School Supplies - Oregon City, OR

Hi K.,

There are all kinds of programs to help with different needs. It is difficult to ask, but your family needs you to start advocating. There are also free or reduced lunch programs through the schools and programs to help pay electric and gas and telephone bills. The sooner you start signing up, the better. Asking for help now doesn't mean you will need it forever. It is hard (and embarrassing for the whole family...I had a single disabled mother and grew up this way), but it will get better. I had to pay for my own school supplies, braces, and school clothes by babysitting and housecleaning (starting at age 12). I am now a college grad, STAHM, married with two children. If it's any consolation...you will qualify for tons more financial aid grants and loans for your kids to go to college. My mother always said it was easier to raise children poor because they grow up with determination, gratitude, and resourcefulness.

My heart goes out to you.

I strongly suggest that you call the school office. They will know of resources for school supplies for you.

I shop at Fred Meyers and noticed barrels with a sign asking shoppers to donate school supplies. I'll look to see if it says who is collecting.

Portland Public Schools has a clothes closet that provide nearly new and sometimes new clothes and back packs. It seems like I've heard that the back packs have school supplies in them. Your school district probably has something similar.

If you haven't gone to the Oregon Department of Human Services for help I strongly suggest that you do that. I think they will help with the water bill. I know that you can get food stamps.
My daughter asked for and received help after her first child was born. I know people who have to rely on food stamps. It's OK to do so even tho it may seem like something you wouldn't ordinarily do.

My daughter went to school to learn to be a medical assistant. While going to school the state paid a stipend as well as paying for child care. Perhaps you want to learn a new skill for the new you.

Your kids may benefit from a Big Brothers or Big Sisters Club or a YMCA drop in center. We have one near us that has a gym and a pool and planned activities, including a homework room. If there is a charge it's minimal and they have scholarships for those who need it.

Multnomah County puts out a brochure that lists agencies and what kind of service they provide. I looked in the government section (blue pages in front of white pages in phone directory. I found listings that may be able to help. One is Human Services Department ###-###-####. The other is Office for Children and Youth ###-###-####. Social Services Division, Disability Advocacy Services ###-###-####, Social Services Division ###-###-####

These are main numbers. You will probably be transferred to another number or given another number to call.

If you haven't already, call the water company and arrange payments. I think most utilities also have a program for homes in financial difficulty.

Finding help is difficult and can be a full time job in its self. I worked the desk at the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and had a file of names and phone numbers for a variety of needs. Perhaps Oregon City PD or the Sheriff's Office has the same information.

Churches also provide help.

I wish you success in your new but difficult world. My mother often said, "this too will pass" when we discouraged and depressed. Over the years I've seen that the saying is true. If you believe that God will help, faith and prayer may remind you of his love which will make trouble feel lighter.

The school supply barrels for donations at Fred Meyer has KGW listed. I just read a note that said teachers in PPS can get backpacks that include supplies at Madison High School. I think that's where the Clothes Closet is located too.

I think it's likely that the schools in your area have a similar set up.

K.,

As others have suggested, contact your children's schools. They should have programs to supply your kids with the tools they need to succeed in school. You can also contact Clackamas County Social Services http://www.clackamas.us/socialservices/ they have programs to get kids school supplies and can help with other challenges you may be facing (feeding the family, paying the bills). If feeding your family is becoming a challenge, definitely talk to the schools about that also, as you will likely qualify for reduced if not free meals for your kids. There is also a program run by America's Second Harvest that will help supply your kids with extra food to bring home http://www.secondharvest.org/how_we_work/programs_we_supp.... Check out the local food banks (CCSS can help with this if you have no transportation). Also, call your bill collectors if you have not already and let them know that you are facing hard times right now. They may be more lenient if they know your situation.

Unfortunately, it can be a cruel world that we live in and there is nothing worse than having your children exposed to that ugliness. Remember that the best thing you can do for them right now is love them. Your family will stay in my thoughts and prayers.

The Assembly of God Church has $700 worth of free school supplies to
give away. They will be handing them out this Saturday at 9am at their
church in Molalla. Near Lam's Chinese Restraunt and Wise Auto Supply.

I ran into these ladies shopping today and they were very excited as
their donation funds were so high this year. They were loading up on
backpacks, paper, crayons, pee chees and having a ball!!

They asked me to, please, spread the word that anyone who has need of
these supplies is WELCOME to come!

L.

