Isn't this how it always goes? They start paying and then just stop. He had all kinds of excuses for not staying in contact or paying his child support…you know, changing jobs, moving from here to there, state to state, not having enough money. It was so hard on us financially, that I eventually had to get assistance from the state. I went on a food stamp program. It was pretty difficult for several years.
Food and school clothes, those were the most difficult things. My kids were growing a lot at that age and luckily my oldest daughter's clothes would fit my second daughter for the next year. There was just no such thing as new school clothes.
I worked three jobs. It is still unbelievable to me looking back, how I was able to do it--even how my girls managed themselves at that time. But we made it; we survived that time. I know that my girls resent him for not being there, not giving any support. And I don't just mean the money because like I said, we survived. But the resentment builds after being let down and disappointed for so long…the infrequent calls, the lack of visits…I tried to give them what he never did.
I spent time going through the state agency in South Carolina, but that was a three-year long process, and I got zero results. The whole thing was a big mistake and a waste of time.
I remember distinctly reading about Supportkids in Working Mother's Magazine. I called immediately after seeing the ad. And the whole thing just went so fast, just remarkably fast.
I was told what I had to obtain and where to send it. Basically, that was it. About four months later, I received my first check. I couldn’t get over it. I mean, I was so impressed. I had to tell everyone I knew about it. I just couldn't believe it…I was flabbergasted.
I have been able to totally invest this money in the girls. They take music lessons now, and they have taken horseback riding lessons. I can now send them on field trips with their school or even allow them to participate in school activities, which I would have never been able to afford before.
And the best part is that I am no longer waiting and wondering. I know that someone is handling this for me, and there is just a lot less stress. I am able to sleep better at night.
To this day, I still recommend Supportkids. I have told my friends, "don't wait." I want people to pick up the phone and call you, call because this is like a gift…not just to struggling mothers; it is a gift for the children…don't wait!
Jeanne, B. CT