D, a 5yo non-verbal autistic child, recently started a trial home placement with his parents. Both parents have worked to meet service plan goals and the placement has been determined to be safe. Unfortunately, resources for children with developmental needs are limited in the area as well as child care options. For the parents to continue to meet their service plan goals, they must participate in mental health services. The father works outside of the home and the mother is a stay-at-home parent. To support this trial home placement and its long-term stability, the Department is looking for assistance with the following:

1. Someone to provide childcare for 1-1.5 hours every week or every other week to D. while his mother participates in counseling services (Volunteer would need to complete background checks w/ the Department). While the weather is nice, this could be provided at a park or similar. This is needed now through August when school starts.
2. Any suggestions on resources for a child with this level of needs. He has Medicaid and is open to FAPT and CSA funding. For ABA therapy, Compass has an up-to 1-year waitlist. He has an IEP with the schools and will be assessed for VIA; however, there are no summertime options identified at this time to provide respite to the mother &/or behavioral support. So suggestions for any in-home providers for ABA or other intensive therapies, any camps or supportive day services, behavioral supports, etc., would be appreciated.

One of our teen couple is in a very sensitive position and is currently being survived by ICE. they are teenage parents who came here seeking asylum and have a 2 year old son. The situation is heartbreaking all around and we are doing everything we can to support them. They are in need of a grocery card ASAP from Walmart or food4less. Thank you!!

A mother of two students is in need of two twin mattresses. While needing intense pest control services within the newly acquired rental home, it was recommended to dispose of the mattresses.

A courageous and devoted mother of four is in urgent need of our support. On Thursday, April 24th, she bravely reached out for help to escape an abusive situation. With three young children at home and one in school, she has been unable to work and currently has no financial resources, support system, or safe place to go. We have been by her side, calling every available shelter, but sadly, each one is at full capacity. Thanks to the support of a generous community resource, she and her children have a safe place to stay in a hotel for two nights (Thursday & Friday). Another organization has kindly provided a third night (Saturday)— but come Sunday, they will once again have nowhere to go. While we continue working tirelessly to find space in a shelter, the hotel remains the only safe option for this family right now. We are asking for your help to provide just one more night of safety and stability for this mother and her children. The hotel she is currently staying at is $200 a night but moving to a cheaper hotel is an option. Her gratitude has been profound — she is overwhelmed by the kindness and compassion shown so far. Let’s continue to lift her up in this moment of need. Every little bit makes a difference. Thank you for helping us keep this family safe.

The foster parent had only recently applied to become a care giver when they were unexpectedly asked to take in a child sooner than anticipated—and outside the age range they were originally preparing for. This sudden placement has presented significant challenges, as the new foster parent was unprepared and lacking the necessary resources to care for a highly energetic, high-needs three-year-old. OCS has provided all assistance available and is expediting their license but they still need whole milk, twin sized blankets (they did not ask for sheets or other bedding), size 7 diapers, and wipes.

A single mother who is the full-time caregiver for her disabled daughter is struggling to pay her rent after her monthly payment went up. She has starting driving for DoorDash and is looking for other ways to earn income while caring for her child, but she has gotten behind. She needs $262 by May2nd to avoid eviction. Please consider helping this family.

Our church is working together with a family who was recently homeless and is getting back on their feet. For years they have been deeply invested in serving our community. The mother has been a constant source of support, providing food and childcare assistance to local churches, always giving selflessly to others.

We are asking for support to help this family thrive with groceries, summer clothes and shoes for the children, toiletries, laundry detergent, and a gas card. Please consider supporting this family.

WE ARE ENTERING THIS REQUEST IN SUPPORT OF A FAMILY AT MT. ZION CHURCH, AND WILL BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY SUPPORT AND PARTNERSHIP FROM AREA CHURCHES

Here is the story from Mt. Zion:

This request supports a family of 5, including multiple children and a mother who recently delivered a baby via emergency C-section. Due to complications during delivery (e.g., including significant blood loss), the mother faces an extended recovery period. Without paid family leave, this has created financial strain on the household, leaving them approximately two months behind on rent.

This family would be grateful for alternative forms of support so they can redirect their limited funds toward housing.

Immediate needs (with weekly spending on each item) are as follows:

• Groceries - $250
• Gas - $100
• Formula - $50
• Baby Essentials - $50
• Household Essentials - $50

We would like to support this family for 2 weeks worth of expenses, which is reflected in the itemized needs. Thank you for your support!

We are excited to announce that Center Church is collecting items to stock our newly opened Care Closet. Our goal is to provide emergency supplies to families in need right here in City Heights and the surrounding areas.

We are in need of the following items: 25 Twin Bedsheets 10 Standard Pillows 10 Boxes of Diapers 10 Boxes of Baby Wipes 10 Boxes of Ninjamas/Goodnights Kids Clothing (Ages 0-10yrs)

An impoverished young couple with a child who is 3.5 years old recently moved out of their parents’ home (which was in terrible condition) and into their own apartment. They both work at a local fast-food restaurant and find it currently difficult to meet their bills because of their new transition to the apartment. They need help with rent, a phone bill, a power company deposit, groceries, and diapers. They both missed work on Easter and the bonus the store was supposed to receive was denied because the restaurant didn’t meet their sales quota. Their current church has also helped them out with money, furniture, and household goods donations. If you are interested in helping this young couple, please see the additional needs to help this family get started on a sure footing. The bills are due 4/30/25.