My name is Jewel, my partner Kyree and I are creating this GoFundMe together as we navigate an incredibly difficult and unexpected time for our family.

Recently, after the tragic death of a child in my family, Department of Child Protective services had to step in and evaluate the safety of the home where my 9-year-old brother and my 18 month old nephew were living. When caseworkers saw the condition of the home, they determined it was unsafe and prepared to remove both children into state care.

After their assessment of the home they gave me a choice: allow the children to be removed and placed in the system or bring them home with us so they could stay with family. Kyree and I immediately chose to take them in and provide temporary care so they wouldn’t be separated or placed with strangers.

Due to a rocky and manipulative relationship with the relative who has custody, our grandmother, who purposely limited my access to my brother, I did not know the situation he was living in or how severe things had become.

Once he was placed in our care, Kyree and I quickly realized how deeply my brother had been struggling without the developmental, emotional, or educational support he desperately needs. He is almost 10 years old and still cannot read or write at a basic level. He shows signs of being on the spectrum and often went to school in dirty clothing or shoes with holes, according to his teachers. DCP&P found that he had no bed and had been sleeping on a filthy floor. He was even hiding food out of fear he wouldn’t eat again. No child should ever have to live like that.

Even now, efforts are being made to return him to that environment. But this is not just a matter of cleaning a house, this is about ongoing neglect and a child who deserves safety, stability, and consistent love. Kyree and I truly believe we can provide that.

Right now, we are caring for both children full-time. Because of that, I am unable to work, and Kyree has been doing everything he can to stretch his resources, help financially, and support the kids day to day. We are fighting together to build a stable foundation for these children and to pursue whatever steps are needed, whether that’s custody, legal guardianship, tutoring, therapy, or long term support.

We are asking for help so that we can continue caring for the kids in a safe environment while navigating the legal process to protect my brother’s future.

Your support will help us with:

• Clothing and shoes for both children

• Childcare, so I can eventually return to work

• Tutoring and academic support to help my brother catch up

• Specialized evaluations for developmental delays

• Transportation for school, court, appointments, and services

• Legal fees as we work toward obtaining custody or guardianship

• General financial stability as we provide full-time care during this crisis

Kyree and I are committed to giving these children the stability, love, and structure they deserve not just temporarily, but for as long as they need us. Any support, big or small, directly helps us continue fighting for their safety and their future.

And if you’re not able to contribute financially, material support, such as clothes, shoes, toys, food, or any childcare or legal resources would be deeply appreciated.

Included are pictures of the boys themselves with us, the house they were living in, and the only pair of shoes my brother owns.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to our story. Your kindness, prayers, and support mean more than we can express.