I never thought I would be the one to need help

[MADem]

110. I know someone who got fired (unjustly, too) from his work; he lost his insurance

and was having a helluva time getting services. The V de P gave him the cash to get his medications which had he not gotten them would have been very problematic. They didn't ask for anything in return, either.

I was very impressed.

Look, you could call one of the directors at the V de P and explain that you don't want to worry your mom--they might be able to work your appointment around her volunteer days. They might be able to give you funds to fix your car, and that seems to me like a first line priority.

Absent that, you should ask the state (the same people that coordinate the LIHEAP and LIFELINE phone assistance) if they have any transportation help for you. If you live where you can take a bus to work, you might be able to get a break on a bus pass. The other thing to consider is carpooling--if you can find someone to carpool with, you put a few dollars in their tank and you're good to go. Might not be a bad idea even if you get the car running. It's amazing how much one can save using public transport in some circumstances.