Case #15 – Greater Danbury  
Mary, in her late 50s, has faced multiple challenges in a short period. She spent years as a stay-at-home mom, raising her three children with her late husband. Recently, the family’s Social Security benefits stopped, and Mary’s youngest child is now working full time while taking college courses. Mary herself works part-time and is trying to increase her hours for the holiday season, balancing employment with household responsibilities. 

After selling her car to manage costs, Mary has relied on help to keep electricity on and uses the food pantry. Her children are hardworking and resilient, with the eldest two finishing college and the youngest pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Mary’s holiday wish is to visit her parents and late husband’s graves with her children and place decorative arrangements on their headstones — a meaningful family tradition. 

A gift of $1,500 will allow Mary to cover essential expenses like transportation, energy bills, and food, and create a special holiday memory for her family. This support would relieve immediate financial pressure and allow Mary to continue caring for her family while honoring cherished traditions.
 

Case #16 – Greater Danbury 
Marisol is a young woman recently diagnosed with an aggressive and complicated form of cancer. She has already undergone surgery and is currently in treatment, with a long road ahead before she can return to work. Despite facing multiple medical complications, Marisol remains hopeful, resilient, and committed to maintaining a positive outlook. 

With no income while she focuses on healing, Marisol is struggling to keep up with essential expenses such as car insurance payments and increased electricity costs, along with the need for warm clothes to help her through the winter months. 

A gift of $1,500 will give Marisol comfort and stability during treatment, helping her stay warm, keep up with essential bills, and focus fully on healing and recovery. 

 
Case #17 – Greater Danbury 
Aria and Luis once enjoyed a vibrant and fulfilling life with their two daughters. They both worked full-time, spent weekends cheering at school sports games, and cherished the joy of a close-knit family. But in an instant, everything changed. Two years ago, their youngest daughter died following a tragic incident; a heartbreaking loss that forever altered the course of their lives. 

The grief was overwhelming. Luis watched Aria struggle emotionally, fighting to stay strong for him, their surviving daughter, and their extended family. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to step away from a career she loved, hoping time would help her regain the strength to return. But the trauma was too great, and healing has been slow and complicated. 

Three months ago, Luis was laid off from the job he deeply valued, adding financial strain to a family already carrying immense emotional weight. While he continues searching for work and hopes opportunities will open soon, the uncertainty is heavy. 

This family is doing their best to move forward, support one another, and find light again, but they cannot do it alone. A gift of $1,500 would help Aria and Luis keep up with essential expenses, including their mortgage, utilities, insurance, and holiday needs, providing meaningful support during an incredibly difficult time. 

Case #18 – Greater Danbury 
Naomi is a devoted mother who, while very pregnant, shared the joyful news that she was expecting triplets. In September, she learned that the babies had arrived—far earlier than expected. All three newborns were immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, where they continue to receive specialized care. 

Just days after giving birth, Naomi was discharged from the hospital, while her babies remained behind. She began traveling back and forth daily between Danbury—where her middle-school son needed her—and New Haven, where her fragile newborns were fighting to grow stronger. Eventually, she was able to stay in New Haven temporarily, while her husband remained in Danbury to work and support their older child. 

Recently, the family made the difficult decision to relocate temporarily to New Haven so they can remain close to the triplets. While this has brought emotional comfort, it has also created significant financial strain. Naomi owns her own small business, and due to the circumstances, she has been unable to work—resulting in a substantial loss of income on top of mounting expenses from travel, food, temporary housing, and medical needs. With the holiday season approaching, the pressure feels heavier than ever. 

Despite everything, this family remains focused on what matters most: staying united and supporting their three tiny fighters. Their resilience is remarkable, but the need is urgent. 

A gift of $1,500 would provide meaningful relief—helping Naomi and her family cover essential expenses like food, transportation, and temporary housing so they can stay close to their newborns and continue fighting for their health and future. 

Case #19 – Greater Danbury 
Javier is the father of four children under 18, one of whom has special needs. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, forcing him to stop working while undergoing intensive treatment. Since then, the family has been struggling deeply to meet even their most basic needs. 

Javier’s wife now spends most of her time caring for him and their children, leaving little opportunity to work. Their 16-year-old daughter has taken on a part-time job to help support the family—an enormous responsibility for such young shoulders, but one she carries with love and strength. 

This family is doing everything they can to stay afloat during an unimaginable crisis, but they cannot do it alone. 

A gift of $1,500 would bring essential relief, helping the family cover urgent expenses like food, utilities, and transportation, so they can focus on Javier’s care and supporting their children through this difficult time. 

