This family has a voluntary Family Preservation case with SHIELDS since October 2023. The parents need assistance with obtaining a highchair and a toddler car seat. They have twins who are 8 months old in need of a highchair they can share, as the apartment is too small to store two highchairs. In addition, they need help obtaining a toddler car seat for their four-year-old, as she has not been secure in the booster seat they purchased. Thank you in advance for your assistance to this low-income family.

Mother has recently reunified with her 5 children ages 5-13. Mother was homeless a year ago and was able to obtain housing through section 8. The children have returned home but the family need beds and mattresses. Mother is able to care for her children and this will allow for the children to have appropriate sleeping arrangements to avoid future risk of neglect.

We are asking support of our local community for a mother who has successfully reunified with her two minor children. Additionally, mother has a young adult child who is going to school, and helps the mother with the rent and bills. Mother worked every day to be as involved as she could while her children were placed with relatives. Mother currently does not have a kitchen table for her kids, and since reunifying the bond with her sister has been strengthened, as she was the relative caring for mother's children at the time. The maternal aunt and her children have been visiting the children a lot since the reunification. Mother works at a cafeteria, and is providing for the children's needs and extra-curricular activities, which is many. Her children are in early adolescence (middle school) and the separation from mother was very hard on them since mother has been the only parent in their lives. We would love if this family could be blessed with a new table and chairs set, and a large couch so the whole family can comfortable visit, the children can do homework, eat, and spend the end of the year together.

Family consists of mother and 3 children ages 2,3,6. Caregiver needs 2 twin mattresses and a toddler bed with rails. Caregiver has been has been struggling with being a single mother and providing for her three children. Family recently had bed bugs and needed to get rid of all of the children’s mattresses. The family has been cooperative throughout the investigation and is already connected to services. Furthermore, caregiver is committed to her children and maintaining the family together. During my work with caregiver I have identified the following strengths: Mother is resilient, Children are healthy and well cared for, mother is loving and bonded to the children. Caregivers goals are to continue having children assessed for services as needed, maintain regular medical care, and to continue to maintain a healthy and safe living environment for the children. For these reasons, I am advocating for caregiver to have the need identified met. The main reason I am requesting this need to be fulfilled is because the children currently have inappropriate sleeping arrangements. It is important for the overall safety and wellbeing of the children to ensure that they have a safe place and appropriate place to sleep at night. This need is critical to ensuring that the children are safe, protected, and have a space of their own. DCFS has assisted the family by providing a Thanksgiving basket and referrals for resource center as all as other programs DCFS will continue to link the

I am currently working with a single mother of six children. Family went through a rapid relocation and were only able to retrieve clothing items and small personal necessities from previous home. Mother recently received placement into a new home, but unfortunately due to rapid changes mother does not have funds to purchase twin beds for her children. Parent is in need of four twin beds and a twin bunk bed. Due to current status, children sleep on an inflatable mattress on the floor. Mother hopes to receive beds during the holidays to bring a sense of joy into her children's life's after these difficult times. Mother is working on utilities and additional furniture for their house. Receiving four twin beds and bunk bed would help mother with additional support in stability. The help will provide another level of comfort and support for the mother and family. Receiving beds will assist family to have a safe and warm bed during these cold nights and will help the house feel like a home to them. Thank you in advance for your consideration in supporting this family, any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Single mother of three is in need of a case of diapers size 4, a case of wipes and toilet paper. Mother is struggling financially and is doing as best she can. Perhaps a $50.00 gift card for groceries would help mother with food for the holidays. Mother completed her case plan, and the children are at home.

This family has been participating in the SHIELDS Family Preservation program since September 2023. The mother of two small children are requesting assistance with the purchase of a highchair, a walker, and a large toilet training seat. The 10-month-old infant was born prematurely, so he is developmentally delayed. A highchair would benefit him in being able to sit and learn how to feed himself. Additionally, a walker would benefit the infant in being able to strengthen his leg muscles, as he prepares to learn how to walk. Lastly, a large toilet training seat is being requested for the 2-year-old toddler, as she is overweight and unable to fit in a standard toilet training seat.

We are requesting help on behalf of a formerly homeless mother working to reunify with 7 children. One child is 17 and about to age out of the dependency courts, she will be returning home soon. Additionally, the mother has been making significant progress in her case plan and has obtained housing for herself and her children. Mother has recently acquired a new apartment but has nothing to speak of in terms of furniture. Mother has made efforts to acquire furniture and provide for herself, by looking for work, applying, and searching for donations with other organizations. We are asking for the most essential items, as the mother is hoping to get an approved transition for her visits with the children to the home. The couch and table we are requesting would need to be a larger size since there are seven children in the family.

Client is a 30-year-old mother who has a 12-month-old baby and two children over the age of 5. The client does not work as the client is the primary caregiver for the children. Client's partner is the only one who works but has a hard time making ends meet. The family has difficulties affording a new stroller. The client does not work and does not receive government support. The client has no financial support from anyone other than her partner. The client does not drive, and the family only has one vehicle that the partner uses to travel to work. The client is in need of a Stoller for the baby, who has been rapidly growing, and would benefit the baby and client getting to and from places they need to go. The client has been reaching out to resources and links given to her, and after many attempts have been made, no Stoller has been obtained. The client has been with the program for a little over five months and has complied with the program. The client is open to home visits and has completed some of her goals. The client has always reached out to resources given to her and has been able to obtain other baby items. The client is thankful for the services and support received. If the client receives a stroller, the baby will be able to continue her milestones and be a healthy baby along with her mom. Thank you.

Please help this family. Children ages male-12 and female-14 were recently returned to MO. They need warm clothing and shoes. Mo asked if it's possible to help her obtain some gift cards from either Ross or Target to be able to buy her kids warm clothes and shoes. Mother also stated that she needs help with a gift card to go grocery shopping or to take her kids out to eat fast food once in a while after school, since she's staying with them in a transitional housing unit and do not receive as much help. Thank you for the help!

This family comprises a single mother and her two young children, ages 13 and 18. Unfortunately, three months ago, the client lost her job as a house cleaner, which significantly impacted her mental well-being. Juggling the responsibilities of being a single mother and the financial burden she faced took a toll on her, leading to depression. Additionally, she is currently dealing with health issues, for which she is seeking medical care and attending multiple doctor appointments. While the client's mental health has improved, she continues to face challenges with meeting her financial obligations. Specifically, she struggles to pay her utility bill, which totals $800. The financial strain has not only affected her but also impacted her children, who have noticed the difficulties their family is facing. Despite her efforts to shield them from her problems, they know the situation. During this period, the client has had to make tough decisions and sacrifices to make ends meet. However, she remains determined to provide for her children and improve their circumstances. She is doing everything she can to support her family, such as meeting with our center's financial advisor.