Opinions, suggestions?

[MissCris]

(Yeeeeees, me again )

Some of you know that I came up with an idea yesterday that I'm super excited about. For those who are like, What craziness is she on about now? Well...

I've been feeling this pull lately to find a way to help young women within my area. There aren't very many options around here for other women in my position- newly single, kids, struggling with everything from money and transportation to fear and loneliness. We have a handful of local organizations that can/will help to an extent, but even with that kind of assistance, this is a hard life.

The kind of help I wish was available just isn't. I'm talking some kind of group, a network, of other single parents who can actually step in to HELP each other; that could be anything- babysitting, helping with transportation or car repairs, bringing someone groceries, helping someone move, just answering the phone if someone needs to talk in the middle of the night, prayer groups, Bible studies....basically I'm thinking free, immediate support or assistance, available 24/7.

My first step in getting this going was to ask around among other single parents to find out if that's something they would have found useful- I've asked 20 people so far and they've all said Yes.

My mom is helping me contact other organizations to find out how best to go about starting my own.

I'll be starting a Facebook page for this group soon (thanks for the idea Fenner ).

So now, what I'm asking from you guys...
For those who are or have been single parents, or even just totally on your own and struggling, what kind of help do/did you wish you had? Even if your answer seems super obvious, like Duh! Money! Share it anyway. Please.

Also, there's such a diverse group in this forum with a huge variety of experiences and knowledge...I'm asking y'all what you think about all this, any ideas or suggestions you might have, or even potential problems you might see that I don't.

I'd be very, very grateful for y'all's input

 

[kenthomas27]

This got my attention! MissCris is starting to see through the horrible black!

a mentor told me once that every second spent worrying about someone else is one less second spent worrying about me.

I had my own black fog, you see. Hard to navigate...



But when I helped others, the very help I gave was exactly the help I received!



so THAT's why all things are possible through Christ! (hits myself in the forehead...twice.)

 

[Ugly]

Though i have no personal experience, that's never stopped me from giving advice before, so why start now?

My first thought was when promoting the group make special note to use phrasing that reaches out to single fathers as well. You might assume that it will be taken that way, but there's no denying the first thought most people have when hearing 'single parent' is 'single mother'. So perhaps phrasing like 'single mothers and fathers' rather than 'parents' might do well. It may catch eyes faster of the guys as well.


I'm guessing you know that a 24/7 assistance program, even volunteer based, will still require some level of funding. Though with the use of the internet that will require less money now that most information is delivered online and no longer using paper, envelopes, stamps, etc.. So perhaps look into donations or other ways to raise a little money to cover some basic expenses.


If there is anyone you're comfortable with yet, finding people to be.. i don't know, assistant managers, for lack of a better term, haha... might be helpful. That way when you're not available others can pass out information or answer questions, etc..



I think this is an awesome thing you're doing Cristen. Proud of you for stepping up and taking action rather than just complaining. It will be an undertaking but i have faith you can do it.

If any of my limited skills may come in handy for you feel free to ask, i'll do whatever i can to help.

 

[MissCris]

As far as raising any kind of funds right now- someone I talked to this morning warned against stepping into non-profit organization territory just yet, but that is where I hope to take this thing once it's firmly grounded and growing.

For now, I have a little money set aside, and I can use a small portion of it to do any sort of advertising that's not online. I think a newspaper ad is pretty cheap, for instance- though I'm obviously not to that point yet.

I'm also waiting to hear back from the local Rotary Club- they're the main group in town who take new ideas involving the community into consideration, and while I don't need their approval, their support and know-how would be fantastic.

 

[Ugly]

As far as raising any kind of funds right now- someone I talked to this morning warned against stepping into non-profit organization territory just yet, but that is where I hope to take this thing once it's firmly grounded and growing.

For now, I have a little money set aside, and I can use a small portion of it to do any sort of advertising that's not online. I think a newspaper ad is pretty cheap, for instance- though I'm obviously not to that point yet.

I'm also waiting to hear back from the local Rotary Club- they're the main group in town who take new ideas involving the community into consideration, and while I don't need their approval, their support and know-how would be fantastic.

Already ahead of me. *scurries off with tail between his legs... hahaha

 

[MissCris]

Already ahead of me. *scurries off with tail between his legs... hahaha

Noo haha, I'm not. I've thought of a lot of things, yes, but even if people bring up something I've thought of, they might know a better way to implement it.

