This is for all the single working moms out there trying to support their children.
It has recently come to my attention that there are some resources, for single moms but there is still a great need for more services, or resources that really need to be available. One of them would be after hours school care. There are some resources available, but more are needed, especially for the mom's who cannot afford much. A struggling mom, who is working to support her children, and has one or more children, just cannot afford to pay for after school care, there is some help available, but not to all.
My example is that there are some moms who seem to make more money on paper, but actually are just getting by, just scraping by, pay cheque to pay cheque, not getting help from former partners, or spouses. Our government in their wisdom has put a cutoff point to subsidized day care, and how much a person makes determines whether or not they qualify for support in this area. However there is a shortfall.
I know of a mom who makes just over the amount specified, but still not enough to pay for the after school care. My concern is what happens to these children who need care, are they are left a home alone, sometimes, because a single working mom cannot afford to pay the going rate?
The mom is trying to support her children on what sounds like a lot, but in actual fact is very little, especially when there is food, rent, utilities, car insurance, gas for the vehicle, and clothing, etc, to be all gotten by one person. So I am asking a question that needs to be addressed, what about the working poor?
We very seldom hear about this, but it is a reality, in fact a growing reality. I am asking our community to help out. We have many churches, and organizations that need to step up to the plate, so to speak. If we say that we are trying to help, and in fact are, then please tell me where a struggling single mom can go to get help?
We can go around knocking on doors, to give good news, but how about actually helping others, how about putting our faith into action, where it really counts. How about doing something really practical, and worthy, for those in need. Could not a church or churches get together to form a place where these children could go, for after school care? There could be a donation that the mom's could make, and maybe some could take turns helping out, etc. I am sure something could be done. Also another help would be to have community gardens specifically for single mom's, that are working, a bit of land could be donated, and they could work it, grow food, and then put it away, either by canning it up, freezing it or just having fresh veggies for their families for the spring time and summer. There is a wide strip of land that could be used for this, it is not being used for anything else, it is on Massey drive, just across from Connaught hill.
It could be run by volunteers, and kept up, and tidy, and in good order, where it would actually beautify the area. I believe that people should and can help each other, I am willing to do my part, and take some responsibility towards helping out wherever I can. I just need the resources to do so. Prince George could be doing so much more for these hard working single moms who need some support, and who are willing to give back. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Erica Nix
Prince George
