How do I make my refund stretch?

So I did the estimates and I'm only getting 5k back that's with 2 kids included.

I wasn't able to work the way I needed bc my car broke down and I couldn't afford daycare so I had to take my kids out and I had no one to watch them...so I just couldn't work.

Now I need a whole new car and I'm trying to move .

I'm so afraid I'm gonna keep being set back bc I have no safety net. I have no friends or family when the kids are sick and I need them to watch rhe kids so I can work. I don't have that.. I'm afraid the car will break down again.

Idk how to make this fool proof so I can move out and stay out.