Updates
Update from Maria: Sep 14, 2012
I cannot thank you all enough. These beds will mean so much to me and my sons. We purchased new bunk beds, pillows, warm blankets, a curtain to block out the window, and even got them sheets with their favorite wrestlers on them. This has been such a difficult time for all of us, but this help means so much to us. Thank you.
Update from Alexis: Sep 14, 2012
Today Maria and I went shopping! It was a big day as all the court matters were settled and she was able to get beds for the boys. She was so moved by the generous supporters who funded her need. You should have seen her face as she choose their new beds! The items will arrive at her house next week. After that, she plans to set everything up while the boys are in school so that they will be surprised when they come home. Thank you to everyone who helped make their lives a little better. I can't wait to see the photo of everything set up and ready!
Overview
I need beds for my two children who recently came to live with me full time after their father suddenly passed in his sleep. This includes two mattresses, two bed frames, sheets, pillows, and blankets.
Right now, my biggest challenge is trying to have my two boys adjust to not having a father anymore and us being one family without him. It is very hard. I am trying to give the boys as much support as possible.
Meeting this need will help me because their father is not around to help me anymore, and the children really need this. I feel like not only did the children lose their father, but I lost a part of my support system, too. I just want them to have a place to sleep. They shouldn't feel singled out like they don't have a place to sleep when the other kids already do.
My financial situation is not that great right now, and this would really help. I know I will have to buy the boys new supplies and clothing, too, but I really think the beds are the most important. I am working on getting a job as a daycare worker, but I can't wait until that happens to get the beds.
Meeting this need will help me achieve future goals because I think the boys will feel more welcome. They should never feel like a burden. They are so loved, and I want them to have all they deserve.
My current situation is that I am a mother of eight children. Five of my children live with me already, and my oldest daughter lives on her own. I share custody of my other two children with their father. On August 19 he passed away unexpectedly. Now we are trying to put our lives back together. The other two children have come to live with me, but they need beds of their own. I want them to feel comfortable and like this is their home.
I think of myself mostly as an independent, productive mother. I try to be the best mom that I can with the things that I do have. I know I don't have much, but I try to make the best of it. I had my daughter when I was only 13 years old, but I raised her and my other children to know the right way in life. She graduated high school two years ago and is going to college this semester. I want all of my children to have the same opportunities and to make the best lives for themselves.
I live with my five children plus the two who are just returning to me. My parents live upstairs from us.
I didn't graduate high school, but I did go back and get my GED. I've worked at jobs including as a receptionist at various companies.
Something interesting about me is I'd rather spend all of my time with my kids than anything else in the world.
Need funded!
Thank you for helping Maria fund this need.
4 supporters
This need has been validated by Alexis from CLAIM (Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers)
Recent supporters
- $10
- $95
Validated
Validated by Alexis from CLAIM (Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers) (What does this mean?)
Each need is validated by a nonprofit that knows the person and can verify that the help is necessary. Funds flow from Benevolent to the nonprofit, which then gets them to the person in need and lets us know how it went.
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I have known Maria since we first began representing her. She has worked with CLAIM for several years. She is an incredibly strong woman who has overcome a lot of adversity and abuse in her life. She is a strong mother to her children and clearly cares about them very much.
I think meeting this need is important because Maria's children deserve to have stability and be surrounded by all they need. Beds would make them feel like they are the same as the other children.
This will move the recipient's life forward by helping Maria use the money she would normally save up for the beds for something else the children need, such as family therapy or new clothing and school supplies.
Maria is a very sweet woman. She loves to read and is quite soft-spoken. She wants to better herself and become a daycare provider, but she currently faces these obstacles. Through your support, she will be able to help her children have a better life.
About Alexis
My job title is Pro Bono and Staff Attorney. I have been in this position since April of 2012. My work involves helping incarcerated mothers, formerly incarcerated mothers, and the caretakers of their children. What I like about my job is I get to see families brought together.
In the future, I… Read more