THE GIVING FUND
How to help Norwalk neighbors in need this year
As the city faces a second holiday season amid COVID-19, the public is invited to help their neighbors in need via the Giving Fund.
For the fifth year in a row, the Hour has partnered with Family & Children’s Agency for the Giving Fund. Each week on Thursdays and Sundays, The Hour will publish 10 stories of clients from FCA who need some help. The needs vary from school supplies and child care to home furnishings and groceries. Each story has a case number, and donations can be made at Family & Children’s Agency, Inc. - Acceptiva.
Donations can be designated to a specific case or to the general Client Support Fund at FCA.
The families and individuals mentioned in the stories often don’t know they have been submitted, and names have been changed to protect their privacy. Donations made in excess of a client’s need will go to the Client Support Fund to help others in need.
Each case in the Giving Fund includes an estimated dollar amount that would help a local person or family tackle everyday challenges such as rent payments, child care costs and transportation. Every dollar donated to the Giving Fund goes directly to the people in the stories, which will be published twice a week throughout the holiday season. Week one:
201: Daniella is a high school sophomore who had a very difficult year. Her mother was hospitalized for several months due to a life-threatening medical condition. Daniella is very intelligent and diligent with her schoolwork but her typical As and Bs dropped due to the stress at home. FCA staff provided case management, mental health care, and one-onone tutoring to help her maintain her grades and her emotional health. Thankfully, her mother is now recuperating at home, but due to the lack of that second income, Daniella’s family has been struggling to pay the bills. A gift of $500 would help this hardworking family pay their winter bills and get back on their feet after this frightening situation.
202: Yolanda came to the U.S. several years ago. She has had a difficult life and has survived domestic violence, abuse and homelessness. She now has a small apartment but she has been struggling to pay the rent since she had surgery that impacted her ability to work. A gift of $250 would help her pay the rent while she recovers from the procedure.
203: Mitchell is 38 years old and has been homeless and living in the shelter for nearly a year. Finally, he has an apartment to move into and will have a place he can call home. A gift of $200 would help Mitchell purchase basic items he will need, like kitchen supplies or linens.
204: Julie is a single mother of two young children in Norwalk. When Julie fled her home due to a dangerous environment with her ex-partner, she and her children had to live in a homeless shelter. Thanks to help from FCA, Julie and her children now live in a two-bedroom apartment. Although Julie works to provide for her kids, she still struggles to make ends meet. A gift of $400 would help her buy some essentials for her new apartment and get back on her feet.
205: Brittany was in high school when she gave birth to her daughter. Despite being a young, single mother with minimal family support, Brittany was determined to graduate high school. She enrolled in FCA’s parenting education program and worked tirelessly to support her baby’s development while in classes. Finally, not only did she graduate high school but she was also able to enroll in college and is studying medicine. A gift of $400 would help Brittany pay for textbooks and school supplies so she can reach her career goals and create a bright future for herself and her daughter.
206: Crystal’s daughter is 3 years old and a very picky eater who is underweight. With two other children at home and another on the way, it’s been difficult for Crystal to pay for the special smoothies her doctor recommends to help the toddler gain weight. A gift of $100 would help Crystal pay for these medically necessary drinks.
207: Jasmine is caring for her two toddler grandchildren, one of whom has autism. Unfortunately, in her area services for her grandchild are difficult to access and his behavior has led to some destruction in the apartment. Jasmine is now facing eviction due to these issues. She lost her job during the pandemic, so a gift of $500 would help her move to a place with better services for her grandson.
208: Sam is an amazing caregiver. She has a biological daughter and years ago became the guardian of her two grandchildren. Just a few months ago, she again opened her home for a baby with fetal alcohol syndrome. The baby spent moths in the hospital and was only 3.2 pounds when he was born. He has a lot of medical needs, but thanks to Sam’s care the baby is thriving and is now a healthy weight. Unfortunately, Sam has been struggling financially as she works to meet the needs of all the children in her home. A gift of $350 would help her pay some overdue utility bills so she can continue to focus on the needs of the kids.
209: Walter is 76 years old and lives in Norwalk. He was hospitalized for 10 months after contracting COVID-19, which severely affected his lungs. Finally released from the hospital, Walter is homebound and on oxygen with ongoing complications and breathing troubles. FCA staff are providing Walter with in-home help with bathing, cooking, transportation and other needs, but Walter still struggles as he tries to adjust to his new situation and lack of financial security. A gift of $300 would provide healthy food for Walter and take one source of anxiety off his shoulders.
210: Maren is a single mom who has just gone through a divorce and is now parenting a teenager and a toddler by herself. Due to her oldest child’s mental health issues, Maren missed some days of work and lost her job. As the temperatures drop, Maren doesn’t have appropriate clothing for her kids. A gift of $250 would help buy warm clothing for the children.