Parkcrest Christian Church

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.

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.

A mother and her eight children are in need of two booster seats for children aged 5 and 6. They are victims of severe physical abuse and domestic violence, are now safe, but do need booster seats at this time. Any help you can provide will be appreciated.

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

I have a family who is struggling financially and are unable to get a crib for the 5 months old boy. The parents are dealing with unexpected expenses related to a very expensive surgery that the 5 years old needs to have as soon as possible due to a medical diagnosis. The parents are hopeful to be able to overcome the current struggles they are facing financially to be able to continue providing safe environment for the children to thrive. Currently the parents are co-sleeping with the 5-month-old, and are in need of a crib, mattress, and sheets so that the baby can sleep independently. The parents are not able to afford purchasing a crib at this time. Providing these basic necessities would diminish the emotional stressors on the family. By fulfilling this request, it would help the Department reduce the family's financial burden and help prevent court involvement and ensure family stability.

We have a family that is struggling financially and are unable to get a crib, mattress and sheets, for the one-year-old child. The mother is currently unemployed to be able to care for her six children. The only sole provider in the home is the father, and he work as a laborer. However, he has not been able to work much lately due to all the immigration enforcement currently going on in the city. The mother and father are also financially supporting the mother’s 16 years old daughter who has a 7-month-old baby of her own that also resides in the home. Currently, the mother and father are co-sleeping with the one-year-old child. The family is in need of a crib for the one-year-old to sleep independently. Providing these basic necessities would diminish the emotional stressors on the family. By fulfilling this request, it would help the Department reduce the family's financial burden and help prevent court involvement and ensure family stability.

The Department is removing an infant from the hospital and trying to place the baby with relatives. The baby is a preemie and is under 5lbs. The relatives were not prepared to have a baby in their home and will not be receiving any funding for the child for at least a month. In order to place the baby, the family is in need of a car seat, crib with mattress, and bedding. In order to help the family care for the infant properly, we are asking for a car seat with stroller and base travel system, crib with mattress, bedding, 3 packs of preemie/newborn diapers and wipes, and about 10 preemie/newborn outfits for a boy.

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.

I am currently working with a family in need. The household consists of a single mother and her three children—two boys, ages 11 and 6, and a 5-month-old daughter. The mother is incredibly resilient and has navigated many challenges throughout her journey in motherhood. At present, she is unemployed and under significant stress due to the father's absence from the home and his lack of support, particularly in caring for their 6-year-old son, who has been diagnosed with autism and requires high levels of care. The family lives in a single-family home with very worn furniture and limited clothing. Currently, the mother shares a mattress with both of her sons and her infant daughter. To help improve their living conditions and promote the children’s safety and comfort, the Department would like to assist the family in obtaining the following items: a trundle bed, twin mattresses. Providing these basic necessities would not only ease the mother’s emotional and financial burdens but also allow the children to have their own beds, helping them get proper rest to start their days well.

Currently working with a family who is experiencing some financial difficulties. Client has 1 ½ year old and a newborn baby. Client does not have a stroller and struggles to do community outings with both children. Client's 1 ½ year old has some physical disabilities that prevents her from walking. Client is not working currently, but would like to work once her baby is little older. Client is in need of clothing for her two children. Thank You in advance for your support and consideration with helping this family. A link of the baby Double Stroller as a suggestion can be found in the notes section.

I am currently working with a family in need of some baby items. Client delivered her baby via emergency C-section at 31wks. Father of baby has not been working due to caring for client and their older child. Father states he thought he had more time to save to purchase those items. Father has not returned to work since he is the one going to NICU daily. Family does not have a car seat to bring infant home once he is discharged or a bed for infant. Thank You so much in advance for helping this family. A link of the Pack-n-Play and Car seat can be found in the notes section.

Mother needs one twin bed mattress, a waterproof twin mattress protector, and a twin bed frame for her child. Mother purchased a new mattress for the child back in October 2024 and had been wrapping the mattress in plastic to help protect the mattress, as the child frequently wets the bed. The child broke his bedframe by jumping on it and the mattress was soiled and had started to produce a heavy urine smell that spread from child’s room throughout the home; thus, mother had to throw both the mattress and bedframe away. Mother is unable to purchase said items for the child. Mother does have family; however, they have distanced themselves due to the intense behaviors of the child. The child is autistic; he elopes, has severe outbursts, can become violent and verbally aggressive. DCFS is requesting a twin bed mattress, a waterproof twin mattress protector, and a twin bedframe, otherwise the child will remain sleeping on a pallet of blankets on the floor. This need is being requested through Care Portal because unfortunately, DCFS’ timeframe in providing these items would take too long, as the child needs a mattress and bed frame. The total estimated cost of the items is $430.00.