Cases 67-69: Her 5 grandkids were being abused and neglected, so grandma took them in

Case 67: As a 61-year-old disabled grandmother, Ms. J is raising five grandchildren placed in her care after they were evaluated for abuse and neglect. Her income isn’t enough to support the more crowded household, and she gets no financial assistance to help cover the costs of raising the kids, who range in age from 2 to 11. Ms. J is currently working with a legal agency to gain guardianship of the children, but the family is in desperate need of essential things like clothing, household supplies, and utility assistance.

Case 68: Every parent’s nightmare came true for Ms. J this year: She had to bury her oldest son, who died of a drug overdose. Her husband and their five other children — all boys — were already grieving the loss of Ms. J’s father just three months before. The family is stretched thin, and after such a tough year, all Ms. J wants for her sons is a joy-filled Christmas Day. The boys, ages 10 to 20, could use clothing. Furniture, groceries and gas cards would be a help, too.

Case 69: Ms. K is trying to make a new start for her and her two children. She divorced their father after he abused her for years. The relationship left her with PTSD. Ms. K is looking for a job, but finding childcare for her 11-year-old son, who has autism and is nonverbal, has been a challenge. In the meantime, she finds herself juggling bills each month, deciding which she can put off so she can keep food on the table. Having her own refrigerator and washer/dryer, instead of renting them, would make some room in her budget. She needs a bed for herself, and clothes for her son and his 10-year-old sister. Toys for the kids would also be appreciated.

Case profiles by Bryce Gray and Colleen Schrappen