Resources For Single Parents Offer Educational Bounty!

Article by Natasha Bright

With the current economy, many a working mother realizes that the one surefire way to improve her family’s lot is to continue her education. With her improved situation in life, she in turn can apply that to her family, helping the country in the process. Still, and this includes single fathers, it seems hard enough holding down a job and rearing one’s children. As it happens, there is more help than most know.

Over the last several years a number of federal agencies, as well as private corporations and charities, realize helping single parents helps the country as a whole. In turn, they have set up all manner of financial assistance that will not only cover tuition and fees, but such basics as child care, rent and more.

An ideal place to start is with a career counselor at an online college. As many know, e-learning allows a student to take their classes around such important things as holding down a job and taking care of one’s family. The parent also saves money as these institutions traditionally cost much less than their on campus counterparts. The counselor also can help in such matters as finding financial assistance for tuition, as well as fundamental costs such as child care and rent.

From there, it’s important the future student fill out a Free Application for Free Student Aid (FASFA) form. With this, one will show a parent’s financial situation, thus making it easier for many of the following institutions to decide how much they are going to provide in scholarships, grants and more. From there, it’s time to approach a number of other operations such as:

HUD Section 8 & TANF – A key federal department to approach is the Housing and Urban Development agency. They created Section 8, a program that will help pay rent and housing assistance. Also the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will supply short term handouts for basic costs, particularly if the funds go towards children.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – This federal organization has two very important policies for a working parent. The first is Kids Now! It provides free or low-cost health insurance to children. Another policy available is the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This will provide assistance with utility bills, particularly when children are part of the equation.

Private Charities – National organizations such as the Sunshine Lady Foundation and CoAbode are also out there to help parents achieve their goals. Just remember each one offers specific assistance for different groups. For example, Sunshine Lady helps educate victims of domestic violence by enabling them to continue their education. CoAbode teams up single parents with others to share housing and expenses.