Hi, our names are Jack and Jonas. We’re brothers who have spent most of our lives trying to make it through situations no kids should ever have to face.

We grew up without a father, and our mom, even though she has tried and we love her, has struggled with severe drug addiction for as long as we can remember. For the first years of our lives, she wasn’t around much at all. We were just little kids trying to survive, and eventually our grandma stepped in to take care of us. She struggled with her own addictions, and losing her at such a young age changed a lot. Before she took us in, the police had to be called because we were found wandering outside alone as babies, with no one watching over us.

Since then, our lives have been a cycle of trying to hold everything together. Our aunt, our cousin, and our aunt’s ex-boyfriend, Chad, have taken us in throughout the years, and we’re so grateful. They do what they can for us. Our cousin, who is helping share our story now, is like a brother and one of the closest things we’ve ever had to a father figure. He and our “uncle” Chad are our male role models.

For a while now, we’ve been living with our mom again. We hoped things would get better, that this time we could figure things out as a family. But it’s been harder than we want to admit. Getting to school is a challenge without reliable transportation. A lot of days we feel invisible, as our basic needs are met only at the bare minimum. The bills have been piling up without any plan for the future. We don’t really know where we’ll be living in the coming months.

Most of the people who could have been part of our support system are gone, and it was not a lot to begin with. Our grandma passed away, and our grandpa died by suicide before we were born. Besides our aunt, there isn’t anyone who consistently checks in to see if we’re okay. Sometimes it feels like we’ve slipped through the cracks completely.

As we get older, more is expected of us, like responsibilities, decisions, pressure, but without the stability most kids have, it’s overwhelming. We are scared. We’re trying, but we can’t do it alone anymore. That’s why we’re asking for help.

I am Jonas, 17, and a junior in high school and Jack is 14 and in 8th grade. I am working towards getting my driver’s license so I can buy a car, have some independence and get us to school. I am starting a job this month. But, I also deal with allergies that are so severe, the swelling to my eyes and mouth cause me to be sent home from school sometimes. We need support to cover school lunches, school supplies, clothing and basic daily needs, things most families don’t have to worry about affording. We both have dreams to build a better life for ourselves. Jack is thinking of becoming an electrician or history teacher and I want to become a real estate investor someday.

Any amount truly makes a difference. Even a few dollars goes a long way in helping us feel like we’re not facing the world alone.

Thank you for reading our story, for caring, and for believing in us.

UPDATE: This is Donovan, and jack and Jonas wanted to say they are overwhelmed and very grateful for the support! For the past 7 years, Jonas has asked for cash instead of presents on his birthday and holidays so he can save up for a car. He bought an e-bike and very recently was able to exchange for a small car. It is older and is not in the best cosmetic shape, but it runs great! He still has three months before he can formally get his license, but he still is trying to save money for insurance and other expenses.

We are going to help them make a thank you video to show their appreciation. Thank you for everything again, you could not be helping more deserving boys!