Brighten a life this Christmas! – sponsor a family through the Gift of Christmas Program and make their season as joyous as yours!  Many of the families served at Catholic Charities rely on the generosity of our donors at Christmas to make the holidays bright.  Many are single mothers and the elderly struggling to live on meager budgets.  The following stories are true and are based on the clients currently being served at Catholic Charities throughout the Diocese of Joliet.  Some of these stories appeared in the Christ is Our Hope magazine.

To Sponsor an individual or family this Christmas, simply choose the family and click here to fill out the appropriate form. Or, if you’d prefer to call us with your donation, call Margaret at 815-724-1140.

1. When Christina’s husband abandoned their family and she lost her job, she and her 11 year-old son and 10 year-old daughter became homeless and moved into Catholic Charities’ Hope House shelter.  Christina recently found a part-time job at a local college and has moved into Catholic Charities’ Transitional Housing, but continues to live on a very limited budget.  Your gift of $200 would provide clothes and books for Christina’s children for Christmas.  It could also allow Christina to buy herself professional work clothes for her new job.

2. Robert and Bonnie had been homeless for eleven years before entering Catholic Charities’ “First Light” transitional housing program recently.  Their three small children never lived in a home until this year and they are eagerly awaiting their first Christmas with a roof over their heads.  Your gift of $250 would buy new shoes for the children and a stroller for the baby.

3. Sue is a survivor.  This pregnant single mom recently found the courage to separate from her abusive husband.  Her pregnancy is high-risk due to complications from an accident.  Sue receives visits from Catholic Charities’ Expectant Mothers Initiative to help her during this difficult time.  Your gift of $200 could help Sue buy winter clothes for her family and toys for Christmas.

4. Tonya and Doug were barely making ends meet and living in a motel with their daughters until Tonya’s hours were reduced at work and they could no longer afford it.  The family is currently staying at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center homeless shelter while Doug looks for a job.  Tonya, a cancer survivor, continues to work and save for a home.  Your gift of $200 would provide basic home necessities like dishes and towels when the family moves into an apartment.

5. Olivia works hard as a nurse to support her three children, the youngest of whom is in Catholic Charities’ Head Start program.  The family lives in subsidized housing, but Olivia is trying to save enough money to move to a new apartment in a better neighborhood.  Over the summer, Olivia’s apartment was burglarized and many of the family’s possessions were stolen, including their clothes, personal care items, and even their food.  Your gift of $250 would help Olivia’s family replace some of the items that were stolen from them.

6. Shortly after James’ wife died last year, he suffered from a stroke and major depression.  The 65 year-old has also been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and needs constant supervision.  James’ daughter, Kelly and her children moved in to try to help with finances and care.  Kelly reached out to Catholic Charities for help after the electricity was shut-off at the home.  Your gift of $200 could provide James with the basic daily needs that he is unable to afford.

7. Adriana is struggling in school.  Her mom and dad recently separated and the family is having a hard time paying their bills.  Adriana is working hard on her math, reading and grammar, but she’s feeling the stress of her family’s situation.  Your gift of $250 would help provide winter clothes for Adriana and her younger brothers.
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8. Larry and Marilyn live in a modest home in rural Kankakee County.  Larry was forced to retire early due to a complicated and serious combination of medical problems, including limited hearing and vision.  He is frequently hospitalized and needs to see doctors regularly, which is a challenge because Marilyn doesn’t have a drivers’ license.  Your gift of $200 would help Larry and Marilyn buy food and toiletries this winter.

9. Denise and her three children became homeless when she escaped a violent relationship.  Choosing homelessness over abuse was difficult, but Denise knew it was the right decision for her family.  Denise connected with Catholic Charities and is living in Transitional Housing with her family.  She recently found a job and is looking forward to a brighter future.  Your gift of $250 would help Denise pay for gas to travel to her job and could also provide school supplies and clothes for her children.

10. Malcolm’s life spun out of control when he was laid-off from his lucrative job three years ago.  Unable to find work, he eventually lost the family home and became deeply depressed.  The stress of the situation strained Malcolm’s marriage and he is currently in the process of a divorce.  Malcolm is staying at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center homeless shelter and recently secured a part-time job.  Your gift of $200 could provide Malcolm and his children with new clothes and educational toys for his two year-old son.

11. Natasha is a young, single mom with three children under the age of seven years-old.  She was recently involved in a car accident which totaled her car, so she no longer has transportation.  Natasha’s youngest daughter is a student in Catholic Charities’ Head Start program.  Your gift of $250 would allow Natasha to give her young family a special Christmas this year.

12. Marta and her two young children live in a small, one bedroom apartment.  Space and money are so limited that the children sleep together on a twin-sized bed.  Your gift of $200 would help Marta buy a second bed.

