There are just two weeks left of the Giving Fund, The Hour’s partnership with Family & Children’s Agency to help community members in need this holiday season. So far, more than $6,000 has been donated directly to our neighbors by readers, a very generous outpouring of support. Unfortunately, many cases have received no funding at all. This week, stories include parents looking for services for disabled children, a family in need of winter supplies after escaping domestic violence in Texas, a student who needs help to succeed in classes, and more.
Every story carries a unique case number, allowing you to direct your donation to a specific individual or to the broader Client Support Fund at FCA via https://bit.ly/FCAgiving24 or the QR code provided.
To protect their privacy, names and details have been changed, and many of those mentioned are unaware their story has been shared. Any donations exceeding a client’s immediate needs will go toward the FCA Client Support Fund, ensuring your generosity continues to support others in need.
Thank you for supporting the Giving Fund and helping neighbors right here in our backyard!
141: Logan is a dedicated and well-rounded high school senior who balances applying to college and shouldering significant responsibilities at home, including working multiple jobs to help his family. His mom recently had major surgery and medical bills are piling up. A gift of $500 would ease this burden and allow Logan to continue performing well in school so he can have a bright future ahead.
142: Flora is 65 years old and has been a foster mom for many years. She currently has two children she adopted through foster care, and one has diabetes and learning delays. Money is tight, but Flora loves these kids and gives them a stable home. A gift of $300 would help her pay for groceries for herself and her two teens, giving her some financial breathing room.
143: Camila and her husband have a beautiful baby boy, Angel, who was born with a malformation of his arm. The family is struggling to meet their basic needs, juggling multiple jobs with medical appointments for Angel. A $500 gift would greatly help the family with necessities and therapy for Angel, especially as winter approaches and job opportunities for seasonal workers become even more limited.
144: Scarlett is 26 and recently re-enrolled in college. She is working hard to finish her education and reach her goals, but school supplies and gas are very expensive. A gift of $350 would help her alleviate some of the financial burden so she can focus on her schoolwork.
145: Val is a single mom with five children. The stress of working so hard to provide for the kids has taken a toll on her mental health, and her bills have been mounting. She’s working with FCA to get enrolled in whatever programs she may be eligible for, but with so much debt she finds it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. A gift of $500 would help her see the brighter days ahead.
146: Bill works hard and is raising two young children on his own. He works hard, but as the weather gets colder the costs are rising and he’s struggling. A gift of $250 would help him get some warmer bedding so the kids can be comfortable at night and get some good sleep.
147: Gabrielle works as a caregiver for the elderly but could use some help herself. Her paycheck is completely dedicated to food and transportation to get to her clients. She wants to move closer to her job to cut costs, but she can’t afford the moving fees and she’s getting more and more in debt. A gift of $500 would help her move to a more affordable apartment closer to work, easing this financial burden.
148: May had an incredibly traumatic experience and developed a substance use disorder as a coping mechanism. She’s been in recovery, working hard to stay sober and heal her mental health struggles. She is working to set herself and her family up with a solid foundation where she will be financially stable enough to solidify her own permanent housing for herself and her children. A gift of $450 would allow May to pay for her new home so she and her children can start a new chapter.
149: At 74 years old, Ramon is the single father to a 9-year-old boy. Ramon’s social security income is barely enough to pay for the rent and all his sons need. Ramon’s son really wants to play soccer, but registration and equipment is expensive. A gift of $400 would get Ramon’s son on a soccer team and the clothing, cleats, and other supplies he would need.
150: Anthony is a young man with autism who is in foster care. He’s working with his foster mom to develop his life skills, including his language and communication, social skills, and executive functioning. A gift of $500 would help Anthony enroll in a program to help further develop these skills so he can be as independent as possible.
