We have a family that has been experiencing many different struggles. The family is currently living in a hotel because they lost their house, and Mom lost her job and the car after having an accident. The mother also recently experienced domestic abuse from her ex-partner that is now in jail. She has 4 children 18, 12, 8, and 6 years old. Her 18-year-old son is currently helping her pay for the hotel where she is also sleeping. We are currently helping the mom find a job placement and assisting mom in finding additional resources such as food banks and counseling for them. We are in the process of providing different supports to meet the needs of the family in and outside of school. A food voucher/ card to a local grocery store would provide a huge level of support for the whole family.

There is a non-minor dependent (NMD) male 19 years of age in need of a laptop. The NMD has been attempting to complete his high school coursework via phone but has not been successful to completing assignments consistently due to the device not being operable for classwork assignments. Although, the NMD is having this challenge, he is meeting the case plan goals and is enrolled in continuation school. The youth also desires to obtain a driver’s license and seek employment. During my work with youth I have identified the following strengths: hard working, respectful, diligent, and respectful. This need is critical to ensuring that the youth can complete high school. This need is being requested through Care Portal because unfortunately DCFS does not provide this item. The cost of the laptop is $300.

There is a Non-Minor Dependent (NMD) in need of refrigerator and window repair. The NMD reported her freezer is still working just fine, however the refrigerator is no longer keeping items cold. The NMD also has a front window that was broken due to intimate partner violence. During these cold winter moths it decreases her ability to keep the home warm for herself and her daughter. The NMD has been applying for employment but has not been successful. The NMD does not have enough income to cover expenses beyond the basic needs of her household. Although, the NMD is having that challenge, the NMD is meeting the case plan goals/court orders and is enrolled Adult Education. Furthermore, the NMD is committed to maintaining custody of her daughter & her eligibility in the AB12 program. During my work with the NMD I have identified the following strengths: when employed she is hard working, she takes great care of her daughter, and she is both a talented cook and hairstylist. For these reasons, I am advocating for the NMD to have the need identified met. The main reason I am requesting these needs to be fulfilled is because it directly impacts the safe environment for her child.