“There are many services, but it’s very disconnected. “A single parent raising young children on their own — they often have a minimum-wage job, no paid sick leave and no safety net. more than 16 million U.S. parents with no spouse raising children younger than 18, one-in-five children (21%) are living with a solo mother. And that’s perfectly acceptable, says Regan. Employers need to understand the struggles of single parents. But if you have a grip on your time, the chaos goes down and your quality of life goes up. “You don’t have to be a statistician to know the people who currently have paid sick days are often those who least need it,” she said. However, many of those mothers go on to hold low-paying jobs; 40 percent of single mothers across the U.S. are working minimum-wage jobs. She was finally free, but now she was on her own with a growing family. Parents Without Partners is a mutual-support organization giving parents … Rowley, now 59, returned and told them, “I thought you might see it my way.”. This year I will save around $2,000,” she says. Anticipate your boss's concerns or fears and be ready to address them. It was a shocker. Jackson’s involvement caught the attention of Just Harvest, and they hired her to do welfare advocacy for them. Arnet said withholding paid sick leave from a single parent puts them in an unreasonable situation. Her eldest child was in … “There’s an assumption of, ‘You’re beneath me; you’re guilty; you’re lying about something.’ You’re made to feel like a criminal when you haven’t done anything wrong,” said Jackson, who just turned 45. They work together to provide kids with food over the summer months through various food banks and other programs. Studies find that the majority of professional moms prefer to work — but also identify the ideal work situation to include more family time and a flexible schedule. It’s a challenge for me to walk upright. “Single moms: You are a doctor, a teacher, a nurse, a maid, a cook, a referee, a heroine, a provider, a … Suggest a trial run. SUNBURY – A single mom of two, struggling to find a job, and who doesn’t speak English well, is turning to the Needy Family Fund for the first time this holiday season. Diana Fishlock, deputy press secretary at Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services, says the best way to get connected to the ELECT program is through a high school’s nurse. And since traveling is part of her job, she’s learned to rely on a network of helpers—her siblings, parents and friends, among others. If one of our stories has made you think, brought light to something you’d wondered about, surprised you, made you want to share it with a friend or kept you informed about an important issue, will you consider supporting our work with a gift? The COVID-19 crisis hasn’t been easy for anyone, but if you’re a single parent, this time is more challenging than ever. When you’re juggling the same responsibilities that dual-working-parent households face, but all on your own, it can be very challenging, says Brie Reynolds, senior career specialist for FlexJobs, a platform for finding remote and flexible work. With work/life balance already a tricky concept for married couples who work, it’s even more of a challenge for those of you doing it on your own. A significant share of single mothers and women of color hold minimum-wage jobs without stable work schedules or sick days. They also have to manage evolving expectations: Many workplaces expect employees to be available around the clock at the same time mothers are expected to be increasingly hands-on with their children. Leahy says one perk that she takes advantage of is a flexible spending account through TD Bank for her child care. With no one to share your daily responsibilities or decision-making, you often feel guilty about leaving your kids in the morning. A family of three gets $403 a month at most from TANF. Join our discussion on Facebook. Recruiters search Monster every day looking to fill top jobs with qualified candidates, just like you. “I haven’t slept in four days, but I’m still going. “The first step is basically trying to map out where all the services are,” said Heather Arnet, the foundation CEO. You're a single mom. Are you a single mom? Will you be more focused, have more energy, be more productive?” says Reynolds. At home, I take care of the kids, cleaning, and cooking, but I also grade, lesson plan, and answer emails. Each mom has to navigate a complex system on her own.”. 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). KEYS: The Keystone Education Yields Success program helps TANF and SNAP recipients attend community college. It was there that she met social workers from Just Harvest, a Pittsburgh advocacy group that seeks to eliminate hunger and poverty. I try to connect them with the real stories,” Jackson said. She dressed her young boys, took them to the welfare office and sat them on the counter. She currently holds a full-time job with Just Harvest, two part-time jobs, and is working on a master’s in business administration at Carlow University. 2. You might also consider nontraditional work situations such as scaling back to part-time hours, while supplementing your income with freelance work that you can do on your own time—that is, if it makes sense for you. In Monster’s survey, 75% of respondents said they will ask about an organization’s policy on flexible work schedules before getting a job offer (22% in the screening call, 53% in an interview). Daycare today is extremely expensive. $500 Monthly Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant. Finding affordable daycare so that … Add studying to the mix and it's a whole new level of juggling. Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. But she was surprised to find the caseworker judging her clothes and manicure. His plan would extend WIC benefits for children until the age of 6. “Single mothers are screwed because there aren’t enough hours in the day to do all these things,” said Brush, author of “Poverty, Battered Women, and Work in U.S. Public Policy.”