Jane's Team

We have a larger family in need of help with their transportation. DJFS is helping with housing at this time. According to the caseworker they have a 2003 Honda Odyssey van in need of 2 front wheel bearings and a fuel filter. Several shops were called for pricing. It sounds like it could cost around 1400.00 as long as they don't run into any other issues.

A child was sleeping on the couch while the agency was attempting to provide a bed for the child. While the child was sleeping on the couch, the child wet the bed/couch several times. The family is requesting a new couch since the child now has a bed and the couch has a urine smell that the family cannot get out of the couch.

We have a family who has been homeless since February. She has secured housing for herself and two boys but needs help paying for the storage unit where she has kept her household items such as beds. The storage unit is planning to auction her stuff off in the next week if she doesn't pay the balance. She has paid $150 herself but needs help with the rest which is $100.92. The parent has possession of her apartment and a way to transport her stuff. The boys are currently sleeping on pool floats. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Our Care Coordinator presented this request after meeting with her client. She stated that this single mom of 4 is need of a crib for her baby girl who is 2 months old. She is not working currently, but is trying to find a job and maintain. Her daughter is growing out of basinett and stated that this was a major need for her. (Crib and matress)

Father of 2 young boys ages 5 and 4. Mom has been incarcerated and will be released from halfway house in June. Agency became involved due to dirty home, and dad tested positive for Meth. Dad has begun intensive outpatient treatment and is doing very well. He has had all negative drug screens and participates in group and individual counseling. This is an in-home safety plan with a caregiver. Dad is in the home. Dad and caregiver are working very hard on getting the home clean. Agency provided beds for both boys. They have a stove but only one burner works and the oven only broils-it does not bake. A working stove would be very helpful for cooking for the family. This does not have to be a brand new stove. A used stove in good condition would be fine.

Mom who was using substances has been working to maintain sobriety. She went into inpatient treatment and completed programming there. She has now returned to Springfield. She began by living with a cousin. She had her youngest child with her (2-year-old son). Since returning she is doing intensive outpatient treatment. She obtained employment at the hospital, and is working toward self-sufficiency. Her ex-husband had their 3 daughters but she is now able to have them home with her. She had to pay a deposit and 1st month's rent. She needs an electric stove, refrigerator, and sofa. They do not have to be new, she is fine with used. She has borrowed a tiny fridge and has a crock pot and 2 burner cook top. A stove, fridge, and sofa would be very helpful for her to begin her new life with her children. AGAIN- These can be used appliances and sofa. Thank you!

Family is requesting assistance with an electric bill prior to it being disconnected on 5/20/25.

Mom's budget is tight and the boys broke their beds playing WWE. They are well taken care of and play well with other kids in the neighborhood. Any bed will do, but a metal bed frame may prove more durable.

Updated on May 15, 2025 by an Agency Worker
Mom often helps the boys find worms in the yards and then takes them fishing and camping. They are a tight-knit and loving family.

A mother is in need of a dresser for her infant daughter. Mother is on a limited income as she receives Social Security monthly due to having a low cognitive functioning level. Mother is doing a good job at meeting the child's needs. This is the first time she has been given the opportunity to parent full-time on her own. Mother needs a dresser to better utilize the limited space in her home and the child's room. Mother would like to use the top of the dresser as a changing area with a foam supportive pad to lay across the top so a shorter sized dresser is preferable.

This aunt and uncle are caring for their two nieces and one nephew. Due to this placement happening quickly the couple were not prepared for the three extra people in the home. They are in need of some ideas including 1 twin bunk with bedding and pillow and 1 twin bed with bedding and pillow, 2 dressers and a window screen. These items would help in order to get their home study passed which is necessary to consider them as a more permeant placement.

A single father of two is in need of a birth certificate (cost $25 at local Health Dept.) for him to obtain a state ID so he can apply for employment and other community services and food pantries. He also is in need of a electric stove, due to his stove only having 1 burner that works, and the oven no longer works. This will help with the family to prepare meals to ensure the kids are fed well. The children are in need of clothing and shoes. 5-year-old boy wears a 5t or size xs/5. His shoe size is 10c. Then a 3-year-old, size 4t clothing and shoes 9c. This support for the family will help maintain the household and ensure the children's basic needs are met.

Updated on April 24, 2025 by an Agency Worker
Both children are boys

Mother is a single mom of three boys. Mom works full time. Due to the mental health and behavioral needs of one of her sons, she was let go from her previous place of employment. Mom has recently obtained a new job and is engaging in services to help support herself and her children. Mom is in need of financial help to pay next month's rent to get back on track with her finances and to sustain the family's home. This assistance will help prevent another barrier to the family.