Single parents feeling the pinch

Single parents are looking for some help.

If the overflow crowd at Thursday night's Single Parent Resource Fair is any indication, this vulnerable group is being hit hard by the economic downturn. Forty-five presenters gathered in the Academy Endeavour Elementary School's gym, and many of them were surrounded by parents who wanted to learn more about financial assistance, medical services, parenting skills, support groups, or faith-based single parent groups.

"Typically, you don't get nearly this many people at events like this," said Ginger Stringer of the Peak Parent Center, which helps families with special-needs children. "So it tells me there's a huge need for resources."

Trish Dykes seconded that.

The mother of five came to seek out rental and utility assistance, as well as mom's night out opportunities.

She said she survives mainly on her income as a disabled Army veteran, her disability limits her employment opportunities, and she struggles with the stereotypes she now faces as a single mom.

"Folks tend to label single parents," she said. "Oh, it's just a divorcee or a woman who was promiscuous. Walk one pay period in my shoes before you judge me."

Fair organizers Kim Kieffer and Mark Beal of Academy Endeavor were thrilled at the crowd. They were also pleased by the connections being made between resource providers in what remains a fragmented network.

Although plenty of single fathers were on hand, the majority of the crowd was single moms. They gathered in groups to swap war stories, laughs and ideas.

"My house is falling apart and I'm worthless. I can't fix anything," said Kathy, who declined to give her last name because her parents don't like their friends to know she's divorced. "After he left, I had to have my neighbor show me how to use the lawn mower. We need a group of men with trucks."

Steve Covell, who was handing out information on New Life Church's new DivorceCare group, said, "It's really good to be with people going through the same thing you are."