I'm an abuse survivor, and last year I was finally able to escape my marriage after 22 years. My oldest son is away, serving in the U.S. Military, and I have dependent children living at home.

During my marriage,  I was not allowed to develop a career outside of my home. I've been doing volunteer and community service for many years however, and I've been able to assemble a good resume (administrative/clerical). But I have three barriers to employment: 1. I'm over the age of 45, 2. I live in the State of Michigan, and 3.  I've been out of the workforce for so long that I can't find a single employer that will give me a break.

My children and I have been eating out of the food pantries for nearly a year now and we are all physically sick, and emotionally exhausted. I have suffered permanant health problems because I've not been able to maintain the special diet that my health requires.

Our financial situation is quite serious: my financial resources are exhausted, and we are living well below the poverty  line... I struggle to pay our most basic expenses every month. I never get them all paid, and my mortgage is falling behind.  I have no emergency fund, and no savings. I have over 8,000.00 in debt that I did not incur during my marriage, but I am now responsible for... I try not to think about it, all that we are able to do now is survive.

I am also all alone in the community where I live, and have no friends or family members to depend upon... no support system whatsoever. It's been a very hard time for my family.

I have two immediate and desperate needs: a job, and about $800.00 to replace my 26 year old vehicle.
The engine is failing rapidly, and we will soon be without transportation. I will not be able to continue my search for employment without a car.

I am asking readers to make a small pledge, in any amount, to help me purchase a used automobile... my most immediate need. If I have friends who are willing to assist my family, I'll set up a PayPal account for that purpose. I will perform one hour of community service work for every 50.00 pledged with an additonal 6-8 hours of volunteer time per month for the next six months pledged, if I achieve my goal by December the 1st.

If you are an employer in Southwest Michigan, or you can make a referral for me where you work, please contact me. I'm a sharp, skilled and motivated individual with a strong work ethic and an excellent clerical/administrative resume, and I will be a real asset to your company or corporation. I will accept any legitimate position that I can find in Southwest Michigan. I am seeking daytime/1st shift work as I have no support system and am caring for my children alone.

It is very hard for me to ask for help, but my children have suffered enough and so have I... please consider my family, and keep us in your prayers.