UPDATE: $27k raised and the Hammers bought a van!!
Donation protected
UPDATE AND PHOTO COMING!
Thank you for taking the time to come check out this GoFundMe for the Hammers. I am one of Sheila's sisters, Jessica, and am trying to help fundraise money for them as they need a new car.
FOSTER CARE TAKES A VILLAGE
- They have three young biological children and have been offering respite for foster families since Summer 2022 (aka offering short-term care).
- Nov 2022 they learned about a medically fragile 5-month-old foster baby who child services couldn't find a home for and heard he may have to go to a group home. (A group home. For an infant?!). Appalled and heartbroken, they took him in and are fostering him and loving him to the max.
- Sheila has been volunteering since Spring 2020 as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth and was assigned a sibling group of 4 https://www.coconinocasaforkids.org/ . There are two older siblings, and two younger. She's been working with these kiddos and providing support and advocacy for almost 3 years.
- The younger two, currently 5 and 4, were just moved to their NINTH home in the 3.5 years they've been in care. Once again, heartbroken - the Hammers have decided enough is enough and are bringing the kiddos to their home. They bring them home on Jan 16th and have the blessing and support from their 3 bio children, as well as the two older siblings of the kiddos coming into their home.
- This means as of Jan 16th the Hammers will have 6 kids, ages 8 and under.
THE ASK:
They need a larger vehicle!
5 of the kids are in bulky carseats and one is in a booster. The seats just won't all fit in the current vehicles in a safe manner.
The Hammers have done a lot of research and are trying to purchase a used Ford Transit or a Chevrolet Express. These are terrible on gas mileage, which will be an added expense, but Sheila and Josh want to put the kid's safety (and not to mention some comfort) first.
Please help us as we raise money to get the Hammer Family a vehicle to fit all of their children.
I thank you for considering. Every amount helps. Please share on social media to help them expand their donor base.
The Hammers also appreciate all prayers and good thoughts as they dive into this new adventure.
(since the children are still in foster care, their identities are hidden for confidentiality and safety reasons - we thank you for your understanding).
Organiser and beneficiary
Jessica Hallstrom
Organiser
Hanford, CA
Sheila Hammer
Beneficiary