Sometimes, Bad Things Happen To Good People

Sometimes, bad things happen to good people. I've been there myself, and sadly, on more than one occasion. I lost my father whom I was very close to at the tender age of 16. Then, I lost my beloved mother on December 13, 2001. She suffered from emphysema and in addition had three heart attacks, diabetes, and severe allergies, so she suffered for several years before she passed away...I miss her so badly...still to this day, I have days that are tough because I miss her so much, but I try to hang on to the precious memories I have, and know that she isn't suffering anymore, and that I will see her again some day. As for me, I've dealt with depression, anxiety attacks, panic attacks, and migraines from the time I was a little girl. And I am Bipolar II. Because of those issues, along with "life"...pregnant at 17...the father I caught cheating not long before giving birth. And I've had to deal with financial struggles most of my adult life, and due to my bipolar have lost several jobs, attempted suicide three or so times (sadly I lost count), lost a live in relationship and a marriage, eventually gave up college, was evicted from my home in which I lost most all my belongings, including precious life long belongings, and lost not one, not two, but three cars, lost a home I once actually owned & there's more, but I'll stop there.

So just hang in there, take things one day at a time. Deal with each issue and problem one at a time. Prioritize the most important issues first...then work off that list. Just don't let yourself get to down or overwhelmed because that's when things can really snow ball and get worse. Get some counseling to help you through the most difficult times...there are pro-bono and sliding fee counselors out there....and the free clinics are a really great source, not just for medical, but DENTAL and counseling. Most counties offer sliding fee scale medical and dental programs too, if you don't qualify for the free clinics. Also, same with your debts...prioritize...organize and work on paying them down one at a time...file bankruptcy if you have to....I did.

For extra money...sign up with marketing companies and do demos, pr, product sampling, etc...they have jobs where you can work one day or three days in a row and pay anywhere from $12 to $24 an hour....try Advantage Sales & Marketing, NARMS or ICCDS. Apply for food stamps, apply for a free SafeLink Cell Phone, apply for heating/air assistance, be a frugally smart shopper... use coupons, rideshare...what ever you can to cut down expenses and save. Find a Goodwill & shop there inexpensively...they even have a store online. Also, join Freecycle in your area...they have a group that offers anything and everything free...first come, first serve. People post things they have available to give away...and you do the same.

I have a website that has TONS of resource links, to include: finding free clinics, dental programs, counseling, jobs, utility assistance, rental assistance, etc., etc. Resourcefully For You ... Be sure to check it out...you can find links to all the ideas I posted above and more. Just take advantage of any and all the assistance out there. I didn't mean to write this much, but I'd rather take my time and be as thorough and helpful as I can to one person, than giving 10 people a quick line of jibber jabber. Good luck to you, and again...one day, one issue at a time. And I don't know if your religious or not, but it really does help to pray and trust in God.

Community Action Programs

Today I wanted to bring to you one of the great resources I have listed on my site, Resourcefully For You a wonderful program of the Community Action Programs.  Your local Community Action Agency offers a wide variety of great programs to assist you and your family in your time of need.   

The Community Action Promise is:  "Changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other."

The Community Action Overall Programs are:

1. Excellence
2. Certified Community Action Professional
3. Rooting out Poverty
4. Racial Equality & Economic Security
5. Community Economic Development
6. Financial Literacy Website

To find your local Community Action Agency by Clicking Here

Need Help with Drug Abuse, Alcohol Abuse or Both?

Are you having trouble with drug abuse, alcohol abuse or both?  Do you know someone who is?  Then perhaps one the links below can help you, so be sure to check them out.  You can find the links for all the below listed resources on my website, Resourcefully For You

Drug/Alcohol Abuse Issues/Assistance

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Addiction Search.com
• SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
• Family Guide - Alcohol & Drug Problem
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
• SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
• Hearts & Minds - Information for Change - Alcohol and/or Drugs

7 Top Resourceful Websites

Need Assistance?

Listed below are seven top resourceful websites that can provide assistance in your time of need.  These websites cover the basic necessities of any basic health care, food, clothing, furniture, utilities assistance you might be in urgent need of.  But you have to take that step in contacting them.  These programs are out there, but you must be agressive in taking action to find them, apply and follow through.  I realize that if your in the situation where you need help, then your probably already feeling overwhelmed and moreso overwhelmed at the thought of having to apply for assistance.  In this case, perhaps counseling is needed, so find a local counseling program through your community services program, free clinic or a "sliding-fee scale" clinic which offers payments based on your income, situation and need.  In addition, ask a friend, neighbor, co-worker, loved one or someone close to you that would be willing to help you in what ever way(s) you may need in order to apply and follow through with one or more of the above programs. 

In any case, there is help out there, but ultimately, it is up to you to seek the help out and follow through.  So take advatage of the help that is out there.  Everyone needs help sometimes, it's not a sign of weakness or surrender, only a temporary solution to help you until you can become stable and get back on your own two feet...and you will get back on your own two feet, maybe not overnight, but you will.

Freecycle

Community Action

Free Clinics

State Social Services Agencies

Food Bank Locator

Salvation Army

State & Local Government Programs on the Net

Now Might Be a Good Time to Tap into Resources?

