Rahkal: From Sister to Mother

With only five days into 2017, Rahkal Shelton's life as she knew it would forever change.

Can you imagine receiving a call and being forced to make a life changing decision only 24 hours after? This is what happened and pushed Rahkal; a single woman with no children of her own into action.

She received a call that her younger siblings (by her father that she doesn't have a relationship with) would be taken into DCFS custody for child abuse, neglect and endangerment. Their father has struggled with substance abuse and being physically abusive for over 45 years. The children's mother is also physically abusive and a substance abuser as well.

Ironically enough, Rahkal  witnessed first hand her father's drug and physical abuse towards her own mother and siblings when she was a child. Luckily, Rahkal was able to get out of this abusive environment at a young age. God sent her and her siblings an angel through their Aunt Brenda. Aunt Brenda is Rahkal's father's sister (who stepped in to help raise, support and encourage them growing up). Because of Aunt Brenda's help, Rahkal was not taken into DCFS custody herself.

Rahkal's angel; her Auntie Brenda, spent her last days fighting lung cancer in hospice. As a result, she wasn't able to step in and help this time.  With no time to plan, save or think Rahkal made the decision to do what her Aunt Brenda did for her when she was a child. She took an emergency flight back to her home city of Chicago, signed papers and became legal guardian of her two younger siblings. Consequently, she is NOT eligible to receive ANY funding because she prevented them from being taking by the state. She is also ineligible
for food stamps and childcare for the children ages 9 &11.

Rahkal is an author, career woman, mentor and youth advocate with an incredible story. Her life's goal and passion is to encourage and inspire others to rewrite their stories, dream bigger and to defy odds.

On Feb 10th she officially relocated the children to Atlanta. She was forced to upgrade to a two bedroom apartment where they started from scratch. She believed a change of environment was safer for the children who are both survivors of physical and emotional abuse. Without resources, this was a major leap of faith and sacrifice for Rahkal to take them in. This decision restructures her career, personal goals, ambitions and desires while instantly making her a single mom of two.

Rahkal is brave for this decision as she had no time to plan, prepare or strategize. She also lost her Aunt Brenda in the process and another close relative but believes they would be proud. The children are a bit behind academically and will need time to unlearn behaviors and negative exposures from their previous environment. That said, they'll need emotional, academic and social support, counseling and lots of love moving forward. But, if you knew Rahkal she doesn't back down from any challenge especially when helping others. She is committed to loving them to health and excited about serving them.

This is where YOU come in:

While we initally started with a goal of  $7,500 to assist with living expenses, supplies and needs for the children, lots has transpired since we started this Go Fund Me (6 months ago).

Rahkal and the children are doing much better as of today but could still use support for ongoing children's needs and random expenses.

Below is a list of where money went and is going to... 

1K clothing/shoes (school year, summer and fall clothing 500 per child)

1k apartment accommodations bunk beds, mattress, plastic dressers, toy chest, storage, sheet set, pillow, shoe rack, etc.. to help organize.

1k school supplies/field trips/enrichment/electronics (including cell/tablets) 2016-17 and 2017-18 school year.

1,500 walmart gift card for 5 months groceries

500 gas card (5 months transportation for school/activities and aftercare)

500 Personal hygiene (hair cuts, grooming, toiletries etc)

2K after care, extra curricular, summer camp etc..

As her close friends and mothers ourselves, we believe in the old adage that it takes a village, and we understand that she can't do this alone. Thank you for your help. Please spread the word.