I Am Next works with youth aging out of foster care in the Middle TN/Nashville based area. We have a young adult who aged out of the system herself and has two young kids. We have been working with her closely the last month more than usual as she has been at risk of losing her children to the system. I have posted a handful of her needs to CarePortla in the last couple weeks and you all have faithfully stepped up to come around her and help! She has made a few other requests known to us today:

1. 3t-4t summer clothes for her son. (very gently used or new)
2. A highchair (can be very gently used or new)
3. A Calendar/Whiteboard/Marker combo (This is a special request as she is working on keeping up better her appointments and writing down her goals.) Something like this but doesn't have to be exactly like this: Go To Link

Thank you all for how you serve these vulnerable youth!

Grandma, who recently underwent surgery, lovingly stepped in to care for her 2 month old infant grandson during an incredibly difficult time for their family. As she heals and adjusts to this unexpected role, a supportive rocking chair will help her comfortably hold and feed him, while a crib, mattress, and sheets will provide the safe, nurturing space he needs to sleep and grow. Your gift would bring comfort, stability, and peace of mind to a family doing their best to build a new beginning together.

Crib frame

A growing family had to part with a significant number of belongings and replace several items to ensure the safety of her children. This process has highlighted the importance of creating a secure environment for them. As a result, they are diligently working to rebuild their home from the ground up, motivated by the difficult lessons they learned along the way. They are in urgent need of twin bedding sets for 2 girls (Preferred colors are light green and pink). They also need a toddler bed frame, ideally white, with toddler bedding set. Mattress protectors for a crib and for 2 twin beds are also needed. They would also welcome clothes for their girls, sizes 24 months, 2T and 4T. The family is motivated to succeed and would really appreciate your help to get back on their feet. Thank you!

I have a father who has an 11 year old daughter who just moved in with him and is in need of famine hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shower gel/soap, brush, and body spray and due to the daughter unexpectedly moving in with him the father is unable to purchase the previously stated products due to limited financial funds. The child would benefit from having shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, shower gel, and body spray so that she is able to properly shower with products to clean herself with and not fear going to school where she could be bullied for having body odor.

A member of Doxa shared a request where they would benefit in having another bed since they assist their neighbor kids while their mom works doubles to make ends meet. Having a bed will allow her to serve the kids in having their own space when they spend the evenings over.

I placed Full/Double, but if you have a twin that works too. Let me know if you have any of the items or want to contribute. Kayley and myself, Nikolai, would be the contact person and I can handle PU and drop off of these items. Thanks y’all!

You have helped this family before. The parent is unemployed but is still looking for work. She filed for disability but has to wait 4-6 months to hear back. She needs assistance paying her bills.

We are in urgent need of funding to purchase two mattresses (we highly recommend with waterproof covers) for a foster family who is working to get siblings placed in their home. As part of the placement transition, they will be hosting the children for some overnight visits soon and they have worked to purchase beds for their home. As a result, they are asking for help in purchasing the mattresses to put on the beds due to the sudden financial strain. These kids will be looking to make this home a permanent placement, so these items would be for use long into the future. If you can support this family from our own church in some (or all!) of these items, please donate now. If you have bedding items available that you can donate, please mention that. We would like to purchase the mattresses brand new. Thank you for your consideration and support!

Mom is in need of two window air conditioner units for her apartment. Currently, the children are not able to sleep in their rooms because of the temperature (either too hot in the summer or no heat in the winter). Mom also needs a twin size mattress for a bedframe that she has for her daughter.

I would like to say “thank you” on behalf of my family. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated. I know that this is a temporary situation because I will be back in the workforce as soon as we get the support we need to get going. My story is long, but I will make it as concise as possible. When I got married to my wife, she had a boy, whom I love dearly. He is on the autism spectrum. I bring him up because everything that is going on is hardest on him. I had a job selling cars, and I made many sales, but what was promised was not paid. I lost several months giving my all to a job that did not cover my bills. I got a new job driving a school bus. At that time, we were living in my father’s house. That’s when the twins arrived. This was too much for him. He was always in a bad mood. His temper always got the better of him. We were afraid for the babies. M and J were afraid to be there when I wasn’t there, and I was afraid for them. One night he just cam in to the room screaming at my wife saying what s going on since the babies were crying and Meghan was getting frustrated with the babies he seemed like he was ready to hit one of us how angry he seemed .at the the time we were holding the babies I had to make a hard decision to keep my family safe cause it would of just gotten worse. We left to stay at a friend’s house, where we are now....but we have to leave very soon. Now we have no income and no savings. Thank you again for listening and all of your help.

Hungry Hearts Kitchen Ministry is seeking donations to help with the purchase of groceries to supply 4 families with a hot meal. These families are either involved in foster care or in the midst of some difficult life circumstance. Would you be willing to contribute? Always looking for volunteers as well. Isaiah 58: 10-14 “Feed the hungry and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be bright as noon.”