That would be correct.

How many bad decisions led to this woman being in this scenario? A lot.

There is still a way out though. My wife worked at the local special needs care facility changing diapers and being assaulted. While she was going through nursing school at the local community college. Fun fact, the government pays for your college when your poor. She later went to the local state college for her bachelor's using student loans. It was only $5K because we went in-state.

My mother worked as a bartender and gas station clerk living in puic housing and on food stamps while she went to nursing school.

I got Ds all through high school and had no plan for success. I joined the USAF and served 20 years including 3 combat tours. That shit sucked. My military retirement pay plus VA disability is $87K/year. Using my experience I landed an easy ass job I can't talk about with the government for another $80K/yr. My wife went on to earn specialist ratings in nursing and makes between $65-80K/yr. I ha e my military clege benefits to my 2 kids which affords them each 2 years of 100% tuition plus a monthly living stipend of approx $1,800.

I grew up with a single mother. Her hard work and refusal to give up has been a constant inspiration in my life.

I fail to see what point you're trying to make.