Giving Fund helps offers Danbury area families support during the holiday season
Alexandra fled her home this year with just the clothes on her back and the few possessions she could carry. The single mom took her new baby and ran from a violent and emotionally and financially abusive home situation.
Despite the challenges she has faced along the way, Alexandra has been working hard to secure a new apartment and a new life for herself and her baby. She has been able to save up enough money to pay the first month’s rent for a new home, but needs additional financial support to cover the security deposit and other necessities.
A gift of $1,500 from the Giving Fund would help Alexandra and her baby settle into their new apartment and replace some of the things they were forced to leave behind.
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:
#236 After being diagnosed with cancer, Mary’s husband is out of work while he receives medical treatment.
Mary was recently let go from her job after missing days when dealing with her husband's medical issues. The financial stress is making her extremely anxious, and she is overwhelmed with financial worries. The situation is taking a huge toll on Mary’s mental and physical health, and her relationship with their 13-year-old son has been affected.
A gift of $500 will help this hardworking mother catch up on bills and relieve some of the stress and anxiety.
#238 Daniela and her two teen daughters are refugees who fled their violent home country to find a safe place to live. They are currently residing in a shelter.
Daniela has not been able to find a job but is applying to jobs every day. She’s hopeful she will be hired soon. Her priorities have always been to focus on her daughters’ needs by enrolling them in school and making sure their physical and mental health are taken care of.
A gift in the amount of $1,000 will help Daniela’s family with school clothes, supplies, co-pays for medical check-ups and afterschool sports and activities.
#239 Vilma unexpectedly lost her husband — the main provider for their family— in October.
She and her young daughter have to adjust to living on Vilma’s income alone, and she is trying to increase her work hours to cover household bills. The two recently moved to a new house because they were having a hard time living in her old apartment with all the good memories of Vilma’s husband.
A gift $1,050 will pay for Vilma’s January rent and help this family get back on their feet after a terrible loss.
#240 Michael and Elizabeth have been happily married for over 40 years. Michael is a former finance professional and Elizabeth is a former elementary school teacher. Several years ago, Michael suffered a series of severe strokes that damaged his ability to walk and required the implant of a pacemaker.
Now, the couple has to frequently travel to Yale New Haven Hospital, and make numerous visits to local medical specialists. This has caused a financial challenge for the couple, but they have been reluctant to ask for help. Yet, the couple is always ready to help others in need. Elizabeth cares for infant children of young single moms so they can work during the day, and she finds time to bring food from a local food pantry to neighbors and friends who are struggling.
A gift of $1,200 will help them pay utility bills this winter, as most of their income goes toward Michael’s medical bills.
#241 Marie is a single mother whose young daughter, Chloe, has been diagnosed with autism. The two of them have shown great determination, overcoming several barriers during the pandemic.
Marie’s priority is caring for her daughter and securing developmental and medical services for her. With the help of friends, Marie has been able to address her family’s basic needs, from mental health services, to health insurance, and career development. But additional help is needed to provide reliable transportation, supplies for Chloe, and support for Marie’s continuing education.
A gift of $1,000 would greatly benefit this family, ensuring their continued stability and growth.
#242 Stacy is a mother of four seeking housing resources after a year of couch surfing. She is the victim of domestic violence with her previous partner.
Stacy was out of resources and money, and she was living in unstable conditions. She and her children needed shelter immediate shelter. The perpetrator has continued to retaliate against them through the legal system. Stacy has very limited financial resources, and suffers mentally and emotionally from the trauma. Despite the adversity she has faced, she has stayed engaged in services, but she still needs support to financially stabilize her family.
A gift of $1,500 would help Stacy stabilize her housing and transportation and put her on the path to a better life for her children.
#243 Estela, a middleaged woman, lives with her young son and elderly mom, both of whom depend on her financially.
Estela was re-diagnosed with stage four cervical cancer in June and has not been able to return to work due to side effects from her treatment. She has been unable to qualify for unemployment and is still in the process of applying for disability.
A gift of $1,500 would help cover her utilities and car payment so that she can focus on her cancer treatment.