So much has been mentioned about the slumping economy, and families doing what they can to survive.
Times are especially tough for single parent families.
The financial struggle started 14 years ago when Angelina Michelle had her son, Jacob, just two weeks before graduating high school. A short while later, she and his dad separated.10 years later she had her daughter.
"With Addison, I was married, and things didn't work out," said Michelle.
The divorce did more than tear the family apart it divided income. Forcing her to join a long line of single parent families, in a slumping economy making do as best they can.
"Trying to be the mom and the dad, the provider it just gets hard,” said Michelle.
For many moms, the problem reaches beyond their households and into taxpayer's pockets.
"Food stamps, WIC nutrition to help support," said Jan Figart, Associate Director of Community Services.
Figart, witnesses a disturbing trend.
"A man will often times be with the woman before, during, and one or two years after the baby is born," said Figart.
Oklahoma is among the top-ten worst states. When it comes to unwed parents and it's often not just the parent’s problem.
"We rank very high in the number of grandparents raising children," said Figart.
She says marriage is a logical solution but Michelle isn't convinced it’s a cure-all.
"There is still no guarantee, even with that," said Michelle. "In life, there are no guarantees."
Not even with public assistance, Michelle a hair-stylist says she often makes just a little too much to qualify.
"You have to really make below minimum wage to get childcare assistance," said Michelle.
For now, the only guarantee is she'll do whatever it takes to keep her family together.
In an effort to keep families together family and children's services is offering marital counseling.
As for teen mom's, the Margaret Hudson program is available to help young mothers continue schooling and receive care for their babies.