Case #20 – Greater Bridgeport  
Vanessa is a full-time student working tirelessly to improve her future by attending an adult education GED program. She is also the sole income earner in her household, supporting her retired father and her mother, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. 

Despite her dedication, Vanessa’s income is not enough to cover the household’s basic expenses, and the family is facing significant financial strain.  

A gift of $1,500 would help Vanessa cover essential household expenses, giving her family the stability they need while she continues her studies and works toward a brighter future. 

 
Case #21 – Greater Bridgeport 
Jade is a single mother of three and a survivor of domestic violence. She is working tirelessly to rebuild stability for her family while attending school full-time and maintaining a job, balancing her responsibilities with extraordinary dedication. 

As the holiday season approaches, Jade anticipates a reduction in her work hours, making it difficult to keep up with essential expenses.  

A gift of $1,500 would help ensure her children remain safe and housed, while allowing her to meet other basic needs without falling behind on rent during this vulnerable time. 

 
Case #22 – Greater Bridgeport 
Maria is a single mother of two who recently moved into a new apartment after spending a year and a half in a shelter with her children. She is working hard to create a stable and comfortable home for her family.  

A gift of $1,500 would provide essential support as she sets up their new space with basic necessities, such as a dining table and chairs, bathroom towels, cooking utensils, and other household items, to help make their new apartment truly feel like home. 

Case #23 – Greater Bridgeport  
Caroline is deeply committed to her education and has continued to prioritize her studies while working more than 45 hours each week to support her household. Recently, her husband was injured and is currently unable to work, placing a significant financial strain on the family and leaving her as the sole provider. Despite her best efforts and long hours, she is struggling to keep up with expenses and provide stability for her family. Caroline, her husband, and their son recently moved into a smaller, more affordable one-bedroom apartment just to save a few hundred dollars each month. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Caroline keep up with basic needs during this difficult time, giving her the breathing room to stay focused on her education while ensuring her family remains stable. 

Case #24 – Greater Bridgeport  
Alexis is a mother of four and works as a babysitter while taking on hourly cleaning jobs to support her family. Her income fluctuates week to week, and despite her constant effort, bills have begun to pile up. She is now behind on essential utility payments and owes a month of rent — a distressing situation for any family, especially one with young children. She isn’t seeking luxuries; she simply wants stability and the security of keeping her family housed. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Alexis bring her rent and utilities current, giving her the support she needs to regain stability for her family. 

Case #25- Greater Danbury  
Gwen, is a single mother to a 10-year-old daughter. She has undergone more than 10 surgeries and faced serious medical complications related to breast cancer. After exhausting her financial resources, she is currently staying with a friend while she works to regain stability. She urgently needs help with basic necessities. 

A gift of $1,500 would provide Gwen with food gift cards, personal care items, and support with utility bills, helping her rebuild security during an incredibly difficult time. 


 
Case #26- Greater Danbury 
Jasmine is fighting cancer for the second time. Her ovarian cancer has metastasized to her bones, leaving her unable to work and struggling to cover essential expenses. She lives with her daughter and two grandchildren, and the family is doing everything they can to stay afloat — but the financial burden is overwhelming. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Jasmine with utility bills and purchasing groceries, ensuring that her family can meet their basic needs while she focuses on treatment and recovery. 

 
Case #27 – Greater Danbury  
Faith is a single mother to a 9-year-old son and is currently facing a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Treatment has made it impossible for her to work, and she is struggling to cover basic necessities, including rent and groceries. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains focused on providing stability for her child during an incredibly overwhelming time. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Faith cover utility payments and purchase groceries, easing the financial strain as she continues treatment. 

Case #28 – Greater Danbury  
Diana was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing intensive treatment. She has been out of work for several months and lives with her husband and their twin daughters. While she receives treatment, her husband must accompany her to the hospital or care for their children, making it difficult for him to maintain steady hours at work. As a result, the family is struggling to keep up with essential living expenses. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Diana and her family cover rent, mounting hospital bills, and groceries, ensuring they can meet their basic needs while she focuses on recovery. 

Case #29 – Greater Danbury  
Fatima was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and has already undergone two surgeries. She lives alone and is struggling to meet her basic needs. The effects of chemotherapy have made it impossible for her to work, leaving her unable to keep up with rent, purchase groceries, or cover essential personal care items. As she continues treatment, the financial strain has become overwhelming. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Fatima cover critical household expenses—including rent, food, and personal essentials—easing her burden as she focuses on healing. 