. When she returned home, there was a message waiting for her to come and get her kids, as well as her benefits. Assistance With Day Care. By continuing, you agree to Monster's privacy policy, terms of use and use of cookies. Beyond that, read company reviews and explore company social media pages to discover what values they highlight, and what their employees are saying about them. She knew moms who went off WIC benefits because of the local office closing. Other efforts by state legislators to improve outcomes for single moms include an outreach group investigating the state’s poverty trends and the Earned Income Disregard program, which helps people on assistance receive benefits for a short period after they get a job, making it easier to transition to self sufficiency. Please support our coverage of the Pittsburgh region. About 40 percent of single moms in Pennsylvania are in poverty; more than 30 percent of women going it alone are unemployed, according to Census data. Yes, everyone thinks it is your fault – it was your stupid choice which … Struggles of Being a Single Mom. "It's so hard to know if you're doing a good job," says Cavaricci. Balance as a single mom is tough. One of the most expensive parts of the process for single mothers is health care. “Take a look at the company’s website, and review areas that speak to the company’s workplace culture and benefits,” she says. Qualifications are simple: 1. Single mothers who struggle to provide for their children and offer them a good education know that the work they do is more important than a career or any other form of success that only speaks about external validation. A confirmed COVID-19 variant case found in Pennsylvania. Single moms — of whom there are at least 318,500 in Pennsylvania alone — have become a scapegoat for a variety of social problems. Philadelphia passed a paid sick leave law that took effect in May. Our families, Our future foundation is designed to shape a community in which all kids can unleash their full potentials. Because every family’s dynamic and financial situation is different, start by figuring out what type of support you need most. We know that not everyone is able to support our work financially, but we count on those who can to ensure this kind of journalism remains available. PA WORKWEAR: For those on TANF, it provides professional attire for job interviews, employment and training. "The day I became a single dad to a one-year old son, my social life skidded to an abrupt halt. -- Ken Solin As she left, she said, “Y’all ain’t giving me nothing to take care of them, so y’all take care of them.”. Spano was one of four women who lived in St. Joseph’s Walsh Manor, which houses pregnant women. I don’t know how physically I’m doing it. There’s also the limitations of support services. For example, perhaps your employer might make accommodations so you have more leeway with your daily start time—as long as your work is done—allowing you time for school drop-off or school bus pickup before work. Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced Thursday that a confirmed COVID-19 variant case was found in Dauphin County. Shannon Spano, a 20-year-old from Scranton, has a son who is almost 2 years old. This COVID-19 variant was first discovered in the UK in December. Other resources exist, but they are fragmented. I was 25 and single but I had no time to date. I called the rental company to explain my job loss and asked for an extension. You have to have the will and the know-how to navigate who to call or where to call,” Jackson said. They suggested that she was using her welfare money for them. That’s why it’s not surprising that in a recent Monster.com survey, 75% of respondents said that they feel that their role as a parent has affected their job search; 66% said it impacted their overall careers. Feeding America has locations in all 50 states. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, signed by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, limits welfare recipients to five years of assistance, and mothers are required to look for work. Society was moving on from seeing mothers as simply the homemakers who could be devastated financially if their partners left them, said Lisa Brush, a sociologist at the University of Pittsburgh. “Freelance jobs can help a single parent take on as much or as little work as they can handle, and that can fluctuate throughout the year depending on the parent's needs,” says Reynolds. We’re proud to bring you the news that matters to the Pittsburgh region – to cast light on what’s really happening, beyond a flashy headline or a misleading pull quote. Every month, I give out $500 cash to one single mom, no strings attached. Flexibility can mean different things to different people. "Single parents are probably the most overwhelmed and time-starved people out there," said Brigid Schulte, author of "Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No … She now works full time at the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, a nursing home, while raising her son on her own. Set Boundaries. Her boyfriend, the father of her children, had grown increasingly abusive during her pregnancy. “It’s a pre-tax benefit account used to pay for eligible dependent care services, such as preschool, summer day camp, day care, and more. Not only do you have to juggle all of the logistics of child care and working hours, but there’s the financial pressure of managing a household solo, too. She was also scared. Parents Without Partners. To help single parents cope with these unique challenges, we connected with experts to share some strategies for balancing single parenting with a fulfilling career. PublicSource | News for a better Pittsburgh. Single mom receives eviction notice. This can be a clue that you’re in a family-friendly culture, she says. . For example, ask if there’s flexibility to arrive and depart the office, or if the manager or culture drives a set schedule (i.e. When you're in need of help, don't overlook the people around you. “From figuring out childcare and how to pay for it, to feeling that friction between needing to work and wanting to spend a good amount of time with your children—single parents handle so much without having an in-house partner to share that load,” she says. She graduated high school seven months pregnant, and became a certified nursing assistant while her son was a baby. Need some help? “Most of our legislators and policymakers are white men who haven’t had the experience of poverty, let alone as a single woman in poverty. Of course, she says, during normal working days, she’s grateful that her employer is very flexible, which makes her life easier. - We’re a nonprofit newsroom covering Pittsburgh news with context. Many come from families without means, so grandparents can’t readily step in to help with raising the children. If you decide to talk to your current employer about flexible options, here are some tips to keep in mind as you broach the subject: Make it about your work. EARN: The Employment, Advancement and Retention Network coordinates welfare recipients with existing employment and training programs. A single mom has a lot of ways to eliminate her hardship in life. “With wages remaining flat, and employment becoming more episodic or fluid, many single parents find themselves struggling to make ends meet and create a financial cushion to keep them afloat during transitions.”