NORWALK — The Giving Fund partnership with the Family and Children’s Agency is now at the halfway point, with nearly $6,000 donated thus far to neighbors in need this holiday season.
The partnership shares stories of community members who have specific needs during the holiday season. The FCA asks that, as everyone celebrates with loved ones, those who are able to make a donation to consider helping their neighbors in the community as well.
The cases include a young woman in foster care who is heading to college, a mom overcoming homelessness after losing all her possessions due to a break-in, and a family who needs a new home with a stable living situation. Every gift — in any amount — will make a significant difference for those who are struggling this year.
Names have been changed to protect everyone’s privacy; individuals who benefit from the Giving Fund often don’t know they have been included in the series. Each story has a case number and an estimated dollar amount that would help the clients face everyday challenges, including rent payments, transportation costs or medical expenses.
Online donations go directly to the clients in need and can be designated to a specific case or to the general Client Support Fund at FCA. Donations that exceed the person’s need will go to the Client Support Fund to help others. FCA has also provided a QR code, which can be found below.
Here are the cases:
Case 140: Geoffrey is a 68-year-old senior living alone. He was a painter, but a recent stroke has left him unable to function at the same level. Because of his medical issues, he has fallen behind on his bills. A gift of $300 would help him pay his medical expenses so that he can focus on healing.
Case 141: Pauline, the mother of five children, fled a dangerous and volatile abusive relationship. She and her children lived in homeless shelters and experienced theft and post-traumatic stress disorder. Now, Pauline is working hard to keep her children safe and provide for them on her own. A gift of $400 would help her purchase basic necessities for her kids, such as clothing, personal care items and bedding.
Case 142: Rosaline and her husband, Josue, immigrated to the U.S. with their two children a few years ago. Both have worked in retail, but recently they suffered a devastating financial setback. Rosaline’s sister was kidnapped in her home country, and Rosaline borrowed money to pay the ransom. Fortunately, her sister was returned physically unharmed, but the ordeal has caused serious mental strain on Rosaline and financial strain on the family. A gift of $500 would help Rosaline and Josue pay their debt and land on solid financial ground.
Case 143: Nadia, 18, has spent the last seven years in foster care. Despite the difficulties she has faced, Nadia worked hard in school and will be graduating this year with plans of attending college. A gift of $400 would help her buy books and other necessities so that she can continue to succeed in her education.
Case 144: Melissa is a single mother of a bright and outgoing 9-year-old. They were living in a shelter, awaiting a new home through Section 8, when her car was robbed. It held all of their belongings, and everything was taken. Melissa works over 40 hours a week doing a labor-intensive job to support herself and her son. A gift of $450 would allow her to replace some of the clothes and supplies that were stolen and to purchase some supplies for their new home.
Scan this QR code for a direct link to donate to the Giving Fund for 2022.
Contributed by FCA
Case 145: Dennis is a junior in high school who attends FCA’s ASPIRE after-school program. He lives with his mother, who works six days a week to provide for them. But times are tight for them, and Dennis’ mom lives paycheck to paycheck. A gift of $350 would help Dennis and his mom find breathing room in their budget and pay for some winter items.
Case 146: The Suarez family includes two boys and one girl, and their parents who work hard in landscaping and housekeeping. Currently, their living situation is untenable. Their landlord frequently asks the family to cover additional costs outside of their agreed rent. They have been making the additional payments to avoid eviction, but the erratic and costly demands are stressing the family. A gift of $500 would provide a security deposit on a new apartment with a stable living environment for their children.
Case 147: Amira, 63, is the primary caregiver for her mother, Cecilia, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. Unfortunately, Amira is having difficulty paying the medical bills and for the prescriptions. A gift of $500 would help Amira pay for gas to take her mom to her treatments as well as help to cover the medications and outstanding medical bills.
Case 148: Owen is 15 years old and has four siblings. His mom, who is a single parent, had received help from her mother, who lived with the family. Unfortunately, Owen’s grandmother died from COVID-19 during the pandemic. In addition to the emotional toll, the loss has been a financial hit for the family. A gift of $400 would help pay for clothing for the five growing kids.
Case 149: Emma is 19 and has two children — a toddler boy and a baby girl. Emma and her partner, Fernando, rent a small apartment, and the whole family sleeps on one air mattress. Fernando works a seasonal job, but Emma had to leave work due to pregnancy complications. A gift of $500 would allow Emma and Fernando to buy a bed and crib for their kids.
To contribute to these cases, visit https://bit.ly/FCAGivingFund22
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