GA-1

A 25-year-old mother with one child living in College Park, GA


Job Training
Here I feel the first priority shouldn't just be to find a job because a lot of people lack the skills or a degree to get a job that will put them above the poverty level. It's hard being satisfied with just getting by. I feel job training should be more available for today's job market (the fields that are in demand).
Have you received job training recently? No

Employment
Ever since I've been in Georgia I have found it hard to get a job in my field, because of people that are overqualified bumping me down. I lack a 4-year degree so my skills are outdated and not enough for the same jobs in Georgia that I held in Michigan.
Have you gotten a new job, increased work hours or earnings in the recent past? No

Child Care
Since I've been out on my own, I find child care to be expensive and hard to find a good sitter. The child care center my child last went to seemed overcrowded. And because I was going to take a job from 12pm-8pm they told me they would charge an extra $30 dollars a week because 2 different shifts had to watch my child. I feel that wasn't fair because it's within an 8-hour time frame, so why should I pay $30 more because I'm between shifts?
Have you received child care assistance to help you get to work? Yes

Transportation
Right now I'm having trouble getting around because I can't afford to get my brakes fixed…$305 dollars. If there was a program that could help people trying to get to school and work with car maintenance I would feel more confident.
Do you have adequate transportation to get to and from work? No

Health
My family and I are in pretty good health.
Do you and your family have a regular doctor who normally provides care? Yes

Health care
I applied for Medicaid. I shortly received my Medicaid card.
Do you now have health insurance of any kind (including Medicaid)? Yes 

Additional Information
Education, car maintenance, housing. I feel there should be more access to affordable housing, Section 8, and other housing programs.

Last question:
In the next year, I expect things for myself and my family to get better.

Demographics:
Author's community or neighborhood of residence: College Park, GA
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Last year of school completed: 12
Race: African American
Ethnicity: N/A 
Number of own children at home: 1
Household size: 2 Children; 1 Adult
Does author's partner or spouse live in the household? No
Author's gross cash earnings for previous calendar month: $235
Does author currently receive any cash public assistance or welfare? Yes
Manner: Written by author