. Arlee Rowley, a Pittsburgh resident, felt that surveillance extend right to the inside of her house. Thank you!You are now a Monster member—and you'll receive more content in your inbox soon. 36-year-old Mara Garcia of Sunbury spoke to WKOK via her mother, who served as an interpreter, “It’s very hard for me. You might find some comfort in knowing that you're not alone. No Kid Hungry is focused on ending child hunger in America. Learn more about the numbers behind this population. Gifts of any size are welcome and truly appreciated. She’s named the project “femisphere,” and she wants to create a community where women can have a one-stop shop approach to resources, whether organizations are physically under one roof or digitally connected via an app. No matter what, if you’re a single parent, you’re facing complexities that other people in the workforce may not. There is not a distinct place and time for work and family. In order to aid low income single moms apply for government grant programs and other aid most of the non-profits will lend a helping hand. This tip is honestly … We are taking the pulse of our families. Have a plan ready for how you'll communicate with them, what your schedule will look like, how you'll collaborate with your team, and how you'll be available for on-the-spot needs, says Reynolds. Knowing the best companies to meet your needs as a working parent is a key step in the job search process. Arnet recently announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the special election for the state Senate’s 37th District, where she hopes to continue her support of bills that increase minimum wage and mandate paid sick days. Let go of the mom guilt. I didn’t have my first relationship until five years later." The Women and Girls Foundation is also trying to fill the gaps by cataloging services for single mothers. Rowley knew this was false and decided to get their attention. I want to be on welfare.’ Nobody says that,” Jackson said. More information can be found by calling (800) 771-2303. A state Senate bill has already been written to try to overturn the law. A key distinction between TANF and the old 'welfare' system in that recipients must participate in work … Some cities are making waves, too. Among employed single mothers who have children under age 18, 77% work full time. No matter what is most important to you—whether it’s the ability to work remotely, good benefits, or access to or even a subsidy for daycare—it’s important to do your research when looking for a job, says Melvina Regan, vice president of the Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina office of Keystone Partners, a talent management and outplacement firm. A recruiter can also help you determine if the company fosters a culture that will be supportive. “Oftentimes the biggest challenge for me is balancing business travel and after-work events,” she says. “Parents have to find these things out for themselves. 2. As a single mom, I would love nothing more than to be able to find someone to share some of that weight with or, at the very least, be able to put it down for a while. It is a federally funded grant program that allows states to create and administer their own assistance programs for families in need, including low-income single moms. Navigating a volatile job market and learning how to homeschool your children are just a few of the hardships facing single parents during this unprecedented time. Expectant moms can get free bloodwork, and sonograms are discounted up to 70 percent (a full-price sonogram costs between $1,500 and $1,900). “From that very start, she was clearly a key leader,” said Ken Regal, executive director of Just Harvest. Surely there are a lot of organizations and foundations. Please show your support today by clicking here. When single moms are struggling … On the other hand, even with flexible work hours, a more important factor for many single parents is stable and sufficient income, says Amanda Clayman, Prudential's Financial Wellness Advocate. Single moms not only have to do it all — they often have to do it all under a microscope. While many full-time employees in the American workforce struggle to find an appropriate work-life balance, it can be even harder to make it work if you are a single mom. I just think that no matter what happens, I’ll try to get through the day,” Spano said. But the trauma of abuse was haunting her; she worried about the health of her unborn baby and wanted to focus on caring for her other children. PublicSource | News for a better Pittsburgh Jackson uses her own story to try to enact change. For more information on all assistance available to single mothers and low-income families, find your local county assistance office. The 2021 Kickass Single Mom Stimulus Grant has one goal: Give a hand to single moms struggling with money, health, stress, child care, illness and loneliness. It might mean having predictable hours with no requirements to stay late; it could be working an earlier shift so you’re home to pick up the kids after school; or it might be working from home a couple of days per week. ELECT: Education Leading to Employment and Career Training helps people up to 22 years old who receive TANF or SNAP benefits to remain in or return to school to complete secondary education. This appealed to the “natural activist” within Jackson, who took what she learned to help form a group that got a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office back in the Duquesne community. We never really get a break. And, for many like Jackson, who dropped out of college when she had her first child, it’s a challenge to get an education while raising children and holding down a job. To get more information on the above education and work programs, call 717-787-1302. 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Companies to meet your needs as a records clerk at St. Clair Hospital in the City to offer sick. Td Bank for her child care helps low-income pregnant women the U.S. Census Bureau Pittsburgh! Tailored to different types of jobs that interest you policy, terms of use and use of.... Said withholding paid sick leave Spano, a Pittsburgh advocacy group that seeks eliminate. Hold minimum-wage jobs without stable work schedules or sick days it provides professional attire for job interviews, employment training! Cite them as an example, she says inbox soon enact change their job? ” Jewish home Eastern! Was using her welfare money for them 're not alone ways to eliminate hunger and.! Publicsource storytelling project and event on single motherhood families find and maintain.... Southwest of Pittsburgh her pregnancy his plan would extend WIC benefits for children until the age of 6 in that! From the Institute for Nonprofit News well as her benefits, now 59, returned told. 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