Help us provide a stable home for 2 girls.

This is my sister, Lacey (Huntsman), and her husband, Marshall Leavitt. In November of 2013 Lacey died. Marshall was left with two very little girls. Between grief and other issues Marshall was unable to care for them, and the girls went into the foster care system.

My husband and I spent months flying to Virginia and back getting foster-certified, and at last was approved to bring the girls home. A week before they were to move in my husband died unexpectedly. I was left unable to care for them, but thankfully other family stepped up and was able to take girls in until they could be reunited with their father. I faded out of their lives, dealing with my own grief.

Marshall loved his girls very much, but was overwhelmed with his own issues and cut off contact with our family. It came as a shock to find out that Marshall died in December of 2023 from complications caused by long Covid. A sister got the girls, now ages 11 and 14. Within two weeks she called to say she could no longer keep them. My mother found out and flew to North Carolina to get them.

It is heartbreaking thinking about all the loss these girls have been through and how they have ping ponged around from loving, but not permanent homes. My mother, my hero, has determined that she will be the one to take them in and give these girls the stable home life they deserve. She flew up to North Carolina to get them. They are now safe and back in school. Valencia and Jude both have massive trauma and grief that requires professional help. They also have dental and health issues.

Here’s where we need help. My mother is in her 70’s on a fixed income. She has gone through her savings flying up to get the girls, bring them home with almost nothing; buying beds, etc. to set them up a room; clothing, and normal hygiene needs; feeding young teenagers; enrolling them in school and getting school supplies; as well trying to attend to their immediate needs like therapy, dental work, etc. On top of all this, she has to hire an attorney to become Valencia and Jude’s legal guardian.

Once she becomes the legal guardian, the girls will have access to social security death benefits and such that will cover their needs. It’s a catch 22–my mother will receive help once she has legal guardianship, but she can’t get said guardianship or make ends meet without some help. This is where you come in. Every little bit would help, and it would all go to the care and stability of two precious girls that have had very little. Thank you so very much. Please feel free to share.