Almost exactly one year after my youngest sister and her two young daughters (6 yrs & 3 yrs) escaped horrific domestic violence, she is now unable to care for her children. Our family’s priority is to protect and provide my nieces with a safe, consistent, loving, and nurturing home. My husband Keaton and I have made the decision to care for the girls full-time for at least one year, possibly longer. While reunification is our primary goal, we have no guarantee it will happen.

As you all well know, living, working, and raising a family in Southern California is very expensive, and public resources are often strained if not exhausted. While we plan to take advantage of every program we qualify for, we know it won’t be enough. We are currently raising money so we can move into a new rental that can accommodate two small children in a good school district, health insurance, additional healthcare, trauma therapy, pre-school for the three-year-old who is still too young for public school, occasional childcare, school supplies, clothing, extracurricular activities etc.

Our goal is big, but every donation counts. Even $10 makes a difference. Due to the highly sensitive subject matter and in the interest of protecting everyone’s privacy, I welcome private emails, or calls if you wish to know more ways you can help outside of a cash donation.

We also want to take this opportunity to say that single mothers, let alone victims of rape, physical, and psychological abuse, are not supported the way they deserve to be. Political interests, budget cuts and bureaucracy consistently get in the way of providing timely care to our most vulnerable populations.

Our nieces, despite their circumstances, are considered some of the lucky ones. They have extended family to care for them while their mother seeks help. And our family has a beautiful network of people like yourselves to help go above and beyond the bare minimum. These girls deserve to thrive, not just survive, and we will do everything in our power to make that possible. Please know that we are painfully aware of the timing of our ask. Between ongoing natural disasters, war, and economic uncertainty, there are more GoFundMe’s than any of us would like to admit.

With all of our gratitude,

Jenn & Keaton (and our extended family)