Berean Fellowship

I am requesting assistance with providing viewing and cremation services for a mother who was killed in a car accident last week. The child “M” is 16; his older sister “R” (19 & in extended foster care) was found to be the next-of-kin for the mother and had to take a leave of absence from college to manage the mother’s affairs. The children are overwhelmed with the news of this event and are at a loss for how to move forward. It would be helpful for the children to be able to prepare a viewing and cremation that honors their mother in a way that will allow them to begin healthy grieving. The youth, “R” has obtained quotes for services and was able to find a mortuary that is charging them $3000. The family has been able to make some of the payment but they are in need of $1500 to finish paying of the mortuary.

The father is in need of cleaning supplies, including a vacuum, broom/dustpan, and cleaning solutions. He is currently unemployed and actively seeking work but has not been successful. Despite this challenge, he remains compliant with his case plan and court orders and is enrolled in Father Strong and NAMI. He is committed to maintaining the family unit and ensuring his child’s safety and well-being.

The child is bonded with the father, and the father has demonstrated protective factors. His goal is to keep his son safely in the home. I am advocating for this request because the father is unable to afford basic cleaning supplies, which are necessary to maintain a clean and safe environment for the child.

DCFS is requesting assistance with cleaning items to help ensure the home is free of health and safety hazards. An unclean home could negatively impact child safety, reduce parental capacity, and affect the potential for permanency.

DCFS has already supported the family with bus passes, referrals to community resources, and counseling. While DCFS will continue to explore additional support, the items requested are not currently available through DCFS or may take 8–10 weeks for approval.

The estimated cost for the needed cleaning items is $120.00. If you are able, please check Walmart or another retailer and provide the item or a purchase link.

The mother is a single parent of four children, ages 4, 6, 10, and 16. She is currently unemployed and is no longer with her significant other. She is now struggling financially to support her family on a fixed income. The mother is requesting assistance for her 16-year-old son.

(1) The mother was able to obtain twin beds for the other children but is requesting a queen bed and mattress for her 16-year-old son.

CSW has identified the following strengths for the mother: 1. The mother has been able to provide housing for herself and her four children. 2. The mother has been resourceful. 3. The mother is open to receiving help when needed.

For these reasons, I am advocating for the mother to have this need met. The reason for this request is that the mother cannot currently afford to purchase furniture. CSW will continue to explore other DCFS options for funding and in-kind donations.

This need is being submitted through the Care Portal because, unfortunately, DCFS does not provide this item, or the request could take up to 8–10 weeks to process, or the case does not meet the eligibility criteria for available DCFS funding options.

Caregiver/NMD needs a new dresser for the dependent children placed in her home. Caregiver has been working hard to support children with high needs in the Lancaster community. One of these children had a crisis and broke the bedroom furniture in the resource parent’s home. The caregiver has replaced most of the furniture, but could use support replacing the bunk bed frame and dresser. The caregiver is committed to continuing to support at-risk youth in her community. This need is critical to ensuring this amazing caregiver can continue to support both the children in her care and additional children that are detained by the Department. Unfortunately, the Department does not assist community caregivers with replacing broken items in their home after a child is replaced. The estimated cost of the need/s being requested is $425.00.

I am reaching out on behalf of a family I’m currently working with who recently secured housing after experiencing homelessness for the past three months. While they are excited to begin this new chapter, they are in need of a bed, as they currently do not have one. A bed would make a significant difference in improving their quality of life and creating a more comfortable, stable home—especially for their child. If there is anyone who may be able to assist with a bed donation, it would be truly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time and support!