Jayden's mom on has been going through a particularly difficult time with her recent move to California, boyfriend's job loss and new baby on the way.  Here's what she asked on Yahoo and my response containing links to information that might help other mothers or families in similar situations:

"I have been in a new state with my boyfriend for 10 months. I have no new friends (except for the roommates which are all male) and my family lives half way across the country. In the time I have been here I dropped out of school so I could work and make money for our new baby. My boyfriend also has been jobless for 2 months now and cant seem to find a job. We currently live in a finished room of a basement in a 4 bedroom house with 3 other male roommates in their 20's, not the environment I want to bring my new baby home too! We have planned to move out asap since we found out about the pregnancy, but we never seem to have the extra money to set aside for a down payment. Also I am only on my mothers healthcare until Dec, so who knows if I can get healthcare after that! I just feel like my world is crumbling around me! I get really sad thinking about the baby coming in 3 months and being so unprepared! Do you know of any resources that are available in CA that would benefit my situation?"

Cheergiver:

"Hi Jayden's Mom,

You might want start with California's Department of Social Services Website. Their webpage http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/PG181... has links to Cash Aid, Food and Day Care Services information for families in need.

In addition, you might be eligible for the WIC program. As mentioned on the webpage http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/aboutwic/

"The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as the WIC Program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, & children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care."

Try not to dwell on the negative thoughts but to focus on the positive things that are going on in your life. You are smart and resourceful enough get through your present circumstances. Expect good things to happen and they will. If you find yourself needing some resources to cheer you up, you can find inspirational quotes, affirmations and more words of encouragement at www.cheergiver.com.

Good luck and God Bless. "

After writing the response, I started thinking about mothers and families in other states so I put together a list of links to Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and other financial assistance programs for needy families:

1.  Alabama Department of Human Resources Family Financial Assistance Program
2.  Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP)
3.  Arizona Department of Economic Security Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) Cash Assistance
4.  Arkansas Department of Human Services - General Family Services
5.  California Department of Social Services - Cash Aid
6.  Colorado Benefits Management System. Check county websites as well for TANF/Colorado Works Info
7.  Conneticut Department of Social Services - Temporary Family Assistance
8.  Delaware Health And Social Services - Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
9.  Florida Deparment of Children and Families - Temporary Cash Assistance
10. Georgia Department of Human Resources - Financial Support
11. Hawaii Department of Social Services - Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division
12. Idaho Department of Welfare
13. Illinois Department of Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
14. Indiana Department of Family & Social Administration - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
15. Iowa Department of Human Services - Family Investment Program
16. Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services - The Successful Families Program
17. Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program
18. Louisiana Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP)
19. Maine Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  Link goes to general page with TANF Contact Info
20. Maryland Temporary Cash Assistance
21. Massachusetts Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
22. Michigan Family Independence Program (FIP)
23. Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).  Need to contact individual counties for application
24. Mississippi Department of Human Services - Temporary Assistance Program (TANF)
25. Missouri Department of Social Services - Temporary Assistance Program (TANF)
26. Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
27. Nebraska Aid to Dependent Children (ADC) program
28. Nevada Department of Health and Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
29. New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
30. New Jersey Department of Human Services - WorkFirst New Jersey (WFNJ)
31. New Mexico Human Services Department - NMWorks. Info in PDF File
32. New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
33. North Carolina Care Link - Family & Children Resources.  Search for "Family Investment Program"
34. North Dakota Department of Human Services Financial Help
35. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - Financial Assistance
36. Oklahoma Department of Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
37. Oregon  Helps! Online Questionaire with list of eligible services
38. Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
39. Rhode Island Family Independence Program & Welfare Reform
40. South Carolina Department of Social Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
41. South Dakota Department of Social Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
42. Tennessee Department of Human Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
43. Texas Health and Human Services Commission - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
44. Utah Department of Workforce Services - Family Employment Program
45. Vermont Agency of Human Services - Emergency / General Assistance
46. Virginia Department of Social Services - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
47. Washington Work First
48. West Virgina Department of Health and Human Services - WV Works
49. Wisonsin Department of Children and Families - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
50. Wyoming Deparment of Family Services - Personal Opportunities with employment responsibilities (POWER)

Parents should also look into non-financial programs such as low cost insurance programs or food subsidies to help reduce overall family expenses.  A good website to start researching programs is govbenefits.gov.