Families ‘facing a challenging holiday season’
DANBURY — Maureen is a single mom of three children and was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2020.
She recently had a double mastectomy, which affected her emotionally and economically, leaving her unable to continue working.
Due to the lack of income, she was not able to pay her rent, which resulted in having to move to more affordable housing in the middle of the pandemic.
Maureen is one of the Danbury area residents that the United Way of Western Connecticut aims to support this holiday season through its annual Giving Fund.
A gift of $1,500 would help cover Maureen’s rent and allow her the opportunity to heal and return to normal life.
In its 10th year, The Giving Fund is a partnership between The News-Times and United Way of Western Connecticut that gives readers the opportunity to give directly to those in the greatest need this holiday season.
“The pandemic of the past 18 months affected low-income workers the hardest, and they are once again facing a challenging holiday season,” said Isabel Almeida, president of United Way of Western Connecticut.
Over six weeks, The News-Times is presenting several new cases of real people in the community who “need a helping hand to lift them out of a financial crisis and change the trajectory of their lives,” Almeida said.
Since its inception, The Giving Fund has raised more than $1 million for families in need. United Way serves as the pro-bono fiduciary of the fund and does not take any fees to administer the program for The News-Times. This means 100 percent of your donation goes to help the person described in the case you choose.
Donations may be made online at https://www. uwwesternct.org/ thegivingfund. They may also be mailed to United Way of Western Connecticut, 301 Main Street, Suite 2-5, Danbury, CT 06810. Checks should be made payable to The Giving Fund c/o United Way of Western Connecticut.
If a case becomes fully funded, any additional donations will be used to fund other cases or direct services for qualifying families. Names are changed to protect individuals and families’ privacy. This week’s cases are: Case #228: George is the father and primary provider for a family of five that lives in Danbury. He works full time with individuals who have special needs. When not working, George organizes a Special Olympics group and volunteers extensively at local nonprofits.
George’s wife lost her job more than a year ago, but she is now working retail while she seeks a better job that suits her skill set. Two of their children are in college and a third has been diagnosed with autism.
Money is very tight, and the family has been behind on rent for a long time. Their one vehicle needs extensive repairs, including new tires. A gift of $1,400 would cover the cost of new tires and vehicle repairs so the family could drive safely during the winter.
Case #229: Amy has three children between the ages of one and four. Until recently, she was a stay-athome mom. She is very dedicated to her family, very connected with local child development resources, and very concerned for the wellbeing of her children.
Amy’s husband and the father of her three children recently passed away in a car accident. She has been facing a tough situation emotionally and financially.
A gift of $500 would be a huge help to this family, especially now that Amy needs to provide for everyone as head of the household
Case #230: Annabelle is a single mother working a full-time job and caring for her six-year-old daughter Megan. Annabelle has chosen to go back to school full-time to make a better life for herself and her young daughter.
She has been living with friends to make ends meet but they recently came down with COVID. Annabelle is now living with her mother in a small onebedroom apartment. She would like to move out but just can’t because rent is too expensive.
A gift of $1,500 would help Annabelle and Megan with rent so that they are able to find a place of their own.
Case #231: Khloe is a mother of two who recently left an abusive relationship. She is working hard to build a new life for herself and her children.
Khloe has secured a new apartment, but she needs bedroom furniture for the family. She needs twinsized bunk beds and two twin mattresses, as well as a queen-sized bed frame and a queen-sized bed and a dresser for her clothes. She will also need sheets and blankets.
A gift of $1,000 will help her buy the furnishings she needs so she and her boys can turn their house into a home.
Case #232: Lena is a long-term New Milford resident and a single mother of three boys. Lena is facing financial hardship due to health issues. She faces many challenges raising three sons without a support system.
Lena has a full-time job, but she has lost many work days because of severe health issues. Losing these work days has caused her to fall behind on household bills.
A gift of $1,000 will help Lena pay her rent for one month and get her family on a stronger financial footing.
Case #233: Loni is a mother of three children who has survived verbal and physical abuse by her expartner. Loni is working but is struggling financially.
Most recently, her landlord gave her notice to leave her apartment because the property is being sold. Loni has located a new place to live, but saving for a security deposit during the holidays has been difficult.
A gift of $1,500 would help Loni with a security deposit for a new place to live with her children.
Case #234: Grace is a single mother of five children. She has just reentered the workforce after many years of being a stayat-home parent.
Grace is a dedicated mother and employee, and she is working hard to get back on her feet after a difficult separation.
The family car needs extensive repairs. A gift of $1,500 will pay for the car repairs and allow this family to continue to get to work and school.
Case #235 is Maureen described above.