Krys Maki - Ineligible - Single Mothers Under Welfare Surveillance

I would first like to acknowledge that the land I live and work on is the traditional, unceded territories of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg. Writing this book was a collective effort that germinated from movement work, activist scholarship, and lived experience. This book would not have been possible without the help and support of family, friends, and activists over the years. I am especially grateful for the single mothers who took time to meet with me and share intimate details about what it is like to live under welfare surveillance. I was honoured to be invited into their homes and into their lives and was humbled by their strength, resilience, creativity, and love.

During my research, I was fortunate to work with supervisors who understood and fully supported activist scholarship, alternative ways of knowing, and building knowledge that was outside of traditional academic formats. A special thank you to my co-supervisors, Margaret Little and Cathie Krull. Little did I know reading Margarets work in my undergrad that I would eventually end up working with her. I have appreciated her mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the completion of this project. A heartfelt thank you to Laureen Snider, who started this journey with me during my masters thesis and followed me until the final draft to Fernwood! I am so honoured to have worked with a scholar and friend who helped me grow as a writer and critical thinker and provided endless encouragement and insightful comments. Ive been thankful to work with incredible editors along the way. While completing my graduate degree, my friend and editor, Scott Uzelman, helped me find my activist scholar voice and gain confidence as a writer. I was fortunate to work with Candida Hadley on the final draft. I am grateful for her patience, enthusiasm, and support for this book. Many thanks to the Fernwood team who brought the book to life. Thank you to the anonymous reviewers who provided constructive feedback on the analysis and structure of the book. Im thankful for the financial support from the sshrc Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship to conduct this study.

During the research, I was involved in anti-poverty and social justice groups that kept me grounded and accountable to my work and reminded me of the different ways to share knowledge and ideas outside of the confines of academia. We were not just building movements, we were building lifelong friendships and chosen family the aka social centre where critical thinking, creative resistance, and rad ideas were welcomed; the kcap folxs (Amy, B, and Mike), who fought tirelessly to push back against injustice. I think fondly of our food shares, action planning, and festive disruptions in the streets. To all the activists from Kingston, Peterborough, and Toronto who supported this project, thank you. I am grateful for the conversations I had with Pat Capponi, who encouraged me to tell my own story and see how my own experiences of poverty shaped this work. May you rest in power. The Instigate 2010: Anti-Poverty Rant-In was one of the highlights during this journey. Cara Fabre, David Thompson, Susan Belyea, and Tara Kainer thank you for bringing together a free, accessible, and open community-based and interdisciplinary conference where students, activists, advocates, and artists could exchange ideas and challenge injustice.

The love and support I received from family and friends helped me pull through some difficult times. When I was ready to give up, I had some solid people who held space and created a soft place for me to land. To the radicals, misfits, townies, and punks thanks for being my chosen family and making Kingston a place I called home for eight years. My community helped me find freedom and inspiration at Soul Shakedown dance parties, cabarets, backcountry camping, long dog walks, and sharing home-cooked meals. Thank you to my dear friends, near and far: Anne-Marie, Scott U., Charlie, Max, Sarah, Aara, Tracey, Paul, Hazel, Matt, Sayyida, Scott R., Steve, Amanda, Alex, Emily, Aric, Barb, Trina, Donald, Lucia, Julie, Samah, Melissa, Kaitlin, Patricia, qpg , wsc , and my new friends in La Pche. David Thompson, my friend and comrade, deserves a special mention for he has offered unwavering support over the years. His sharp analytical and writing skills were certainly appreciated as he reviewed many drafts and was always up for a good rant! My furry companions, Pickle and Caper, who were often perched on my office chair watching me write. And of course, my dog, Olive, who saved me on many occasions by getting me away from my work and into the woods exploring trails.

My family kept me grounded and well stocked with free-range eggs and organic veggies. Mom, Guy, Kris, Lindsey, Kira, and Kobe, thank you for all of your support and love over the years and the much-needed distractions at Squirrel Depot. Guy, thank you for our long forest walks, talking politics, and teaching me about the different trees and their medicinal properties. And finally, none of this would have been possible without the love and support from my mother. She taught me how to be strong and to stand up for what I believe in. Her fierce determination as a young single mother with two children was always an inspiration to me. Thanks , Mom, for getting me out of my head and into the garden, harvesting, canning, preserving, and, of course, all the belly laughs! I am forever grateful for everything she has taught me and her capacity to be both strong and soft to fight and to love. This book is dedicated my mother and all the other single mothers who are the resilient roots of our communities, families, and movements.