CASE 98
Ms. N is from the Ivory Coast and immigrated to the United States 10 years ago at the age of 14. A relative promised her family she would receive a better education in this country, but instead, she was forced into human trafficking for many years. After escaping from trafficking, she landed in an abusive relationship from which she had two sons, ages 7 and 5. The boys' father is no longer in their lives and Ms. N is now a single unemployed mother unable to work because her sons have autism and severe learning disabilities. The family is seeking assistance with cab money to travel to weekly speech therapy appointments, gift certificates to Target and Shop 'n Save as well as children's toys.
CASE 99
Ms. A's 18-year-old daughter had a kidney transplant last year and must take medication. Ms. A is a 47-year-old single mother also caring for a 17-year-old son. Her income is just enough to cover household expenses. They are seeking help with clothing, gift certificates to Shop 'n Save, Schnucks and Walmart as well as money to help cover utility bills.
CASE 100
A house fire in August claimed many of the belongings of Ms. H and her four children. Her four sons were at school at the time of the blaze and Ms. H was caring for her ailing grandmother. The family lived in a hotel for about a month while her landlord tried to repair the home. But too much mold due to water damage from the fire prevented the family from returning. She had to secure a loan for $2,500 to move to a new place and now is making rent payments on top of loan payments. With interest, she will owe $4,000 on the loan. Ms. H has also been diagnosed with HIV. The family is seeking four twin-size beds, furniture and gift certificates for food and clothing.
Profiles by Christine Byers of the Post-Dispatch.
