SINGLE MOMS ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND STABILITY POST COVID
On or before September 6, 2021 programs funded by the national Cares Act Program came to a halt. The programs were created and federally funded by the United States Government in conjunction with the Federal Unemployment Programs in each state to offset the hit on the economy due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This halt leaves an estimated 7.5 million citizens without any unemployment benefits and likely any source of income.
Many single parents struggle during this time to find employment while some whose school-aged children went back to school virtually toil between employment and childcare. The stakes are high for many at this time as they figure out what's next to this new reality. According to BizWomen single moms were hit the hardest by the pandemic facing job losses and financial concerns as a result.
Cassandra Gains, Senior Child Abuse Investigator for Bedford County Department of Social Services has over ten years of social work experience. With most of her clientele over the years being single mothers she has witnessed their struggle firsthand. "In regard to the Pandemic, a lot of single moms are struggling financially, and it's been harder for them to find stable employment that has a quality salary. The virtual aspect of school is also affecting single moms because a lot of them don't have adequate care to care for their kids," says Gains.
Luckily, there are a few programs that can help the moms that are struggling. "The state has made an expansion for childcare during this time for moms to obtain childcare assistance for elementary-aged children. There has also been an expansion of food stamps and health insurance benefits because with a lot of people being unemployed, they aren't able to provide for their families like they used to, therefore they are able to still get some benefits from the Pandemic Assistance," Gains stated. These programs can be accessed through local Departments of Social Services both in-person and online all over the country.
The current times and struggles are unprecedented. Felt by many there is hope to move forward and look for some sense of normalcy. However, during these times "it's important to advocate for yourself as a single mom. Knowing what you need in the moment and knowing that it may be temporary and seeking the help that is needed in the moment can be beneficial," says Gains. Seeking the necessary help can relieve a lot of stress for single moms needing to meet the pressing necessities in an effort to move forward to a more hopeful and brighter future ahead.