This fundraiser is for Daniel (19), Alyssa (18), and Katelyn (18) Powers (Piening). On August 29, these three precious and special needs young adults became orphaned when they learned that their father, Deron Powers, had passed away.

Their mother, Jennifer (Piening), passed away in 2012, leaving the kids without a mother for the last 10.5 years. Deron faithfully and lovingly raised his three kids as a single father in Kent, Washington, with the help of Jennifer’s mom and dad, “Oma and Opa,” with whom the kids would spend each summer in Buena Park, California. After another fun summer with Oma and Opa, Deron didn’t come to pick up the kids as scheduled, and the family immediately knew something was wrong. They soon discovered Deron’s tragic passing.

As those who personally know the Powers (Piening) family are aware, Daniel and Alyssa have severe autism. While Deron was Daniel’s legal guardian, Alyssa’s guardianship was still in progress, and now she is caught between the systems. It has been a challenge for the family to navigate the legalities between Washington, the Powers kids’ residence, and California, where they became orphaned.

The Powers (Piening) family needs our help as they try to advocate for and support the kids while deep in grief over their family’s heartbreaking loss. If you would like to donate, your generosity would meet some of the family’s immediate financial needs:

• MEDICAL EXPENSES: Since the kids are currently under the care of their grandparents, their grandparents have immediate out-of-pocket care expenses, including medical, dental, and vision. All three children need counseling to help them navigate this tragedy and their immense grief. They currently have NO healthcare coverage until Medicaid kicks in, and even then, the family is unsure what Medicaid will cover.

• EDUCATION EXPENSES: While Daniel and Alyssa will be covered for Adult Transition School by Anaheim Union High School District (AUHSD), Katelyn, unlike her disabled siblings, is legally an adult without assets and is not entitled to any state of school district benefits. Katelyn hopes to attend a technical or junior college to pursue a veterinary assistant professional certificate or advanced degree.

• LIVING EXPENSES: In addition to all medical expenses, their grandparents are also solely responsible for covering clothing, food, and general living expenses – a tremendous lift as they are retired, and “Opa” has Parkinson’s disease. They need funds to help with in-home services and respite care, as it could be anywhere from four to eight months before any financial relief can come from Medicaid or Regional Center (CA Social Services). In addition, the Powers kids will eventually need to be transported to Washington so they can retrieve their mementos from their home to begin their new life.

• LEGAL FEES: Legal fees are extraordinarily high as the family works to set up guardianships and trusts for each kid. Additionally, as the family attempts to settle Deron’s estate with many unknowns, they are accumulating probate fees.

We have an opportunity to step into this family’s story and show them care in their time of deep need. Your donation, thoughtfulness, and kindness will help remind the kids they’re not alone as they navigate their new reality.