Mom (29) and dad (33) currently live in Newton with their two sons, ages 8 and 4. Mom's elderly grandfather (73) is also living in the home. Mom just paid $150 on their electric bill, but there is still over $1,000 remaining. She's been making payments and trying to keep up with it, but with her current unemployment and dad's lack of hours - they are "just staying above water". Mom asked if there are any resources in town that can help them pay some more on their electric bill and get it back to a manageable payment. Mom has already applied for assistance through LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), but hasn't received a response yet. Mom is currently donating Plasma to cover the gas bill and plans to pay off the water bill when child's SSI comes through. Mom states that she "really is trying to figure this out." We realize this is a large request but every little bit helps and can make a difference for this family.

Two parent home with 10-year-old child and 9-year-old child. The family is in need of a new hot water heater. The family does not have hot water, and are going to a friend's home ever other weekend. The children take cold baths, and the family can boil water if needed, but that could cause concerns for burns. The family could also benefit from a vacuum with no belt or rollers.

Would you help us find a family for Caleb, a Kansas child awaiting adoption?   It's easy. All we ask if for you to view and share this video: https://americaskidsbelong.org/project/caleb/ Let's meet Caleb!  Caleb, age 10, is proud of his super powers and wants to be Spiderman when he grows up!  Caleb is sweet, loving, generous, and clever with a wonderful imagination.  He enjoys basketball and is very good at drawing.  Caleb needs a family that can be patient and understanding while providing guidance and structure.  He would thrive with parents who will advocate for his educational and developmental needs.      Caleb has been waiting a long time to be adopted.  Hopefully, if everyone who sees this request--shares it--a family will be found for Caleb!   To start the conversation of how you can help, please email Lacy Paredes with Kansas Kids Belong at lparedes@kskidsbelong.org. To view more videos of waiting children, visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/videos-ks/  or https://www.adoptkskids.org/  We believe every child deserves to belong!  

Would you help us find a family for Caleb, a Kansas child awaiting adoption?   It's easy. All we ask if for you to view and share this video: https://americaskidsbelong.org/project/caleb/ Let's meet Caleb!  Caleb, age 10, is proud of his super powers and wants to be Spiderman when he grows up!  Caleb is sweet, loving, generous, clever with a wonderful imagination.  He enjoys basketball and is very good at drawing.  Caleb needs a family that can be patient and understanding while providing guidance and structure.  He would thrive with parents who will advocate for his educational and developmental needs.      Caleb has been waiting a long time to be adopted.  Hopefully, if everyone who sees this request--shares it--a family will be found for Caleb!   To start the conversation of how you can help, please email Lacy Paredes with Kansas Kids Belong at lparedes@kskidsbelong.org. To view more videos of waiting children, visit https://americaskidsbelong.org/videos-ks/  or https://www.adoptkskids.org/  We believe every child deserves to belong!  

I have been working with a single mother of 7 and 8 year old boys. This mother is currently living with her grandmother due to them both living off of very limited incomes, relying on ssi to pay their rent and bills. Both the mother and boys are currently sleeping on air mattresses and are having trouble sleeping which has been exacerbating Mom's already poor mental health. Due to the mother's severe mental health challenges (which she is currently working on with her therapist) she cannot maintain employment and with their households limited income they cannot afford to purchase beds on their own. This family is also needing a dining table with chairs. The adults are currently eating from a small foldable table while the boys eat from a small desk in their bedroom. This mom deeply values her family and would be extremely grateful to be able to eat as a family with her boys, and give them a comfortable place to sleep.

Foster children and infants arrive at Saint Francis Ministries' with various needs. Some children and babies come straight from the hospital or family with no clothing, diapers etc. Other children may have been in police protective custody, and have some items with them. Our intake team is in great need of items to help meet the various needs of children that enter our care. Children often sit with intake staff, while awaiting 'placement'. The caring intake team tries to pack each child a little bag with essentials for a couple days, so that the child's future placement doesn't need to quickly scavenge for items. The team has a huge need for all kinds of Similac Baby formula. They also need help with obtaining pacifiers, baby lotions, diaper cream, baby body wash and newborn clothing (neutral). Clothing for girls size 12 months - sizes 7/8 is also needed. Lastly, clothing for teens is a huge need. Help keeping packages of shirts, undergarments, socks, and sweatpants/leggings in stock, would be a tremendous help. Often children need to change into clean clothes. Any donations to help the team have items available to meet the children's needs would be an enormous blessing. This need can also be met with a gift card to allow staff to obtain items needed. Due to Covid, we are requesting donations be dropped off at 4155 E. Harry St Wichita, KS (behind Big Lots) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from NOON - 4 PM. Please contact Melissa Shahan with any questions at melissa.shahan@st-francis.org Thank you in advance and God Bless!