Help a Family Overcome Divorce and Poverty

You’ve probably heard that ”it takes a village” to raise a child. That is why I come to you today.

You won’t find heartwarming pictures here or names. I can assure you, however, that this is a genuine request made on behalf of a dear friend and her family.

I want to respect their privacy which, I feel, is deserved and should be respected. My friend says she appreciates that, to avoid any embarrassment to her children.

My friend is amazing, talented, smart, joyful, grateful and deeply caring for her beautiful children. My meeting her a number of years ago has been, and continues to be, a blessing in my life.

Despite medical, socio-economic and cultural obstacles that would challenge and, maybe, overwhelm most of us, my friend has succeeded in many ways: getting a bachelors degree while raising her children; working to provide for her young children and being a “mom taxi”.

Unfortunately, divorce has left my friend with fewer and fewer resources to raise her growing family. Simply said, what was sometimes manageable has become less and less so for two main reasons, poverty and the divorce. That she is a woman also leaves her at a disadvantage. What she may have struggled to pay for prior, has become near impossible. It has been a traumatic and unstable time to the point that she and her family are at risk of becoming homeless. Although she is employed full time, there is simply not enough to go around.

My friend is not a “taker”, but what I would call an “accepter”, a person who, realistically, is aware of her family’s needs and, putting her pride aside, is willing to accept what assistance is offered on their behalf, adding that she is committed to giving back when she is able. None of these stated needs are for herself.

Immediate needs:

School expenses for children: $450

Veterinary fees: $300

Dental expenses: $4,700

Outstanding phone bill: $600

Food costs: $500

Monthly expenses:

Projected cost of rent: $2000

College tuition: $1,000

Therapy costs : $30

Estimated utilities:$320

Car insurance: $195

Monthly car payment: $345

Gasoline: $200

Monthly pet costs: $40

Other Expenses:

Remaining divorce legal fees: $7200

Loan repayment: $2000

Moving expenses: $2000

Security deposit: $4000

To assist with these costs I am requesting $50,000. ANY amount toward this would be very much appreciated!

Despite present challenges, my friend has hope for the future:

——that she may find a safe, healthy environment in which her children may grow up

——that as her young children grow older, she may be better able to secure employment that does not revolve around their care needs and provides sustainable income

——that she may better utilize her gifts and be able to obtain licensure in her profession

We live in a challenging world that we may sometimes feel powerless to change. I can assure you that your contribution today can be a concrete opportunity to make a difference in not only my friend’s life, but for her beautiful children for generations to come.

Thank you so very much!

Carol Freedman

Tolland, Connecticut.