The Voice - Student Newspaper

Help for single parents

We all know that life can be a hassle; luckily many just have to worry about themselves. We know what it is like to have piles of homework, while working to pay off numerous bills. Now insert a baby, try to imagine not only having responsibility for your life but another as well. It is double the energy, pressure, cost and hassle.

Being a single parent is like being an Energizer bunny. Sometimes it feels like we can't catch a break.

If you are a single parent, you might have been asked, do you work? You might have replied, "Being a single parent is a full time job."

Whether you work an actual job and are a single parent or just a single parent and full time student, being a parent is one of the hardest jobs. Being a single parent is like having a lot of jobs and talents, all of which have no pay. Luckily, there is help for these super heroes in disguise who sometimes may feel like they are biting off more than they can chew.

Here at Glendale Community College (GCC) child care has been available since 1967, located in the Child and Family Studies Department. Sherry Johnson, supervisor of this program says "the primary role is to meet student's needs." She understands being a student/parent takes much more time and energy and sometimes resources are difficult to come by.

Many GCC students are taking advantage of the opportunity for affordable daycare right on site. Also www.azchildcare.org has all the information you need about local day cares. Another available resource here at GCC is Helping Hands for single moms; the website is www.helpsinglemoms.org.If you are not a single parent but would like to donate, you can do so on the website as well.

There are single parents all over the world, so try not to be overwhelmed. Know that there is help out there, and start looking for it.