Also, the thing about specifically including single dads- that's a good idea and it hadn't occurred to me that people might not get that. And I don't want to exclude anybody who could benefit from this thing. So...points for that suggestion

 

[CatHerder]

you can promote locally under Craigslist "community" in your area.

Also talk to managers of businesses single parents frequent and ask permission to post flyers: laundrymats, discount grocery stores, food banks, thrift stores, MOPS group, community centers, libraries, drug stores...you get the idea.

 

[MissCris]

you can promote locally under Craigslist "community" in your area.

Also talk to managers of businesses single parents frequent and ask permission to post flyers: laundrymats, discount grocery stores, food banks, thrift stores, MOPS group, community centers, libraries, drug stores...you get the idea.

Oh! I hadn't thought of that. The Where to advertise. Thanks

I'm writing all this down. Y 'all's words are being immortalized in my shnazzy notebook in purple ink.

 

[zaoman32]

I think it's a great idea Criss. In regards to the money thing which would probably be one of the bigger ones, rather than just donating, or giving money to a single parent (though it's not bad in sparing doses), why not find a way to help get tips across on saving money, and good spending, that kind of thing. Set up some kind of system to help them keep track of their own spending and ways they can control it.

I think setting up something to help with transportation, babysitting, that kind of thing would be fantastic though. single parents don't get out much, because they simply can't, and a lot of times family just assumes they'll cope without taking their needs seriously.

Just my opinion

 

[MissCris]

zaoman- fantastic, thank you!
Ive had a couple of people point out to me that if this group offered any kind of financial (cash) assistance, I would likely have people trying to take advantage of that. Having a fund for true emergency situations would be good, but offering that kind of tool, teaching better spending habits- that's a great idea. And fits in nicely with my vision of what this group should be- a stepping stone to help people get back on their feet, financially and emotionally, offering help and support and teaching each other how to be alone, basically...it should be something people outgrow as they get more stable.

This is so epically awesome!!!! Just sayin'.

 

[Fenner]

One thing we did at MOPS which was really pretty nice, was a clothes, accessories swap. You'd put out things you were willing to give away and other's would do the same, so say you have a son that wear's size 2T, and another person's son has out grown the 2t boys, so they're looking for a larger size, you get the 2t and hopefully they find something that works for them.

You can do it with anything that someone might not need anymore, dishes, sheet's blankets, etc. I would put a limit on the number of items one person can take, you wouldn't want someone going to another persons area and taking everything. So let's say you can take 5 items total, but they can't all be from one person's stuff. At the end of the swap if there are things left that people don't want, then that would be up to them to either give it away, or donate it, sell it, whatever.

You can do adult clothing too, doesn't just have to be kids. I would require that any one involved with the swap must have something to swap.

 

[hoss2576]

Set up a database of all of the area non-profit organizations/ service organizations and the service organizations and create a list of the services they supply. Also ask them to give you copies of applications for those services. A lot of people get overwhelmed going to those places, and if you have those apps, you can help walk people through those processes. Also by knowing what is available, you won't have to recreate the wheel.

I would also do a more definitive needs assessment of your target group (similar to what you are already doing) in order to see what needs are being met and unmet. I would also consider setting up a committee to further your planning and drawing your planning from different demographics of the community: a pastor, a business leader, several single parents, a civic leader, etc.

 

[MissCris]

Set up a database of all of the area non-profit organizations/ service organizations and the service organizations and create a list of the services they supply. Also ask them to give you copies of applications for those services. A lot of people get overwhelmed going to those places, and if you have those apps, you can help walk people through those processes. Also by knowing what is available, you won't have to recreate the wheel.

I would also do a more definitive needs assessment of your target group (similar to what you are already doing) in order to see what needs are being met and unmet. I would also consider setting up a committee to further your planning and drawing your planning from different demographics of the community: a pastor, a business leader, several single parents, a civic leader, etc.

Awesome. Thank you. I hadn't considered having those kinds of applications on hand for people- which is silly because MAN I wish I'd had that kind of help when I first left. Social Services is an intimidating place to go to, and not knowing exactly what help you're asking for from them is daunting. So this is definitely something I'll do


Fenner- that kind of item-swap is perfect. Added to my list

 

[gypsygirl]

As far as raising any kind of funds right now- someone I talked to this morning warned against stepping into non-profit organization territory just yet, but that is where I hope to take this thing once it's firmly grounded and growing.

For now, I have a little money set aside, and I can use a small portion of it to do any sort of advertising that's not online. I think a newspaper ad is pretty cheap, for instance- though I'm obviously not to that point yet.

