First Lutheran Church in Torrance

Mother/Non- Minor Dependent needs Bunk bed set no mattress, Queen size bed with mattress, black microwave, and 6 drawer dresser for kid’s room. Mother has financial issues and is doing the best she can to meet the children's needs. Mother just started working as a janitor, but the job placements are scarce. Mother may work one day for 2 hours, and the next day for 4 hours. Mother doesn’t have a consistent schedule. Although, mother is having that challenge, she is meeting the case plan goals/court orders. Furthermore, mother is committed to maintaining the family together. The main reason I am requesting this need to be fulfilled is to provide a safe environment for the children, DCFS is requesting bunk bed set, queen size bed with mattress, black microwave, and 2 dressers for kid’s room. This need is being requested through Care Portal because the timeframe DCFS takes would be too long as some requests take up to 8— 10 weeks. The estimated cost of the need/s being requested is approximately $1560.

Maternal Grandmother is in need of a twin sized bunkbed frame and mattresses for her two grandchildren children. The family has been temporarily staying with maternal grandmother while mother continues to try to find her own place to live with the children but has not been successful. Mother lost her job a few months ago due to cutbacks and has struggled to find new work while addressing the needs of her children; including securing housing. Although, mother is having that challenge, mother is meeting the case plan goals/court orders. Furthermore, mother is committed to ensuring the children’s needs are met and maintained. The main reason I am requesting this need to be fulfilled is because mother informed the Department the bed used by the family was recently broken and no longer usable. The children were previously sharing a daybed. Mother shared that a bunk bed would be the best option so each child may have their own bed. Currently the family is using a blow up mattress which is not suitable for sleeping long term. This need is critical to ensuring that the children have somewhere secure to sleep of their own as that would be the safest sleeping arrangement for the children. This need is being requested through Care Portal because unfortunately DCFS does not currently have this item and if requested, the timeframe DCFS takes would be too long as some requests take up to 8 – 10 weeks. The estimated cost of the need/s being requested is $750.00.

Mother is a devoted, mother of seven children, ages 5-18. The case came to the attention of DCFS due to physical abuse, general neglect and caretaker incapacity. She works tirelessly to rebuild her life and reunify with her children who are not currently in her care. She is overcoming financial hardships while staying committed to her sobriety. She diligently works to complete Court ordered programs. In addition to working temporary and odd jobs to make ends meet to maintain stable residence in prearrange of reunifying with her children. As part of her progress, her older children now have unsupervised visits, but the home lacks essential furniture to sit and sleep comfortably. This is an urgent need as the Court reported that the children are fast tracked to return to mother's care on 05/07/25. This request will ensure children's safety as the residence will be clean and furnished with beds so they won't have to sleep on the floor. This request will strengthen parental capacity by providing emotional and physical care. This request will lessen her stressors and free up some of her time to spend with her children ultimately enhance the potential for permanency. Any help, big or small, will bring her one step closer to providing a stable and loving home for her children. If you can contribute in any way, it would mean the world to this mother and her family. Thank you for your kindness and support.

I am writing to request support on behalf of Mother, who is currently involved with our agency and actively working toward reunification with her children. Mother has successfully completed all court-ordered services and continues to demonstrate commitment to her personal growth and family well-being by regularly attending outpatient services.

Mother has recently secured stable housing and moved into her new apartment. As she works to rebuild a safe and nurturing environment for her family, she is in need of basic household essentials to help her establish a functional and supportive home setting for herself and her children.

Providing Mother with this assistance will not only support her transition into independent living but also further her progress toward successful reunification. We believe that with this support, she will continue to build on the positive momentum she has achieved thus far.

Thank you for your consideration in helping this family take the next step toward stability and reunification. Please feel free to contact me should you need any additional information. Bathroom Towels Kitchen Dry Towels Bathroom floor mats Rug for bed room Iron mop and broom hanging over the door shelf Set of plates and bowels Walker for daccari no slip bath mat trashcan sheets-queen size mattress for Daccari's crib

Mother needs a table with four chairs a sofa that seats two. Mother has been going through financial struggles after loosing her job and being evicted from the family’s previous home. She continues to actively look for work but has not been successful. The family continues to go through the ups and downs of the flare ups and emotional fluctuation of processing abuse. Mother has continued to actively support the child, and with her support, the child who has a known language delay has been able to process and learn to express herself more using her expanding vocabulary. Mother ensures that both her son and daughter attend all Wraparound services. The family was left homeless after mother could no longer work to care for the children as she was unable to leave the home where the abuse occurred. The family ended up being evicted and later spent months awaiting their turn for a shelter. Mother was unable to keep any of her hard earned belongings and now that she was able to find a new home she is need of the noted items to finish furnishing their new home. DCFS is requesting a table and a sofa, in order for the family to be able to have these essential items in their home. This need is critical to ensuring that the family is able to bond and feel comfortable in the home. The estimated cost of the needs being requested is an estimated amount of $400 for a sofa or love seat and $350 for a dining table that seats four. For an estimated total of $750.00.

A 16-year-old foster youth was recently placed with his paternal grandmother after years of not knowing each other. Despite the sudden placement, the two are working hard to build a relationship and create a sense of stability.

