‘Meet Gabby’ addresses the Concerns of Southwestern Students!

Dear Gabby—
I am a student at Southwestern College and I have 3 children.  I am not working right now and am dependent upon my family and monies/food stamps that I get from the department of human services every month to make it.  It is nearing the end of the month and I am out of food.  I do not have enough money to pay my rent for the next month.   I don’t know what to do!  I can’t even afford to pay for parking at school!  Can you help me?  I won’t get another stipend check from school until next month either!  Help!
 
Dear Gabby says:
I am so sorry to hear that times are tough for you!  Making ends meet while going to school, raising children, and trying to better yourself is tough.  Thankfully, you can go to your student services department at school and ask Maren and Debbie to help you with a referral to area agencies that can provide food pantry services among other things to help you get by until you receive your funds for the next month.  You can also contact 211 or call 225-3000 which is the United Way’s Helplink line for referrals to agencies that may be able to provide additional financial assistance to you.  Budget your stipend checks to help you with school expenses, like parking.  Remember, the stipend checks are meant to help you with school and are made available to you for this reason, primarily.  They are “educational loans”.  Perhaps looking for a part time job would be in order as well.  Talk to the ladies in student services.  They will be more than happy to help you plan for success!  Good Luck!
~Gabby

For more information on the ‘Ask Gabby’ column, contact the Librarian.