St. Irenaeus Catholic Church

We’re reaching out on behalf of a brave young mom who is currently navigating pregnancy while finishing high school. She’s expecting a baby girl and is in need of essential baby items to prepare for this life-changing moment.

As she enters her senior year, she’s determined to graduate but with so much uncertainty ahead, she’s feeling nervous about how she’ll manage school and motherhood at the same time. She is doing her best to stay strong and focused, but the reality is that preparing for a baby is overwhelming especially as a teen.

We are asking for her for a $250 Target gift card to help her purchase essentials like diapers, baby clothes, bottles, and other necessities she can buy for her baby boy

I am writing to advocate on behalf of my client a low-income parent with a 9-year-old son who is currently working diligently to improve her and her son’s quality of life. As part of their progress toward self-sufficiency, they are in urgent need of a laptop computer. Client is actively seeking employment and requires a computer to complete online job applications, submit resumes, and access employment portals. In addition, both she and her son attend virtual mental health services that are critical to their emotional well-being and stability. At this time, they do not have access to a reliable device, which severely limits their ability to participate in these essential services. Obtaining a laptop would not only support client in her efforts to become self-sufficient, but would also improve the quality of life for her son. By having the tools to access employment and support services, client will be better positioned to provide stability, structure, and care for her child. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Currently working with a family who is experiencing some financial difficulties. Client has 1 ½ year old and a newborn baby. Client does not have a stroller and struggles to do community outings with both children. Client's 1 ½ year old has some physical disabilities that prevents her from walking. Client is not working currently, but would like to work once her baby is little older. Client is in need of clothing for her two children. Thank You in advance for your support and consideration with helping this family. A link of the baby Double Stroller as a suggestion can be found in the notes section.

I have been working with this father for 2 weeks, since I had first met him on 5/30/25. Father is aware of his needs and expressed his need for therapy and to get into a substance abuse program. He has a history of substance abuse and has expressed using drugs to cope with his grief of losing his mother, alongside his traumas. He has expressed a desire to reunify with his daughter and recognizes that he needs to help himself before being able to help his daughter. Father has been transparent to CSW about his situation and has expressed needing support. Any assistance in the form of in-kind donations will eliminate some of the financial barriers in reunifying with his child. The father is currently homeless and does not have a stable place of residence. He has been utilizing friends for temporary residence, but cannot be permanent places of residence. He does not have familial supports. Father does not have employment but has utilized DPSS support to receive GR and Medi-Cal. He has been experiencing homelessness for 6-7 months and has experienced being assaulted and robbed from. Father was robbed of his belongings including his phone and his bicycle. I had referred father to two shelters yesterday, which is pending receipt of verification. The father is of need of clothing, blankets and food supplies.

Single mother of 2 who is need of fresh foods. Cal Fresh has cut funding and with kids not in school food programs for the summer is struggling with fresh produce for kids.

Please help a family reunify. A young mother has two very young children. Mother has been working really hard to reunify with her children. She has been completing all of the orders by the court and continues to implement all the skills learned in classes with her children during her visits. The mother is in need of one twin bed, twin mattresses and a dresser. Mother is likely to reunify soon and she wants to prepare her home so that her children are safe, comfortable and have independent sleeping arrangements when they return home. This will help the family ensure that both children have a good night’s sleep every night. Mother is also asking for assistance on a dresser to keep her children's clothes and belongings in a safe and organized manner.

Transitional age youth , who just graduated community college with a 4.0 and off to Northridge this fall. Youth has taught herself Canva and does alot of social media work for small organizations as income. Her computer has died and needs help with purchasing a new one. She is asking for help with gift cards to Best Buy, she can not afford a new one however, was hoping to purchase something refurbished.

Mother is currently having a lot of financial struggles. She is currently late in their electricity and their gas bill. After the children were return to her care, she had trouble with DPSS approving her food stamps back. Once they were finally approved, they were lowered and she had already ranked up some debt. Mother is a client of Regional Center, She has complied with all her court orders. Although, mother and her family are having financial challenges, they continue to meet the children’s needs. During my work with the family, I have identified the following strengths: Family unity and support, willingness to take responsibility, and willingness to complete all court orders. The main reason I am requesting this need to be fulfilled is because the family may be affected if the electricity and the gas is cut off. Electricity and gas are basic needs for the home. Having electricity and gas is an essential need to ensure child safety, improve parental capacity and maintain a safe environment for all the children while fostering emotional, physical, behavioral, and educational well-being. This need is critical to ensuring that the child basic needs are being met and giving mother a better physical capacity to care for the children. This need is being requested through Care Portal because DCFS does not have an approved budget at this time. The estimated cost of the need/s being requested is around 300$ gas bill. Plus around $600 for the electricity bill.

An RFA caretaker for a three-year-old with special needs is struggling to afford childcare and has put her behind on her bills. In fact, her updated RFA funding has been delayed due to circumstances outside her control and has left her with very little funding and she is not getting the help she needs. As a result, last week she had to take off work because she could not afford a babysitter so now she is losing any income and may need to take off work this weekend as well. If we could temporarily assist her in paying her utility bills, this will allow her to take care of these extra childcare costs until she gets the proper funding from RFA. This would be a huge help to this single-parent family and she is grateful for any support she can get.

Single mother and her children who have survived a drastic move into a new and safe place are in need of beds. Mother is struggling financially at this time. Assisting with this request will empower and encourage the family to continue moving forward, keep them together and feel supported by the community and outside agencies, bringing them hope.