Talk to the Principal(s) or School Counselors of your kids schools. School districts have access to clothing closets (usually run by the PTA) school supplies, new shoes, glasses, etc.

Elementary school Principals are usually more aware of these resources that MS or HS Principals.

This isn't about school supplies, but it might be of help.

First of all, with disabilities that hinder working, you should be connected with the Vocational Rehabilitation office, if you are not already. The Milwaukee office is at 4382 International Way, Suite B, and the phone is ###-###-####. As with all such agencies, it may take patience to get connected to a helpful caseworker.

The other resource is a program called Life and Career Options at Clackamas Community College. The phone number there is ###-###-####, and the counselor/teachers are Jean and Casey. Jean's e-mail is ____@____.com edu. The program has been in existence for 25 years, and it has helped thousands of people in all sorts of transistions get back on their feet and make plans.

I am sure other folks with have resources for school supplies and utilities. Best wishes.

K.,
I totally feel for you and your family. I know that the Salvation army helps; their number is in the phone book and I think that they have a location on Mcloughlin.
Another suggestion if you are active in a church talk to your minister. If not, there are churches that do help. Any of the ones that distribute food boxes should be able to help.
I pray that you are able to receive the help your family needs. Your school is also a good place to seek assistance.

Good Luck and God Bless, R.

I'm not sure about the school supplies. The schools may have some advice for you. I would suggest for your utility bills to go to Clackamas County Social Services. I got their number from NW Natural Gas-I believe it was on their bill or website. They helped me over the summer pay my water and gas bill. You will have to bring in income information. The downfall is that it takes 1-2 months to get the payment on your account. They also offer an energy-efficiency type class (which was pretty informative)that gives you an additional $25 credit on your utility bill. At the class, they gave away energy-efficient light bulbs and a fleece blanket. Make sure you fill out the school nutrtion form your school sends during the summer so your kids can get free or reduced lunches and breakfast at school. Sounds like your in a tough situation. Hang in there ok.

Grand View Baptist Church does a back to school Sunday. It is next week. Every one who rides the bus will get a bag full of school supplies. They are very generous to the children. There is a wonderful program for kids of all ages. The sunday school classes for adults are really good to. We go to one taught by Brother Vestal that gives tips on keeping your marriage and family strong. The church is a great community and a good place to look when you need help. It might be worth a shot for your family. ###-###-#### Here is the number you could call to arrange for bus pick up. They will take your whole family. Ask for Kristen Vestal she has been an incredible help in our lives. Good luck and I will pray for your family.

K., I'm sorry to hear that life has taken such a hard turn for you. That's got to be a struggle with four kids that you love.

Assuming you have web access, you can search under "financial assistance, family, clackamas county" and get a number of links that could be helpful. If you don't have that access, let your fingers do the walking under Clackamas County listings, and use your telephone. I don't know whether any agencies help with school supplies specifically, but you may be able to get other forms of assistance/food stamps/disability that will ease your situation in general.

You might also call your children's school(s) and ask if they can help families in your situation. Don't be too proud to ask. Plenty of families are struggling right now, and our kind and gentle nation has programs that recognize that circumstances can become a little too challenging for some families.

Your local schools have help available, ask the office/principal/counseling staff. They have funds specifically for this reason. I have been there and it does truly suck.
Good Luck.

Hi, I know the feeling. I am a mom of 6, all but one left at home and he is just starting preschool. Call 211, this is a resource number. A live phone book, LOL they will give you numbers of places that can help you, from help paying your bills to food boxes. I would suggest going down to the DHS office and applying for food stamps, medical and cash benafits.
Hope this helps you out

I know times are hard for everone, my family included. Buying school supplies just about killed me! Angerd me more then anything, having to buy 6 boxes of crayons for my 1 st grader is crazy. I don't see why I have to buy for all the other kids. Anyway, this is going to sound harsh and I'm sorry but.........if you can't pay your water bill and things are that bad, why do you have internet? My husband was injured at work 2 yrs ago. Workmans comp. cut us off after a few months with no warning and no paperwork. We were 4 months with NO income. We made it, (with Gods grace) I learned a very hard lesson during this time, being poor is very humbling.
I took a long hard look at what my family needed to live, not what we wanted to live. I was spending way too much on things and groceries. I could go on and on, I'll stop now.
As for the school supplies, you can talk to the office staff at school for help. Lots of stores like Target, Office Max, etc. donate school supplies to the schools for kids in need. I will pray for you and your family, that things get better for you.
D.