University Christian Church

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.

KINSHIP. The caregiver recently relocated to a larger apartment to meet the requirement to keep her granddaughter in her care. Previously, she lived with her mother in a one-bedroom apartment. She now resides in a two-bedroom apartment with her boyfriend, ensuring that the child has her own bedroom. After the move, her boyfriend sustained an injury at work and was forced to stop working. He initially received monthly compensation, but these have since ceased. The caregiver works part-time, which has created a financial strain. Given the circumstances, she is seeking assistance to obtain a twin bed, mattress and a dresser for her three-year-old granddaughter. This support would improve their living situation and help maintain a stable, comfortable environment for the child. This support will prevent removal ensuring that the child is provided with a fully furnished bedroom, thereby ensuring both privacy and safety. Providing a designated, well-equipped personal space is essential to the child’s well-being and is a critical factor in meeting the requirements for maintaining the child’s placement. The caregiver is currently employed part-time and receives a monthly payment for the child under her care. Her boyfriend is actively seeking employment and hopes to secure a position soon. The caregiver is currently employed part-time and receives a monthly payment for the child under her care. Her boyfriend is actively seeking employment and hopes to secure a position soon.

KINSHIP. The caregiver is in need of rental support as she has fallen behind on 3 months of rent. This financial hardship began after she lost her job in 11/2024. In an effort to meet her monthly rent, she attempted to work for Eats and Uber Transportation, but it was not enough to sustain her household. She eventually exhausted her savings to cover essential expenses, which significantly impacted her financial stability. The situation worsened when the caregiver became ill and was unable to return to work, while also coping with the loss of her husband’s job. She has now returned to work but is still trying to recover financially and catch up on the missed payments. Her rent is $1,950.00, with a total of $5,850.00 owed for the 3 months. A Community Based Organization has covered a portion of this balance, but she still needs assistance to cover the remaining. She has an agreement with her landlord to make a full payment for the current month, and going forward, she will make payments of $500 on the 15th of each month to lower her balance. With this support, she will be able to catch up on her rent and provide a safe and stable home for the children. This assistance will offer the children peace of mind and a sense of security, knowing they have a stable place to call home. The caregiver does not receive any financial assistance and relies on her earnings to support the household. Once this need is met, she will be able to resume making her monthly rent payments on time.

6-year old child needs a new bed. The relative caregivers recently bought him a new twin size bed due to him outgrowing his old bed. However, the young child broke his bed with his behavior issues. The caregivers are unable to afford a new bed at this time due to having to pay for additional expenses for his care. In order to maintain and support the placement, the home needs to remain in compliance. This would help the child stay with relative caregivers to maintain family ties and remain safe in placement.

We have a single mother of three boys (ages 4, 3, and 1). The mother is putting her life back together after being involved with domestic violence. The mother and her children are currently staying with the relative, but the mother is in the process of attempting to secure houses for her and her children. At this time, the mother needs assistance with $30.00 application fee. Assisting with the costs of the rental application will help the family move closer to securing housing.

This family came to the attention of DCFS due to caretaker incapacity/absence. Mother left 6 year old and 2 year old with maternal grandmother and without any provisions. Grandmother is willing to be caretaker for children in mother's absence. We are requesting assistance with providing a full size mattress, comforter set and a Smart & Final gift card for groceries as grandmother's resources are limited and she was not prepared for this sudden change in lifestyle.

I am advocating for a mother who has just given birth and is in need of essential items, such as a playpen. She underwent a C-section, and her baby was born prematurely, which prevented her from obtaining the necessary items in time. Now, she is at risk of losing her baby due to an open case related to domestic violence. The mother is compliant with everything required of her; she simply needs some support to ensure she can keep her baby. Thank you very much for your assistance.

Hello, I am a peer advocate assisting a single mother who is struggling financially and is very much wanting to keep her baby at home with her. The mother had her baby 7 weeks early and had a complicated pregnancy, and she is in need of help with a cleaning service. Providing this support could help her avoid entering the system. Thank you for taking the time to read this request. God bless.

I am requesting assistance for a donation of a mini crib with a mattress on behalf of a mother. Due to the limited space in her single-sized apartment, a compact or “mini” crib with a mattress would be most suitable.

Mother is a resilient and courageous mother who recently made the brave decision to provide a safe and stable environment for her 8-month-old baby and the child she is currently expecting. She has faced numerous challenges, threats from local gang members, and eviction due to financial hardship.

Mother has since relocated to a small apartment where she resides with her child, and two other adult relatives. Despite her circumstances, she remains focused on rebuilding her life. She has enrolled in educational programs and is actively participating in services.

A mini crib with a mattress would provide a much-needed safe and secure sleeping space for her baby, offering both physical safety and emotional comfort during this critical period of transition.

The caregiver has been a consistent participant in our support groups and is requesting support in purchasing a portable heater and a walker. She is head of household and is the caregiver to a nine year old girl. Unfortunately, at this time, her expenses are greater than her income and is unable to purchase these items on her own. The caregiver is unable to be in the cold due to her bones hurting and is also experiencing mobility issues.

Client is requesting Enfamil Gentlease formula for 1 year old son. Client was previously using this brand of formula in the past, but due to recent job loss in February 2025, client has had difficulties paying rent and inability to continue purchasing this brand of formula. Client states this type of formula helps with colic and easier to digest.

Please help a youth aging out of the system. The youth has experiences various traumas which impacted hi ability to make good career path decision. As such, he struggled with his education and is currently struggles with his housing .

However, the youth is now ready to make positive changes to start his career on a good path. His goal is to complete his GED so that he can serve his county enlisting in the Marines. However, in order for the youth to take on this career path he will needs to complete the math section of his GED. Once he complete his GED requirement, he will be able to interview and enlist in the Marines.

At his time, the youth is in need of clothing for his interview and funding to pay for the last portion of his GED exam. A $200 Visa gift card for the youth would really help get in the right path. Please find it in your heart to help this youth who overcame multiple barriers to get to where he is at today.