With the economy in dire shape right now, let's face it, times are tough, and money is tighter than ever! Perhaps you've lost your job or your hours have been cut back and your're finding the bills are starting to pile up because you no longer have the money to cover them. Now IS the time to maybe try a WAH opportunity for extra cash resources or tap into the resources for assistance that are out there available.

The economy is tough right now, so yes many resources out there have also tightened their belts, but nevertheless, they are still out there, and even if you can get help in just one area, well that's one less stressor in your life. You will find plenty of resourceful information or links to resourceful information to help you in many differents aspects, all you have to do is take action!

Resources

Are you using all the resources that you can? Sometimes pride can keep us from using resources, but we shouldnt let that stop us. There's no rule that states what resources, and how many we must use, so use what resources, assistance, help and benefits you can, when you can.

My website has many different types of resources to assist you; therefore please visit http://www.freewebs/resourcefulliving Whether your need is a financial loan, budgeting and finances, job searches, charities, transportation issues, meals, or even mental health issues, my website has resources/links of all kinds. My only wish is to be able "if" to help or assist even just one person, then I've done what I set out to do. Even if you just want someone to share your story with or just to get advice or input, you may find links on my page to those who can share similiar experiences with you.

Remember, take things one day at a time, and one issue at a time and use those resources, because your life matters.

Are they real? Offer's of donations, opportunities, work at home or is it a SCAM?

In talking about Life Matter's such as: Work-at-home, home business opportunites, charities, fundraising and those in need of assistance or those who want to donate and/or help, well unfortunately they come along with risks. Risks like those in the form of scammers and spammers! So watch out! It's hard to believe and to accept there are devious evil people out there who would do such a thing to another human being; nonetheless they are out there. According to several recent articles, news and reports I've researched from sites I have listed futher below, looks like scamming and spamming are going to be around for a while.

So where can you go for further information or help? What can you do? Besides using common sense, and keeping your eyes wide open. One of the greatest things one can do is REPORT THEM! Most people realize, IF it sound's to good to be true, it almost usually is. I know it may seem useless or bothersome, but that's the only way to stop them is to continue to report them.

For the latest news, information, and updates on spammers and scammers or to report them, you can go to the following links:

FTC Consumer Complaints - https://rn.ftc.gov/pls/dod/wsolcq$.startup?Z_ORG_CODE=PU01

and/or visit:

http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/governments.php
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news_index/scams.html

Another great resourceful website to visit is Give.Org - (The BBB Wise Giving Alliance) http://www.give.org/news/disaster_tips.asp for those who are serious about wanting to help out or make donations to whatever their choice or causes. In addition to the above information, the website also gives tips (listed below) donors and/or recipients should also consider.

• Donors should be wary of any charity that is inexperienced in carrying out relief efforts but is suddenly soliciting for hurricane assistance. Although well intentioned, such organizations may not have the ability to quickly deliver aid to those in need.
• Be wary of appeals that are long on emotion, but short on describing what the charity will do to address the needs of victims and their families. Also see if the charity's appeal explains what the charity intends to do with any excess contributions remaining after they have fully funded the disaster relief activities mentioned in solicitations.
• As with all other disaster relief situations, most relief charities prefer financial contributions rather than donated goods. This enables them to purchase needed items near the disaster relief site(s) for easier distribution. The collection and delivery of inappropriate donated items can also clog transportation channels and delay more vital items in getting through to disaster victims.
• Donors can visit the charity reports section on the webisite to access detailed evaluative reports on many of the relief organizations providing assistance. If you do not see a report on the relief organization you have in mind, encourage the organization to enroll with the Alliance at give.org so that the Alliance can prepare an evaluation in relation to the comprehensive Standards for Charity Accountability.
• If you contribute, do not give cash. Make a check or money order out to the name of the charitable organization, not to an individual collecting the donation.
• If you decide to contribute online, find out more about the charity before making a contribution and beware of red flags. For example, some charities imitate the name and style of a well-known organization in order to confuse people. Also, be wary of any spam or email message asking you to make a contribution. In what is known as a "phishing" scam, such messages may link to a "false" website that looks just like the website of an established relief charity. This could be a ruse to get you to share your credit card or other personal information.
• Watch out for excessive pressure for on-the-spot donations. Be wary of any request to send a "runner" to pick up your contribution.
• Do not give your credit card number or other personal information to a telephone solicitor or in response to an email solicitation. Ask the caller or sender to provide you with written information on the charity's programs and finances.
• Do not hesitate to ask for written information that describes the charity's program(s) and finances such as the charity's latest annual report and financial statements. Even newly created organizations should have some basic information available.
• Be wary of charities that are reluctant to answer reasonable questions about their operations, finances and programs. Ask how much of your gift will be used for the activity mentioned in the appeal and how much will go toward other programs and administrative and fund raising costs.
• To help ensure your contribution is tax deductible, the donation should be made to a charitable organization that is tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Go to IRS Publication 78 on www.irs.gov for a current list of all organizations eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable gifts.

Click here for Wise Giving Alliance reports on some charities involved in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.