A 12-year-old boy has recently been placed in the care of his aunt after his grandmother could no longer manage his behaviors. His aunt, a devoted woman living in public housing here in Wichita, took him in without hesitation—even though she already works hard to provide for her own children and lives paycheck to paycheck.
Their home has only the bare essentials: beds to sleep in and a kitchen table to share meals. There’s no dresser for this young boy’s clothes—just a suitcase he’s been living out of. It’s a small, quiet detail, but it speaks volumes about the hardships they’re facing.
This is a kinship placement—family stepping up in the face of crisis. But love alone can’t meet every need. Without extra support, families like this are stretched to their limits. While it’s uncertain how long he’ll remain in his aunt’s care, what is certain is that he deserves dignity, stability, and the simple comfort of a space that feels like his own.
With your help, we can provide the essentials that turn survival into stability—and give this young boy hope during a time of great uncertainty.