright, an excellent writer, and hard working. I agree with all those who noted that you cannot rely on the government to help. I think that there are things that you can do to improve your situation, and I'll list some of them in hopes that it helps.
!) Consider moving out of Chicago to a place where the cost of living is lower. Chicago is a great city with great cultural attractions, but if there are no jobs there, it doesn't make sense to live there. You are a renter, so relocating should be much easier than for someone who owns a home. Don't limit yourself in your job search to your immediate vicinity. Search for jobs online.
2) Don't look only at salaries to determine whether a position is right for you. Look at perks. Some positions pay very little or nothing at all, but offer housing as one of the perks. Apartment managers often get an apartment to live in free of charge. Motel managers and workers sometimes have similar perks. Some people have invested in property that they can't rent out at the moment. Look into the possibility of becoming a housesitter. It doesn't pay, but having a free place to stay, often furnished and in excellent condition is nothing to scoff at. People who work at grocery stores sometimes get day old food for free. Money isn't everything. There are other ways to meet you basic needs without going on public assistance.
3) Trade for services and goods with other people in a similar situation. For instance, you don't necessarily have to hire a sitter. You can trade with another mother you know and trust, and on those days you cannot pick up your daughter from school, she can cover for you. On other days, you can cover for her.
4) Try to minimize your expenditures by growing you own food and trading with others for what you didn't grow.
5) Hobbies can become sources of income. Do you sew, knit, bake, or do something else that might be useful to others? Without an employer, and possibly without an exchange of money, you can turn these skills into something you can trade with someone else for a skill you don't have.
Hope this helps.
Your steadfast attitude is your best weapon in times like this. And when you do find a way (which I have no doubt you will) to get your head above water, it will be something you can tell your daughter to inspire her and thus arm her with the very same weapon for just in case.
MelissaG: Thank-you, *blush* ... I really appreciate your warm wishes, I thank you for taking the time to read and comment on my hub, your compliments really bolstered my spirits.
Amanda Severn: Thank-you, I am so happy that you managed to keep yourself afloat during the '90's in the UK and continue to do so. I appreciate your compliments, thank-you for taking the time to read and comment on my hub.
Jennifer Bhala Hansen: It's completely insane! I'm so sorry guys. Thank-you for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate you sharing your experiences with all of us. You're right, it's sad, but the government cannot be counted on for too much, I'm looking into some of the suggestions that Aya Katz and other hubbers have suggested, everyone has been so supportive, I really appreciate it. Keep clicking each other's ads ... we WILL get through and make it.
Aya Katz: Thank-you so much! I love your tips on how to make and save money, thank-you for reading and commenting. My roomate and I trade babysitting services, (she's been incredibly helpful,) and we're both looking into knitting and doing some baking. Everyone has been really supportive, I can't begin to explain how grateful I feel.
AngryITChick: w00t. Yeah, you heard me, w00t. Like I said, we will make it through this. Thank-you so much, I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment, my daughter has been fantastic through all of this, she's very mature for her age. I appreciate your warm wishes, good luck with everything here at Hub Pages.
Everyone: My apologies for taking so long in responding to everyone's incredible, thoughtful and helpful comments, I've been down with a bad cold and couldn't really focus on anything other than my pillow. I appreciate everyone's support, you have all been so fantastic, truly uplifting. My thoughts, wishes, hopes and prayers go out to everyone here who is going through the same thing. We will prevail against this tough economic crisis.
I'm in the same boat, (Titanic). Five months now, out of work. Hundreds of applications and even recieved more education. My son went to put in an application for three jobs open at Pet Smart. 1500 people showed up. I am looking into self employment.
I really wish you good luck and hope things will really change.
Tom Cornett: Ah, jeez. I'm so sorry guys. I hear you, self-employment sounds appealing with the way things are going. Thank-you for sending your good luck mojo, I'm projecting it right back to ya'all and everyone else who's sinking on the Titanic with us. Keep playing, things are bound to get better.
I really enjoyed reading this hub. I am a single father of 2 boys, and I pay child support on 2 others. So I see your side of things too. It is near impossible to make it in this economy. Here in Texas, they don't care if you have been a great father(or mother) they just want to try and squeeze blood out of a turnip...so to speak. My ex broke our divorce decree by moving further away than what the courts allow...yet they don't care. But, boy do I end up back in court if I miss child support. I can't get help(aid) from the government because I am still paying on back child support......it is a never ending battle. So, yes, I agree...our government needs to step up to the plate and help the honest hard working....down on our luck....AMERICAN.
rdgeiger: I'm sorry to hear of the predicament you are in, it sounds like you really have a lot on your plate. I wish you luck, I appreciate you coming by and sharing with us. I think there's a similar law here in IL that you cannot get aid w/o paying back child support.
A friend of mine didn't get her tax returns because her husband didn't pay child support, (or had some back due,) while they were separated. They got back together again and then had a mess to unravel when they filed jointly.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Nicole, Hey I get physic stuff from time to time I know this sounds mental, and I don't know where it comes from. I read the hub, and can see you working with flowers. I think its a Garden Centre. It is quite big, and you have several people that you are working with, one is a lady called Stace, or something like that the other has fair hair and is sort of nordic germanic. Anyway what I am saying is you do get full work. and childcare is nearby. So check out Garden centres this one has a pair of Big Galvanised Steel gates. Let me know.
mandybeau: Wow... seriously? Thanks, I will start looking around, I appreciate your insight. There aren't a whole lot of garden centers in the city proper so that means either it'll be really easy to find or perhaps I'm due to be moving sometime in the future. Very interesting! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, I appreciate your insight & I'll let you know if anything shows up!
Good luck and hopefully the President can bring more than just hope. So far, it looks like he alone is the only one trying.
Thanks, bgpappa! I appreciate you coming by and taking the time to stop by and comment. Yes, the President does seem like he's the only one with a plan, everyone else is just blowing smoke.
You brought tears to my eyes with this. I am also a single Mom and I fear being in your situation.
You have a lot going for you...so keep going. Hopefully mandybeau will be right and soon you will be smelling the roses!
I did use the link to write to the President.
Best Wishes!!
Aw, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry! Thanks for reading and commenting, k@ri, I really appreciate it. Times are really tough right now, but things are bound to look up if we all just keep our nose to the grindstone. Thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it. Happy to hear that you wrote the President!
I hope Your situation has improved. I feel for you in the hurdles you have to jump because of policys which are senseless at best and then having to deal with people who could give a damn. As long as programs are here to help people or just ay type of government agency to request any information, if people are not held accountable, then the true purpose in helping or getting things done to satisfaction is lost. Hand in there because sometimes that's all you can do.
laringo: Thank-you for your thoughtful comments. We're all hanging in here hand in hand, you're right, it's all we can do right now. I appreciate you taking the time to read and comment on my hub, as always I value your imput, laringo!
ocbill says:
11 months ago
There are a lot of people in dire needs, multiple families living together, layoffs by the thousands in a day. What can be done OR is it business as usual in the white house. The Senate and House will just stall as usual unless something dramatic happens. People really need to voice their opinions even stronger. 8% unemployemnt and we know that is higher around 14%+ as self-employed or 1099 people are never counted. I hope it works out for everyone.