Custody battle

I am Dallas, 3years and 8 months ago my son came into my life he made me the person I am today. 3 years ago I found out his mother had some severe mental illness that changed our lifes. It started with her making threats of suicide and child services got involved but not much was done by them. Then one day my sons mother said she was going for a walk with my son and she ended up going to a shelter and claimed I was abusing her which I had never done and she told me I could never see my son again, two months went by and a few court dates and I finally got to see my little man.. I was unable to get legal aid as I was taking her to court to be able to see my son  and she also had legal aid.. 
So I had to get a lawyer which costed 1,500 retainer fee that was paid and in the end costed 10,000 now since then I have paid off a good portion on my own, but with getting a place for my son and I at 1,100 rent plus utilities and also paying for his pre school and child support when we have shared custody i have been barely making it by with what we have so I am hoping to get some help from friends family or maybe someone who has experienced this and wish they had help...  ANYTHING HELPS