Visalia First

We are submitting this request on behalf of a courageous and resilient mother who is facing significant challenges. She is currently living in a hotel with her three young children — two sons, both of whom are on the autism spectrum, and a young daughter who is still in diapers. This mother is also pregnant and trying her best to care for her children under extremely difficult circumstances. This mother is doing everything she can to hold her family together with very limited resources. Living in a hotel means she has no access to a full kitchen or storage space. Preparing meals, managing routines, and providing structure for her sons — both of whom need specialized attention and stability due to their autism — is a constant struggle. On top of that, she is carrying another child, which brings added physical and emotional stress. Her love for her children is evident in everything she does. She is not asking for luxuries — she is simply asking for basic necessities to help her children stay nourished, clean, and comforted during this vulnerable time. The family is in need of: Food assistance (groceries, grocery store gift cards), Diapers and pull-ups (for the young daughter, size 4T-5T if possible) Wipes and basic hygiene items, and assistance with gas.

We are reaching out today on behalf of a devoted mother and her four young daughters who are in urgent need of a twin over full bunk bed. This mother is doing everything in her power to care for her children, but the family is currently going through a very difficult time. All four girls are currently sleeping together in a single queen-sized bed. As you can imagine, this is far from ideal. While they show remarkable love and patience toward one another, the cramped sleeping situation affects their rest, comfort, and ability to thrive. Having a proper bed, a space of their own, would mean everything to these young girls. This mother recently took a huge step toward stability by starting a new job just this week. She is working hard and determined to build a better future for her family. However, as is often the case during transitional times, the family is currently low income and living with very limited resources. There is no financial room right now for extra expenses, especially large purchases like beds or furniture. Despite these challenges, this mother remains committed to creating a safe, warm, and loving environment for her children. She has not asked for much, only what is truly needed, that need is a safe, comfortable sleeping arrangement for her daughters. Items Needed: Twin over Full Bunk Bed (new or gently used), Mattresses for both beds (twin and full sizes), Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets if possible). Family is Spanish Speaking.

A single mother is in need of furnishing her new apartment. The mother has been unhoused for the last 9 months. The mother has a newborn baby (girl) and is expected to move forward next week to unsupervised/overnight visits with her two other children aged 5 (boy) and 9 (girl). The mother has stated that she does not have the funds available to furnish the home due to currently being on maternity leave. The following is a list provided by the mother: (2-3) Dressers (2) twin size bed frames (2) twin sized mattresses crib w/ crib mattress Your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and God Bless!

I’m reaching out with a humble and heartfelt plea on behalf of a resilient grandmother who has recently taken on the care of her young granddaughter. This loving grandmother, who is deaf and has very limited resources or support, opened her heart and home without hesitation when her granddaughter needed her most. They are currently living together in a small studio apartment, doing the best they can with what they have. Right now, the granddaughter is sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor, and the grandmother is resting on a couch. They don’t have beds or a dresser, and the space is incredibly tight. We are seeking two twin beds and a dresser to help create a sense of stability, comfort, and dignity for them both. This isn’t just about furniture—it’s about giving a child a safe, warm place to sleep, and supporting a grandmother who has stepped up in a big way under incredibly difficult circumstances. If you or someone you know has gently used furniture to donate—or would like to help in any other way—please consider reaching out. Your kindness can help this small family feel a little more at home. Thank you so much for your time, compassion, and support.

A resilient single mother is currently recovering from cervical cancer. While her health has stabilized, she continues to attend regular medical appointments essential for her ongoing care. The mother stated she had limited income and no additional support, and the financial strain of transportation has become difficult. The mother requested a gas card to help alleviate this burden. Your support would provide both relief and hope during this challenging time.

This is a single parent household with five children. The mother recently purchased two twin bunk beds with mattresses for the children. She has limited financial resources and has not been able to purchase bedding for the two bunk beds. When I explained and offered to submit a request to the Care Portal, the mother was surprised this was available. She graciously accepted the offer. She gave permission to share her name and telephone number.

The Agency is working with a 16-year-old female in foster care under family maintenance with her mother. The youth feels overwhelmed and isolates herself from her family. Upon speaking with the youth, she shared she likes crafts and baking. The hope is that these items help build her confidence and provides a therapeutic outlet. They may also offer her a calming distraction from stressors in a healthy constructive manner. A gift card to any store that has these items would greatly be appreciated. Thank you!

The household consists of a mother and her three children. The mother had purchased a washer and the warranty is expired. She reported the washer is broken. She works full time and is the sole supporter for her family. She stated she does not have the financial resources to fix the washer. She is struggling financially with having to do their laundry at the laundry mat. When she was offered the Care Portal, she was surprised by its existence and the generosity. She graciously accepted the offer of a Care Portal request for her washer and gave permission to share her name and telephone number.

Hello.

A mother in Tulare recently obtained housing after being homeless for over a year. The children are 17, 15, 9, and 7. The mother has worked with the agency to find stability with housing and she found a home that the family moved into. The mother is requesting assistance with obtaining a couch, kitchen items, and dressers.

Care Portal assisted with providing bunk beds to the children as well.

Thank you for your help!

Hello, I am writing to ask for a financial help for a 15-year-old girl who recently came back into care after being on runaway status for 6months. She returned with very few belongings and is in need of clothing and basic personal items. She is also getting ready to go back to school, so having the right clothes will help her feel more comfortable and confident during this transition in her life.

Any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

I am writing to share the urgent needs of a family in our community who are going through an incredibly difficult time. The family includes a devoted mother and her four children, (m15, m11, m9, f6), who are currently facing significant challenges that have impacted their living conditions and overall stability. Just two weeks ago, the mother was hospitalized after a recent diagnosis of diabetes. This sudden and life-altering health issue has placed a heavy burden on the family — emotionally, physically, and financially. With her ongoing medical care and recovery, she is doing her best to stay strong for her children, but the family is in critical need of support. At this time, two of the children are in need of twin beds to ensure they have a safe, comfortable, and stable place to sleep. The lack of proper bedding is adding to the stress and discomfort they are already experiencing. Providing these beds would not only meet a physical need but would offer them a sense of normalcy, security, and dignity in a season filled with uncertainty. This mother is incredibly resilient, and with the right support, she can continue to rebuild and care for her children. We are asking from the heart — if you or someone in your network can assist in providing two twin beds (mattresses and frames), it would make a world of difference for this family.

These are maternal great grandparents who have obtained legal guardianship of their two great grandchildren. One of the children has specific needs that requires medication and all sharps be in a lock box. The legal guardians are trying but need some assistance with obtaining lock boxes for sharp tools, like screwdrivers, wrenches, and hammers, as well as for sharp kitchen utensils and medications. They were surprised, happy and grateful when I offered assistance via the Care Portal and gave me permission to share the maternal great grandmother's name and telephone number.