A Plea for Help: Supporting Chris and His Young Family

Chris’ childhood was defined by worry. With a mother battling addiction and four younger siblings to protect, he worried about food, safety, and survival. Quickly foster homes and group homes became his reality until, for a brief time, a family adopted all five siblings. For once, there was hope. But that adoption was later dissolved, and the siblings were separated again, placed back into the state’s care.

Even through this instability, Chris persevered. With the encouragement of teachers and his foster family, he raised his GPA, graduated, and proudly earned a diploma that no one could ever take from him.

Adulthood, however, brought more challenges. He made mistakes, some his own, some born of a troubled past. A relationship ended, but it gave him the gift of a son he loves dearly. Despite being behind on child support, Chris has never stopped caring for him.

More recently, life seemed to be turning a corner. After battling through treatment centers and shelters, Chris found stable work and reconnected with Jasmine, a high school friend who is now his fiancée. Together, they were building a new life. Jasmine, already the mother of two young children, is now expecting their first child together in December.

Chris was thriving in his new role as a shift supervisor at McDonald’s—steady work, management experience, and the ability to provide for his family. But then tragedy struck.

One Sunday afternoon, Chris crossed paths with a young man he had previously reprimanded at work. In a shocking and unprovoked act, the man attacked Chris outside the restaurant. Witnesses called the police. The young man was arrested and now faces felony charges. Chris, however, was rushed to the hospital with a broken jaw. He underwent surgery to repair the damage and had his mouth wired with the wires holding rubber bands that limit the movement of his mouth.

Now, Chris faces at least 8 weeks without work, no insurance coverage, and no eligibility for workers’ compensation since neither party was on the clock at the time of the attack. His hospital bills alone exceed $162,000.

But the most urgent need is not medical bills—it’s rent and child support. Chris, Jasmine and the children have food, thanks to community generosity, but rent cannot wait, and child support is court-ordered. With Jasmine pregnant and unable to carry the entire financial burden, they are at risk of losing the fragile stability they have worked so hard to build.

They have reached out to every agency 211 suggested, but most funds are depleted, and others require proof that the bulk of the rent is already paid—an impossible task for a family in crisis.

This young family needs help.

Your gift, no matter the size, can help them keep a roof over their heads, ensure Chris stays current on child support, and allow them to prepare for the arrival of their baby this December.

Please consider donating to help Chris, Jasmine, and their children through this difficult season. With your compassion, we can help them hold onto hope and move forward toward a better future.

Thank you so much for your generosity and kindness.