Case #30 – Greater Danbury  
Gloria, a hardworking senior who continues to work part-time even after retirement, has recently faced a series of serious health crises that have destabilized her life. 

Her challenges began with a severe fall that caused a head injury and required hospitalization, where doctors discovered the fall was linked to dangerously low blood sugar from her diabetes. Shortly after being discharged, she was rushed back to the hospital due to sudden breathing difficulties. Physicians then uncovered an underlying heart condition contributing to her symptoms. 

Determined to maintain her financial stability, Gloria pushed herself to return to work, even before she was fully cleared by doctors. But while still recovering, she faced another frightening concern: she might need dialysis. After extensive testing, she was relieved to learn dialysis was not required at this time, though her medical team stressed that she must limit her movement and prioritize rest. 

These repeated hospitalizations generated overwhelming medical bills, and Gloria’s inability to work has left her significantly behind on rent. Although she has just begun returning to part-time work, her reduced hours and fragile health make it impossible to catch up. She is deeply worried about falling into eviction and losing the stability she has worked so hard to maintain. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Gloria cover overdue rent and essential expenses, giving her the stability she needs to focus on her health and regain her footing. ​​

 
Case #31 – Greater Bridgeport 
Yvette is a single mother of three who works tirelessly to provide for her children. She does not receive food stamps or government assistance, her only support is access to public housing. Despite significant financial hardship, she remains positive and determined to keep food on the table and maintain stability for her family. 

Yvette pays as much as she can toward her rent each time, she gets paid, but with a monthly rent of $726 and a current balance of $3,000, she is unable to catch up. The stress of falling further behind is growing, and any help would provide essential relief during this difficult period. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Yvette make a substantial payment toward her overdue rent, easing the family’s financial strain and helping them work toward stability. 

 
Case #32- Greater Bridgeport 
Hannah is a hardworking mother of two who has always taken pride in paying her bills on time. For the past year, she has been on a repayment plan for her rent; however, due to an administrative error, her regular rent payments and her payment arrangement contributions were combined. Despite her efforts, no one has sat down with her to resolve the discrepancy. 

Difficulties began when housing did not adjust her rent during the summer months, when she is temporarily off work from her job as a school bus matron. Hannah has continued paying faithfully every month, but the unresolved error has left her behind through no fault of her own. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Hannah become current on her rent and continue maintaining the strong payment history she has always upheld for her family. 

Case #33- Greater Bridgeport 
Carla is currently unemployed and has no source of income, leaving her unable to keep up with her basic household needs. She has fallen significantly behind on her utility payments—now totaling more than $3,000—and her utilities have been shut off. She is actively seeking employment, but without electricity and heat, day-to-day living has become extremely stressful and unstable for her and her family. 

With the holidays approaching, Carla has no funds to purchase gifts for her young grandson or participate in holiday traditions. Despite these hardships, she remains motivated, cooperative, and engaged with services, doing everything she can to rebuild stability. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Carla restore her household utilities and bring immediate relief, improving her family’s living conditions and creating hope during an especially difficult season. 

Case #34- Greater Bridgeport 
Celeste, a single mother of two, has always been hardworking, responsible, and determined to provide for her family. After unexpectedly being let go from her job, she quickly began falling behind on rent. She has been doing everything possible to stay afloat, but with no steady income, the gap continues to widen. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Celeste catch up on rent and stabilize her household as she works toward securing new employment and regaining financial footing. 

 
Case #35 – Greater Bridgeport 
Natalie is a single mother doing everything she can to keep food on the table for her three children. She works two jobs just to cover her rent, yet despite her relentless effort, she has fallen behind. The rising cost of living and the demands of caring for three children have made it increasingly difficult to stay current on her housing and household expenses. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Natalie catch up on rent and ensure she can continue providing food and stability for her children during this challenging time. 

 
Case #36 – Greater Bridgeport 
Renee is behind on her rent and responsible for three young children. Her housing authority recently ended all payment plans, leaving her without a pathway to repay what she owes. She is now facing eviction, and the fear of losing her home has placed tremendous strain on her and her family. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Renee address her rent arrears or purchase food for her family, preventing eviction and restoring immediate stability. 

Case #37 – Greater Bridgeport 
Marcus is a single father who has been working tirelessly to keep up with household expenses and back rent. After being laid off in June—and unable to collect unemployment—he fell behind. He returned to work in September and has been dedicated to catching up, but one month of back rent remains unpaid. 

He has now received a Notice to Quit and is facing eviction. Marcus is committed to maintaining housing for his family and staying on top of his responsibilities, but he needs help closing this final gap. 

