Mona's Grandchildren
Donation protected
I have known Mona Cruz for fifteen years, since we both lived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. She returned home to the Philippines to care for the five young children of her son, who has died. The children's mother has abandoned them. Mona has no income, but has relied on the goodwill of her neighbors and extended family to provide food and cash enough to pay for water and electricity. She lives in a simple house built gradually with funds she sent back while she worked in Malaysia. Mona's husband died there, before I met her. I know Mona to be an honest, hard-working woman of faith. We have stayed in close touch during these years.
The COVID 19 lockdown eroded her informal safety net because residents in her area have not been allowed to leave their home for work. After months of economic disruption, stores remain closed or offer limited inventory, transportation costs have spiked due to social distancing rules, food prices continue to surge. Children study lessons at home and turn in homework weekly.
Friends and family contributed $6,000 to this campaign by July, 2020. In addition to putting food on the table, we have funded essential repairs to her house and bought basic furniture to allow this family to live 24/7 in the small house. Mona expresses her immense gratitude daily.
Now we realize this family’s needs will continue after the Covid crisis has eased. I am re-launching this campaign as an on-going activity. Some of our original donors will continue, while we also will recruit new “Friends of Mona” each year.
I have adjusted the budget to cover her actual expenses, based on the past six months. She needs $450 per month for routine expenses, $5,400 per year. Special expenses have included house repairs, furniture, medicine and school supplies. These also have averaged $450 per month, but we hope will not continue at that rate. Nevertheless it’s wise to have a rainy day balance for unexpected emergencies. Our target goal to fund 12 months’ expenses is $12,000.
The current “Friends of Mona” receive monthly updates from me, with news from the family and photos. I also share transparent financial reports, for mutual accountability among Mona, myself and our generous friends.
Our friendship with Mona gives us a glimpse into the lives of those who live on the brink, through no fault of their own. Mona insists the children go to school, and hopes they will build a better life. As her only connection to the affluent world, I want to help her and the children during their childhood, so they experience a warm, loving home and learn well in school. Eventually they can support themselves.
I invite you to join “Mona’s Friends”, to help one family stabilize and thrive. You are welcome to contribute a single gift, or periodic donation, of any size. Mona and I will be grateful!
With thanks and blessings,
Rebecca
The COVID 19 lockdown eroded her informal safety net because residents in her area have not been allowed to leave their home for work. After months of economic disruption, stores remain closed or offer limited inventory, transportation costs have spiked due to social distancing rules, food prices continue to surge. Children study lessons at home and turn in homework weekly.
Friends and family contributed $6,000 to this campaign by July, 2020. In addition to putting food on the table, we have funded essential repairs to her house and bought basic furniture to allow this family to live 24/7 in the small house. Mona expresses her immense gratitude daily.
Now we realize this family’s needs will continue after the Covid crisis has eased. I am re-launching this campaign as an on-going activity. Some of our original donors will continue, while we also will recruit new “Friends of Mona” each year.
I have adjusted the budget to cover her actual expenses, based on the past six months. She needs $450 per month for routine expenses, $5,400 per year. Special expenses have included house repairs, furniture, medicine and school supplies. These also have averaged $450 per month, but we hope will not continue at that rate. Nevertheless it’s wise to have a rainy day balance for unexpected emergencies. Our target goal to fund 12 months’ expenses is $12,000.
The current “Friends of Mona” receive monthly updates from me, with news from the family and photos. I also share transparent financial reports, for mutual accountability among Mona, myself and our generous friends.
Our friendship with Mona gives us a glimpse into the lives of those who live on the brink, through no fault of their own. Mona insists the children go to school, and hopes they will build a better life. As her only connection to the affluent world, I want to help her and the children during their childhood, so they experience a warm, loving home and learn well in school. Eventually they can support themselves.
I invite you to join “Mona’s Friends”, to help one family stabilize and thrive. You are welcome to contribute a single gift, or periodic donation, of any size. Mona and I will be grateful!
With thanks and blessings,
Rebecca
Organizer
Rebecca Fowler
Organizer
Scappoose, OR
