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Nov 09, 2010, 03:25 PM
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Member Since: Aug 2009
Location: Fringes of the bell-shaped curve
Posts: 779
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 Hello, forpetessake! Sorry you're in such a rough financial situation right now - I've been through a lot of the same since becoming disabled in 1999 - bankruptcy, no car now, etc. At least I only had to look out for myself and my dog and cat, so I don't pretend to fully appreciate the stress you are experiencing trying to look out for your wife and children, too.
However, because of your situation, you probably qualify for any number of state and federal social service assistance programs, as well as assistance from non-profit charitable organizations - especially since you have children. I did a Google search on Illinois social services, and here are just a few of the links that came up:
DHS Illinois Department of Human Services
www.dhs.state.il.us/
Illinois Web Benefits Online Application System
fspp.dhs.state.il.us/register/wb/wbHomePre.do/
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
www.state.il.us/dcfs/l_links.shtml
Lutherna Social Services of Illinois Social Services agency serving people of all faiths and all walks of life including children, families and adults
www.lssi.org/
Southern Illinois Regional Social Services, Inc.
www.sirss.org/
Catholic Social Services of Southern Illinois
www.cssil.org/
You should also contact the United Way, Salvation Army, Goodwill, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Lighthouse, and whatever other charitable orgs are in your area. Talk to your utility providers, too - most of them have programs in place to assist customers with the basics (heat, electric, phone, water, food, etc.) during such times. Try not to get discouraged if some are unable to help - it's late in the year, and many non-profit orgs are low on budgeted funds; however, they can help by giving you further contact information to get assistance.
I'm glad you have this gig coming up - go, play, enjoy it, let it feed your soul. It may be that this experience is intended just for you and the presence of others you invited would only distract you from getting out of it all you can. It's a gift to you, and only you can fully appreciate it's value.
You cannot control how other people feel and behave in any situation, only how you choose to respond to it and them. So, go show them all how it's done (especially your children) - how to face hardships with courage, dignity. and grace, and how to humbly accept and appreciate the little gifts offered to us even in the midst of the worst storm.
Take good care, and I'm hoping all the best for you and your family. lynn09
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"I walked a mile with Pleasure; she chattered all the way, But left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow and ne'er a word said she; But oh, the things I learned from her when Sorrow walked with me!"
(Robert Browning Hamilton; "Along The Road")
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