A gift of $1,500 would allow Marcus to bring his rent current, prevent eviction, and ensure stability for his family as he continues working to rebuild. 

Case #38 – Greater Danbury 
Helena, a combat veteran, carries the invisible wounds of service while navigating hardship at home. Her small house has fallen into disrepair. Although a local agency recently helped her repair a damaged bathroom, her heating system is now failing. Living alone, she is determined to remain independent—but without a functioning heat pump, the winter months pose a serious risk to her health and safety. 

A gift of $1,500 would allow Helena to replace her failed heat pump, keeping her home warm and secure through the winter and restoring comfort to someone who has sacrificed so much for others. 

Case #39 – Greater Bridgeport 
Simone is a single mother of four children under 18, including a 2-year-old toddler. With cold weather approaching, she must constantly decide whether necessary errands are worth exposing her youngest to the freezing temperatures. Transportation remains one of her greatest challenges: she needs reliable ways to reach medical appointments, respond to school needs, and commute to the overnight job she recently started. 

Food remains another struggle. Although she receives SNAP benefits, they do not stretch far enough for her growing children. She turns to food pantries for help, but long outdoor lines—especially during the recent SNAP pause—often left her waiting in the cold with a baby, only to find that supplies had already run out. 

A gift of $1,500 would help Simone cover transportation and food costs, reducing the daily hardships she faces and ensuring her children have what they need as she works toward long-term stability. 

Case #40 – Greater Danbury  
Thalia and Roberto have spent more than thirty years building a loving, stable home for their three children. Their lives changed drastically when Roberto suffered a severe injury at work and lost his job. Soon after, a devastating accident left him with a spinal injury, making it impossible for him to return to work. 

Thalia is now the sole provider and caregiver for the entire household, balancing the needs of her injured husband and caring for their children—including a son on the autism spectrum. Local charities have been helping them access emotional support, medical resources, and special education services, but the financial strain continues to intensify. Bills are piling up, and the family is at risk of losing their home. Thalia is doing everything she can, but the crisis is overwhelming. 

A gift of $1,500 would help cover Roberto’s medical and therapy expenses, fund essential car repairs needed for medical appointments, and help the family catch up on overdue rent and utilities. This support would stabilize their home during an extraordinarily difficult time. 

 
Case #41 – Greater Danbury  
Andrew has battled serious mental health challenges for much of his life, yet he has worked tirelessly to rebuild his future. With counseling and persistent determination, he recently secured steady employment and moved into his own apartment, a milestone he once believed was impossible. 

Now an unexpected setback threatens his hard-earned progress: his aging car has broken down, leaving him without reliable transportation. Without a way to get to work, Andrew fears losing the job that became a turning point in his life. 

A gift of $1,500 would cover urgent car repairs, provide gas cards, and help Andrew meet basic living expenses while he regains stability. Your support would protect the progress he has fought so hard to achieve. 

 
Case #42 – Greater Danbury  
Claudia spent more than 22 years working tirelessly to create a stable life for her two daughters. Her nursing career was her passion, but a work-related back injury led to chronic pain that even two surgeries could not resolve. Unable to meet the physical demands of nursing, Claudia was forced to leave the profession she loved and lost her primary income. 

Despite ongoing pain and significant financial strain, she remains deeply committed to her daughters. Claudia has been receiving counseling and budgeting support, but her bills continue to grow while she awaits a disability determination. She worries constantly about making rent, covering utilities, and ensuring her daughters have what they need. 

A gift of $1,500 would cover Claudia’s most pressing expenses—including medical co-pays, prescriptions, a month of rent or utilities—and provide crucial stability as she focuses on her health and her family. 

Case #43- Greater Danbury  
Teresa works tirelessly each month, however, still struggles to make ends meet. Her modest income barely covers rent, utilities, and groceries for her own household, and she also cares for her elderly parents, paying for their medications and doctor visits. She often sacrifices her own needs to ensure her family is supported. 

As a result, her car has fallen into disrepair, and even purchasing enough food has become difficult. Local food pantries have been essential in helping her bridge the gap, but supporting three generations has become overwhelming, and Teresa is approaching a breaking point. 

A gift of $1,500 would cover critical car repairs, a month’s worth of groceries, medical co-pays for her parents, and overdue utility bills, giving Teresa the relief she needs to keep her family safe and stable. 

Case #44 – Greater Bridgeport  
Fabian recently returned to work despite chronic back pain. He and his wife are raising two children, including a daughter with a rare illness requiring constant care. His wife works as a school bus driver in the mornings and cares for the children for the rest of the day. 

