Central Christian Church

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 mother is single parent who recently lost her job and is struggling to provide financial stability for her two children. The mother has very limited local support networks as her extended family resides back in her country, country she was forced to leave with her two children due to violence and an abusive relationship. Minor appears to have a lot of anger and he struggles with motivation to attend school. The minor is really interested in participating in sports, such as soccer and boxing. Unfortunately, the mother is unable to afford the cost of uniforms, shoes, etc. The mother needs support covering the cost of cleats, shin guards, boxing gloves, etc. The hope is that by joining these sports, this will serve not only as an incentive for the minor to attend school but will help the minor make meaningful connections, will serve as an anger outlet and will improve the minor's behavior and overall physical and mental health.

I am submitting this request on behalf of a client who is currently experiencing homelessness in Lancaster, California, along with her two children under the age of three. The client has recently received a Section 8 Walker Voucher, which offers a valuable opportunity to secure long-term housing in the state of Texas. This housing opportunity is time-sensitive, and the client must relocate to Texas promptly in order to utilize the voucher and avoid missing out on this critical resource. Unfortunately, the client does not have the financial means to cover the cost of a one-way trip for herself and her two young children. I am requesting assistance with relocation support—specifically, funding or resources to help the family travel safely to Texas. This may include bus or flight fare, or any available financial support for safe and timely transportation. This support would enable the client to move into stable housing, begin building a secure future for her children. Any assistance that can be provided to support this transition would be greatly appreciated.

A counselor at a local high school shared a need for a local family. The family was displaced, and did seek a motel voucher from the district. Thankfully they're back in an apartment, but the mom shared they're in need of a stove.The oldest a senior at the high school and there are two younger brothers. The family is requesting help in getting a gas stove.

The family came in asking for financial assistance in getting a school yearbook for their child. The child has perfect attendance and a 3.78 GPA and have asked the parents for a yearbook for their hard work, but the family is unable to afford one at the moment.

Student is the first in his family to graduate from High School; there was a time it appeared to be unattainable due to challenges in school but he has been working extra hard to attain needed credits to graduate and will now be graduating from High School. Student is excited for his accomplishment and the opportunity to participate in ceremony but does not own formal clothing and would like to purchase a new outfit for graduation ceremony on June 2.

Client is a single mother who recently left an abusive relationship and is working diligently to establish stability for herself and her daughter. She is currently employed at two jobs in order to meet her basic living expenses and maintain housing. Due to her demanding work schedule and lack of reliable transportation, she is unable to consistently take her daughter to and from school.

The child’s access to education is being impacted, and the mother is seeking support in arranging safe, reliable transportation for school drop-off and pick-up. This support would significantly reduce stress on the family, help the child maintain regular attendance and academic progress, and allow the mother to sustain employment and housing stability during this transitional period.

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.

The Family consists of a single mother of 8 children. This mother is currently having to face the harsh reality of lack of funds to be able to provide the essentials for all 8 children. This mother is the sole provider of their home therefore the mother is faced with securing food for all children before any other necessities as little as new undergarments or even socks. The Mother has been faced with difficult years; she has been facing these years alone and with limited support. Mother has faced significant family trauma and was herself a client of the child welfare system as a child. Financial insecurities not only affect the adults of the home, unfortunately situations like these often become a worry for the children, this is an unfair but harsh reality. Their current situation takes a lot from the magic of the holidays, for this family the worry rises, instead they worry about having enough cool clothing to endure the cold weather. All children are growing faster than mom can come up with funds to get new shoes or clothes. The children would benefit from undergarments, shoes, clothing and dressers to avoid keeping them in boxes. Boy, age 9: size 10, Girl, age 8: size 11, Girl, age 7: size 7/8, Boy, age 4: size 5T, Girl, age 2: size 3T, Twins (boy and girl), age 1: size 18 months, Girl, age 6: size 6/7. Additionally, she is in need of wipes, and pull-ups for the 2-year-old (size 3T-4T).

Hello, We have a family of 3 that is currently going through a very difficult time. The mother is currently staying at a homeless shelter with her daughter of 12 and a younger sibling. She currently has a very limited income due to lack of work and they are unable to find adequate housing and consistent availability of affordable food. We are requesting a $500 grocery card for the family to at least be able to purchase food for a period of time. Additionally, any resources regarding how we can help the family would be greatly appreciated. This would help family utilize funds to continue to survive while we explore solutions. Thank You for reading and may you all be blessed for your assistance.