Fee Assistance Programs For Single Moms And Dads Means Summer Fun For Kids

Have harsh financial times fallen upon your divorced family? Are you a single mom or dad wondering how you will afford to keep your children entertained this summer? Are you worried your kids will have to go without sports activities, day camps, and trips to the zoo due to a lack of funds?

Because of the recession, many of you are struggling to put food on the table which gets in the way of paying for fun summer camps/programs for your children.

Did you know that many recreation organizations offer fee assistance, and you and your kids may be eligible. All you need to know is where and how to look for it.

Below are a few guidelines to help you in your research.

1. Check with your city’s sports and recreation centers.

   By googling the city I live in and “fee assistance recreation”, I quickly discovered that my city’s parks and recreation department offers subsidized programs for low-income families. My city has 27 parks most of which offer swimming, day camps and summer activities for children. Enough activities to keep your children busy all summer long.

   To apply you must complete required application forms and provide proof of your financial circumstances, ie: bank statements, child/spousal payments, monthly bills including utilities, mortgage/rent, insurance etc. For circumstances that are more difficult to explain, you can also enclose a personal letter that details your family’s situation.

2. Check your local YMCA Chapter.

   The YMCA offers severely reduced membership and program costs to families in need, which are valid for three months (after which you can reapply if necessary). Their financial assistance applies to day camps and all registered programs and sports activities as well.

Your financial circumstances may feel embarrassing to you; hence, you don’t want to bring it up with other people. But remember everyone goes through tough times. Right now during this recession, thousands of other families are in the same shoes as you.

At the end of the day, this is about minimizing the effects of this tough time on our kids and allowing them to enjoy their summer.

If you know of any other resources for single parents in these circumstances, please add them in the Comments Section of this blog post.