Last month, their only vehicle broke down, leaving the family without reliable transportation. Their children must now walk to school in the cold, and Fabian struggles to get to work and medical appointments. Local organizations are helping them search for an affordable replacement vehicle and coordinating volunteer drivers, but the situation is becoming urgent as winter arrives. 

A gift of $1,500 would help repair the family’s van or contribute toward a dependable used car. This support would carry Fabian’s family safely through the cold season and reduce the heavy burden they are facing. 

 
Case #45 – Greater Bridgeport 
Nadia, a widow living on a fixed income has always taken pride in maintaining her independence, but this year has been especially difficult. An unexpected furnace repair depleted her modest savings, and she has since fallen behind on her utility bills. Last month, her electricity was shut off for several days because she could not pay the accumulated balance. 

With winter approaching, Nadia is deeply worried about her ability to heat her home or even keep the lights on. Local organizations outreach teams visits her regularly, delivering food from a local pantry and checking on her well-being. Still, the rising cost of living has forced Nadia into impossible choices, often between paying for her medications and keeping her home warm. She never imagined facing such instability in her later years and is anxious about what the next few months will bring. 

A gift of $1,500 would allow her to catch up on overdue utility bills and ensure she has heat throughout the winter, giving her safety and stability during a critical time. 

 
Case #46 – Greater Bridgeport  
Violeta, a mother of three young children is in the fight of her life against cancer. She has just begun six weeks of aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Violeta and her husband run a small cleaning business, but with her unable to work during treatment, their income has sharply declined. Compounding the challenge, they pay for their own health insurance, which barely covers the mounting medical bills. 

Their church community and volunteers have stepped in to help with meals, childcare, and transportation to the hospital. While this support has been invaluable, the financial strain continues to deepen—treatment costs, travel expenses, and everyday necessities are overwhelming the family’s limited resources. Violeta is exhausted from the treatments, but even more from worrying about how they will stay afloat during this crisis. 

A gift of $1,500 would be a lifeline for Violeta’s family. It would help pay down medical bills and cover critical needs like prescription co-pays, groceries, and nutritious food for the children. 

 
Case #47 – Greater Bridgeport 
Irene is a devoted grandmother who has stepped up to raise her three young grandchildren. She has survived an abusive relationship, a period of homelessness, and years of financial strain while raising her own children. Just as she thought she could finally enjoy a quieter retirement, she has taken on full-time parenting again to ensure her grandchildren remain safe and loved. 

Her small retirement income is stretched thin as she provides food, clothing, and a stable home for the children. The kids arrived with very few belongings, and her apartment is crowded and lacks basic furnishings for a family of four. Local charities have helped her secure beds and provide food assistance, but the children still need many essentials—especially as winter approaches. Irene is determined to give her grandchildren a nurturing and secure environment, but she cannot do it alone. 

A gift of $1,500 would cover overdue utility bills, provide groceries, and outfits for the children with warm winter clothing and school necessities. This would lift a significant weight from her shoulders and provide stability for the children as they heal and grow. 
 

Case #48 – Greater Bridgeport 
Daniela and her husband Marco are recent immigrants who are seeking a better life for their toddler son. Daniela cleans houses during the day, while Marco works nights in a restaurant kitchen. Despite their relentless schedules, they attend English classes at a local community center to improve their employment opportunities. 

Still, it has been difficult to get ahead. The family lives in a single small room in a relative’s apartment because they cannot yet afford their own place. Nearly all of their earnings go toward food, diapers, and supporting aging parents back home. With winter nearing, the crowded conditions feel even more stressful, and Daniela worries constantly about keeping her child warm, healthy, and safe. 

A gift of $1,500 would provide a security deposit and first month’s rent for a modest apartment, plus a crib and warm clothing for their son—dramatically improving their living conditions and providing the stability they have worked so hard to achieve. 

Case #49 - Greater Bridgeport  
Georgina is a single mother raising two children while working part-time at a local grocery store. She recently lost her second job due to scheduling changes, and the reduction in income has pushed her household into crisis. Her car—a 20-year-old sedan—broke down two weeks ago, making it nearly impossible for her to get to work, take her children to school, or buy groceries. 

Georgina has been receiving food pantry deliveries and budgeting support, but transportation remains the critical barrier. Without a reliable vehicle, Georgina risks losing the job she still has and cannot reach medical appointments for her son, who has asthma and requires ongoing care. As winter approaches, she is deeply worried about keeping her home warm and ensuring her kids have what they need. 

A gift of $1,500 would help contribute toward a dependable used car, while also covering essential winter needs such as warm clothing and heating oil.