The grandmother, who is on a fixed income and currently receiving no financial assistance, is doing her best to support him. The youth arrived with only a few items of clothing, most of which no longer fit. He is in need of a new wardrobe and would greatly appreciate gift cards to Tillys, PacSun, or Zumiez. Even donated clothes in good condition would help. His sizes are: XL for undergarments, shirts, and shorts, and 38x32 for pants.

In addition, the youth needs a full-size bed frame, mattress, bedding, pillows, and a dresser, as the home was not prepared for his arrival. Since the grandmother does not have transportation, a bike and bike lock would also make a meaningful difference, helping him get to school and connect with his new community.

This young man has faced multiple placement disruptions, and providing some of these essentials could help him find the stability and comfort he needs in this new chapter of life. Any support—whether new or gently used—would be deeply appreciated. Thank you for considering this request.

I am writing to advocate on behalf of my client, who is in urgent need of steel-toed boots (women's size 10), 2 work pants size 6/8 size medium, and work gloves (large) in order to begin her newly secured warehouse job with expected start date of 7/08/2025. Currently, her available funds have gone to paying her rent for the month of July. These items are essential for meeting the safety and dress code requirements of her employer. My client is a single mother who is determined to maintain stable employment to provide for herself and her young son. Access to this job will offer financial stability and support her long-term goal of self-sufficiency. Without the required work gear, she risks losing this opportunity, which would negatively impact her progress and well-being.I strongly support her request for assistance with these items and urge any available resources or funding to be made accessible to help remove this barrier to employment. Shields for Familes appreciates the consideration of this request.

Updated on July 08, 2025 by an Agency Worker
1st request

Mother with four children is in the middle of reunification services and thriving to get her children back. Her benefits were cancelled due to children being removed from home, so we are asking for rent assistance for rent on time for Jy. Assisting mother with this gift will prevent mother from being homeless and gives her children a place to return to once mother completes her court ordered programs and the family reunifies.

Client is a single mother of two daughters who recently lost her husband. Due to severe mold in her home and the landlord's refusal to address it, she was forced to leave and is currently living in her vehicle. She was advised not to take any belongings, as the mold has contaminated her clothing and poses a health risk. Client has been engaged with SHIELDS for 7 months and is actively seeking shelter. However, the combination of grief, housing instability, and exposure to unsafe living conditions has impacted her mental health. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her and her children’s medical needs, regularly attending appointments. She is currently unable to work and is in urgent need of clothing and shoes for her daughters, especially during cold nights.Requested clothing sizes: Child 1: Tops & bottoms – 10/12, shoes – 2 Youth Child 2: Tops & bottoms – 14 Youth, shoes – 3 Youth.

Client is requesting clothing items and one pair of shoe for each child. Total amounts to $217.30 Go To Link

On 2/21/2024. Court will ordered and allowed the child to be cremated. DCFS to make best efforts to pay for the cremation of the child.

DCFS Policy for Burial is only for Foster Care Providers only NOT parents and the fees have to be paid upfront, and forms submitted to be reimbursed. CSW reached out to the person who sent the Morgue Release Letter via email, with the Notifications Section LAC Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office. This CSW asked for the Health Department and County Morgue Tax ID numbers. This CSW was provided with a flyer on how to obtain the ashes. Obtain the Health Permit first. Can obtain the Death Certificate at the same time. Once fee is paid present permit obtained to the Medical Center and pay the Cremation fee. Once fee is paid, will provide the driving directions to the Los Angeles County Crematory/Cemetery. CSW informed that the County Morgue and Health Department do not have Tax Id's and therefore would not be able to submit for funding and no other funding available. Person would have to pay the fees upfront and get reimbursed. The Department is trying to assist with obtaining ashes however, there does not appear to be any funding available for this situation. Trying to obtain to obtain the ashes of the child, who passed away on 12/23/2023 from the LA County Morgue on behalf of Mother. Health Permit is $11.00 dollars. Death Certificate $24. dollars. Cremation $352.00 dollars. Total of $387.00 dollars.

Dedicated foster parents are true lifesavers. One incredible caregiver has spent years lovingly supporting many foster children. Resilient and compassionate, she now faces financial strains. She is replacing damaged furniture and providing clothes, shoes, and groceries for the children this summer has become extremely difficult. Despite the challenges, her priority remains their well-being and keeping them safe, cared for, and together.

This request is on behalf of a dedicated single father (28 yrs.) who recently gained custody of his 1 year old son. The child’s mother has scheduled visitations, and both parents are working toward maintaining a stable and supportive environment for their child. The father currently resides with his son in a single room that he was previously renting for $500 per month. Following the change in his custody status, the homeowner increased the rent to $800 due to the child now living with him.

As an immigrant, he has faced significant barriers to securing consistent employment. He has shown great determination by taking on informal work, as a street vendor selling fruit and seeking day labor opportunities in the community as well. Without access to a personal vehicle, his options remain limited.

He is working 2-3 days a week and is navigating this while facing uncertainty related to his immigration status. His primary concern is ensuring his son has the essentials. He is requesting support with basic items such as: Diapers, Infant formula and Children’s clothing. As well as groceries gift cards to buy food for himself.

The child is covered by Medi-Cal, and the father is actively looking to enroll in additional support programs, including WIC and Cal Fresh for the child.

This support would provide immediate relief and help ease the financial strain as this father takes courageous steps to provide a safe, nurturing home for his young son under very difficult circumstances.