Fund the Millers’ New Wheels

We are organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Mandi and Ben Miller and their family of 6 children. We are friends of Mandi, and we are a part of her village. We know that she and Ben are committed to providing for their children’s needs, while ensuring they’re happy and thriving. Mandi and Ben are outstanding parents, doing absolutely everything they can for their children, but they need some extra help right now. Organizing and contributing to this GoFundMe is a little thing that will go so far to help the Miller family.

Mandi and Ben Miller started their fostering journey in November 2020 with Zari (now Zari Miller, adopted in 2023!), on Mandi’s birthday. Shortly after Zari’s arrival, a sweet boy joined them; he spent some time in their care, but departed from their home for some time during Mandi’s pregnancy. Mandi and Ben gave birth to their little girl in September 2022. In February 2023, Mandi and Ben were asked to foster another infant, baby boy #2. Shortly after his arrival, they were asked to take in his brother, and so baby boy #3 joined the Miller family! When Little Guy #1 became in need of care again, Mandi and Ben were eager to welcome him back into a safe, familiar home and family with them. Lost count? As of the start of 2024, Mandi and Ben had five children – Zari, Lark and three precious boys living with the Millers.

In February 2024, a sweet new baby needed emergency placement following birth. When Mandi and Ben were called asking if they could accept the placement of a newborn, they knew they had to help. Baby Boy #4 came to them very recently at just three days old. (That’s the sixth child!)

Mandi and Ben provide a safe landing place for all their children, whether biological, adopted or in foster care. It’s clear that parenting a 4-year-old, a 3-year-old, a 2-year-old, TWO 1-year-olds and a newborn, along with navigating a challenging foster care system, juggling required visits for the four still in care, managing each child’s appointments and support needs – alongside the rest of life – is extremely tough! Mandi gave up paid employment outside of the home to help care for her family; Ben works full-time and overtime on some evenings. The Miller family deserves some support to ensure they can give their all to their children.

The Millers have the love that these children need, but they need help with resources to support their big family – and unfortunately, some of those resources come with a high price tag. Living in a close Milwaukee suburb, Mandi and Ben are fortunate to have a great backyard for children to play, but they need some more indoor space as the babies and toddlers turn into big kids, and they need help with transportation that fits their family.

With this fundraiser, we seek to lessen the burden for several immediate needs that Mandi and Ben are seeking to finance. Most immediately, Mandi and Ben need a bigger van to better fit and transport their family of 8. Right now, they have a minivan that fits everyone, but it is extremely impractical for loading 6 babies and toddlers in and out. Mandi and Ben are considering a larger van to accommodate their car seats, which will cost around $50,000. They are in need of about $10,000 to be able to make this lofty purchase, which is what this fundraiser aims to assist with. Additionally, once they secure the larger van, they need to expand parking behind their home to fit the vehicle. Unfortunately, this requires moving their fence and pouring more pavement (a van would not fit in their garage, and there is no street parking available!). Lastly, the Millers currently only have one full bathroom to support 8 people; they hope to add another before the kids get too big.

Mandi and Ben thrive in community with others and truly live to be of service to those around them. We’re eager to use this fundraiser to help support their commitment to bettering the lives of all their children. Thank you for sharing your support for the Miller family and donating if you are able!