First Presbyterian Church

Child Welfare Services is working with a single mother in our community who is facing some significant challenges. She is a hardworking single mother raising two children, one of whom has autism. The family's circumstances have been further complicated by the recent malfunction of their washing machine. This has placed an unexpected financial burden on them, requiring them to rely on the generosity of family or the expense of a laundromat.

Given the rising cost of living in their small rural town and the family's limited income, replacing the broken washer is currently beyond their means. Their dryer is also nearing the end of its lifespan. A gently used or new washer and dryer would significantly alleviate their current difficulties.

In addition to the appliance needs, the family could benefit greatly from a few extra twin-size mattress protectors. One of the children occasionally experiences accidents and having additional protectors would significantly reduce the mother’s daily workload and stress of laundry duties.

I understand that these are substantial requests. However, any assistance you could offer this family would be profoundly appreciated and make a tangible difference in their daily lives and well-being. Thank you for considering their situation.

An 11-year-old male child is currently placed with his maternal grandmother. He is experiencing difficulty staying awake at school, which has been attributed to staying up late and using electronic devices at night. Although the maternal grandmother attempts to hide the electronics, it appears the child accesses them after she has gone to sleep.

The school has expressed concern, noting that the child often arrives extremely tired and, on several occasions, has fallen asleep in class and could not be awakened.

The maternal grandmother has requested support in obtaining a lockbox to securely store the electronics at night. This measure is intended to support the child’s academic performance and help maintain the stability of his current placement.

The maternal aunt has opened her home and heart to her three nephews, taking full responsibility for their care after they were placed in protective custody. While her home was approved for expedited placement, she is in need of one toddler bed for one of the children. Having arrived with little more than the clothes on their backs due to their mother's homelessness, the children are in need of basic necessities. The aunt is requesting any support to help provide for her nephews. She has taken a leave of absence from work to focus on stabilizing the children and supporting them through this challenging transition.

Hello, we have a young adult who needs support in getting a gently used Chromebook/laptop. Our youth is currently attending school to obtain his high school diploma. Unfortunately, he is unable to get a computer from the school he is attending due to having limited availability at this time. He is able to get to school and use the computers there, but some days transportation is unavailable for him. He currently lives in Visalia, but the school he is attending is in Orosi. Online school has been the best option for him due to the commute along with his transportation barriers. He is on track to graduating this year! Thank you!

Child Welfare Social Worker, assisting a single mother expecting her fourth child and raising three children, two of whom have special needs. This family recently transitioned out of homelessness and secured an apartment with a move-in date of May 7th, 2025. This is a significant achievement.

They are moving into a completely unfurnished apartment with minimal possessions. The family currently possesses only the clothing they were able to carry. The lack of essential furniture and household items poses an impediment to their well-being and ability to establish a stable home life. The mother is concerned about providing a safe and nurturing environment for her children, particularly given the added stress of her pregnancy and the care requirements of her children with special needs.

To ensure a successful transition into their new home, the family urgently requires essential furniture, including beds for the children and the expected mother. Basic kitchenware such as pots, pans, and utensils is also critically needed. The provision of these items, including a small couch and kitchen table would greatly contribute to their physical and emotional well-being and significantly improving their quality of life following their difficult experience with homelessness.

Your generosity, in any form, would be invaluable. This could include donations of used furniture and kitchen supplies would be appreciated.

Child Welfare Social Worker, assisting a single mother expecting her fourth child and raising three children, two of whom have special needs. This family recently transitioned out of homelessness and secured an apartment with a move-in date of May 7th, 2025. This is a significant achievement.

They are moving into a completely unfurnished apartment with minimal possessions. The family currently possesses only the clothing they were able to carry. The lack of essential furniture and household items poses an impediment to their well-being and ability to establish a stable home life. The mother is concerned about providing a safe and nurturing environment for her children, particularly given the added stress of her pregnancy and the care requirements of her children with special needs.

To ensure a successful transition into their new home, the family urgently requires essential furniture, including beds for the children and the expected mother. Basic kitchenware such as pots, pans, and utensils is also critically needed. The provision of these items, including a small couch and kitchen table would greatly contribute to their physical and emotional well-being and significantly improving their quality of life following their difficult experience with homelessness.

Your generosity, in any form, would be invaluable. This could include donations of used furniture and kitchen supplies. The family would be greatly appreciative of any and all help with these items.

This 17-year-old youth would like to attend prom on Saturday May 10th and is requesting help with the entrance fee $80 and also would like her nails done for the prom. This is an important event for any teen and a perfect opportunity to create positive memories with her friends.

A 10 year old boy is in need of new clothing due to a recent growth spurt. The father and son live in Riverside County but the mother has an open CWS case in Tulare County. The father just recently lost his job and got in a car accident so they have no vehicle right now. The child is now size 12/14 in tops and bottoms. He wears size 4 in shoes. This social worker will transport any donations received to the child. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless.

This family consists of three young children, their mother, and grandmother. They are new to our county this year and came seeking asylum. The students have been a wonderful addition to our school, making friends quickly and always greeting everyone with big smiles in the hallway. I am reaching out today on behalf of the family, as they are falling behind on rent and have requested an extension from their landlord.

We are advocating for a devoted mother of five who is facing an incredibly difficult chapter in her life. Recently, she and her children were forced to move in with their grandmother due to sudden financial hardship. This move was not just emotionally challenging—it also meant leaving behind many of their essentials. During the transition, the family’s bunk bed, which was used by the two young boys, was damaged beyond repair. The children are now without proper beds, adding to the stress of their already unstable circumstances. We are requesting a twin-over-twin bunk bed frame and one twin mattress to help restore comfort and security to their new home. Additionally, the family is in need of gift cards for clothing for all five children. With resources stretched thin, they simply do not have the means to purchase clothing for school, daily wear, or upcoming seasonal changes. These kids are resilient and brave, but they shouldn’t have to go without the basics.

Mom is a single mother who is in Family Maintenace, and the family is in desperate need of washer. Mom has been progressing towards case dismissal. She is showing tremendous changes in behavior to provide a safe stable environment for her children. Unfortunately, recently mom's washer completely broke down and she is in desperate need of getting a used or new washer. Mom is on a fixed limited income and buying a washer is not possible. I am looking for anyone who would be willing to donate a new or used washer that is in working condition so that and her 6 children could have clean clothes. Thank you!

Hello!

We are reaching out regarding a young adult who is short on cash and is in dire need of cleaning supplies, specially dish soap. His roommate is expected to move out soon and this young adult would like to deep clean his apartment. He is currently unemployed and actively searching for employment. He is registered for the Fall 2025 semester at COS and is excited to start his higher education journey. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!