I'm also waiting to hear back from the local Rotary Club- they're the main group in town who take new ideas involving the community into consideration, and while I don't need their approval, their support and know-how would be fantastic.

do NOT spend your money on advertising until we talk. : ) i can help you with that.

whenever you're ready, hit me up and we'll put together a good marketing plan, if you'd like.

 

[MissCris]

do NOT spend your money on advertising until we talk. : ) i can help you with that.

whenever you're ready, hit me up and we'll put together a good marketing plan, if you'd like.

Sweet!! You...rock.

 

[Ugly]

I just had another idea. Though this may be a bit more of a long term goal as you may first need to establish yourself. But perhaps contacting medical offices/doctors/dentists to see about discounts or maybe even a free clinic day for members.
I suggest doing this for both adults and the children. I know some government programs only cover the children under insurance, which is good, but what if the parents gets sick? They need to be taken care of too.

 

[MissCris]

I just had another idea. Though this may be a bit more of a long term goal as you may first need to establish yourself. But perhaps contacting medical offices/doctors/dentists to see about discounts or maybe even a free clinic day for members.
I suggest doing this for both adults and the children. I know some government programs only cover the children under insurance, which is good, but what if the parents gets sick? They need to be taken care of too.

When a person going through divorce goes to Social Services, their case worker checks into the health insurance thing- if they or the kids aren't covered already, then they have to apply for Medicaid for the kids, optional for themselves. And Medicaid covers a looooot. But!

I think this is a good, practical idea- especially for those who don't qualify for Medicaid.

We also have in the area a Visiting Nurses Association, which sometimes does physicals for free, depending on the situation.

We have surprisingly helpful medical resources here...I think many clinics would be on board with helping out somehow. Dentists....iffy. But I'll find out.

Thank you

 

[Fenner]

Wow, so glad you have a plan for this Criss. Sounds like it will be great. Praying that this all comes together for you and your community.

 

[gypsygirl]

a few more thoughts, cristen:

+ i would encourage you to look for peers in this service segment (in other cities, starting like a bulls-eye radiating outward from your own local area) and try to network. most people who are doing this kind of thing will be happy to talk and share, because they're already service/help-minded. and you will learn incredibly valuable things that can only be shared by someone who's walked in the shoes you hope to wear.

+ also, the pursuit to seek other peers in this service/segment can serve you immensely. look at how they have established themselves and the programs they advertise. observe their "look and feel" in relation to creatives (visual media) and the manner in which they distinguish themselves, methods of exposure, and whatever else you can glean. check out their websites. develop a folder of "cohort" organizations from whom you can draw on for experience, noting the ones that are most alike, or relevant to you.

rather than trying to re-invent the wheel, most start-ups are successful when they copy the tried-and-true methods that are already successful.

+ start making a list of all the kinds of organizations, private and public that serve the SAME consumer group that you hope to reach. from this list we can establish your marketing partners. i'll explain in more detail when we talk.

 

[Hellooo]

based on my experience, these are some of the issues i come across when I speak with folks who are single parents, or dealing with divorce/deceased issues

• not knowing how to budget for a reduced family size. or not knowing how to manage personal finances at all
• not knowing implications of things like cashing out an ex spouse's retirement assets, transferring property, claiming dependents, how alimony and child support are treated on taxes
• ssi, particularly when its a case where a spouse is deceased
• rebuilding credit
• education/estate planning for children, guardianship/custodial arrangments, updating wills , beneficiaries, trusts.
• long term investing

local credit unions, banks,wealth management firms, and credit counselors are often more than willing to run workshops or classes that address these. It wouldnt hurt to reach out to local tax advisors or attorneys who may be interested in doing presentations or q/a sessions around some of the common issues they see in single parent or divorced or widowed clients.


Some questions I would also consider in brainstorming....(no answers necessary, just thought I'd throw these out)

What do you want this to look like - an organization where people go to meetings and outings on a regular basis? an exchange market for services and goods? a hotline where people can call in for referrals and advice? a website with a social community and articles? etc. It's difficult to be everything...it's important to have a targeted focus.
Is this something that you want affiliated with your church, that they may be able to incorporate in one of their ministries
Is there a need to reinvent the wheel, is there another organization who does what you're looking to achieve that you could establish a local chapter or satelite office
If you're not looking to be a non profit organization right away, what steps would you want to take to separate the entity from yourself and/or protect yourself from personal liability (particularly if there is exchanging of babysitting or transportation services)...will that entail things like disclosure/release forms, background checks, etc