13. Jessica cries every day.  Her father recently died unexpectedly in her home and she and her children witnessed it.  The family is also struggling financially.  Jessica and her children are benefiting from Catholic Charities’ Hands of Hope Counseling and are show signs of healing through their hard work in therapy.  Your gift of $250 would allow Jessica to buy Christmas presents for her family after a tough year.

14. Cassandra is a single mom with ten children under the age of 13 years-old.  The family has no income and lives in subsidized housing.  Cassandra is a very caring mother and has enrolled her children Catholic Charities’ Head Start program.  Your gift of $300 would help provide bed sheets and towels for the children in this large and loving family.

15. A debilitating stroke left Joy partially paralyzed and wheelchair bound.  Despite her medical struggles, this strong 64 year-old woman continues to help her daughter, who suffers from serious mental illness.  Unable to care for a home, Joy recently moved into senior housing, but had to leave many household items behind due to a bug infestation.  Your gift of $150 would help Joy buy new bed and bath linens.

16. Shortly after Luis lost his job, his family home went into foreclosure.  Luis, his wife Rosa, and their three young children now live in an apartment, but only have a few hundred dollars left each month after they pay rent because their only source of income is Rosa’s modest paycheck.  Your gift of $250 would provide winter coats and boots for this special family.
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17. Zoe is an unemployed single mom who is expecting her fourth child.  All of her children have attended Catholic Charities’ Head Start program and she’s very involved in their education.  Your gift of $250 would buy a bassinet and car seat for Zoe’s new baby.

18. Rebecca is excited about her new job in the health care industry, but overwhelmed with “keeping all the balls in the air at the same time.”  As a single mom to two small children, taking good care of her kids is Rebecca’s top priority.  To help cope with her stressful life, Rebecca receives therapy from Catholic Charities’ Hands of Hope Counseling.  Your gift of $200 would help Rebecca provide Christmas presents for her 3 year-old son and 8 month-old daughter.

19. Diana is a single mom with five young children. She works full-time in the medical field to support her large family and spends her extra time volunteering in her son’s Head Start classroom. Usually, Diana is able to keep up with her bills, but she recently experienced some unexpected and costly car repairs, which left her playing catch-up on bills. Your gift of $300 would provide Christmas gifts for Diana’s family, including educational toys for her children.

20. Dot is a 78 year-old woman who lives alone in public housing in Kankakee County. She has suffered for many years, but only recently made the brave call to Catholic Charities to ask for help. Dot suffers from depression and has a very limited income. Your gift of $150 will provide Dot with some much-needed new clothing, food and other basic necessities.

21. A few years ago, Ann was a successful business owner. However, due to mental health issues, she has found herself in a position where she can no longer work. This single mom to a teenage son is also dealing with the recent death of her own mother, which has been devastating. Your gift of $200 would help Ann provide Christmas gifts for her son, including food for a festive holiday dinner that they couldn’t otherwise afford.

22. Teresa never imagined the turn her life would take this year. While pregnant, Teresa and her two young children had to quickly leave their home to escape from her husband. Most of the family’s belongings were left at their former home, which they no longer have access to. Now, the family is staying with Teresa’s parents as they await the arrival of the new baby, who will be born just before Christmas. Your gift of $250 will provide a crib and stroller for the newborn.

23. Twila appreciates her home everyday after experiencing homelessness many times throughout her life. Although she has a serious medical condition, Twila is determined to keep her current job and never misses work. Your gift of $200 will provide professional clothing and shoes for Twila and new clothes for her teenage son.

24. Muriel, Manuel, and their two young children suddenly became homeless recently. They found themselves in a doughnut shop at midnight with nowhere to go. Thankfully, a minister who happened to be there took the family to Catholic Charities’ Hope House shelter. Now, the Muriel and Manuel are working hard to secure jobs and take care of their children. Your gift of $200 will provide everyday clothes for Muriel and Manuel’s children and blankets to make the kids’ beds warm.

25. Rachel recently went through a divorce and has been struggling to maintain her household. This single mom with a 10 year-old daughter has been working hard to support her family and was just promoted from part-time to full-time at her job. Your gift of $200 will provide work clothes for Rachel, school clothes for her daughter, and household cleaning supplies for their apartment.

26. Ayana and her son, daughter, and niece came to the United States from a refugee camp in her native country. Her husband was murdered in front of her during the war and she was captured by rebels and tortured. Thankfully, she made it to a refugee camp and had surgery to try to repair the damage to her body. Unfortunately, her injuries and PTSD have left her unable to work. Ayana and her family are in Catholic Charities’ Shift program, a Transitional Housing Program for homeless families in DuPage County with complex needs. Your gift of $250 will help Ayana and her family celebrate Christmas this year.

27. Leo is a 68 year-old veteran who is facing a number of serious health conditions. Less than a year ago, he was on the verge of becoming homeless. However, Leo’s situation has improved since he has become involved in Catholic Charities’ Senior Companion Program and benefits from advocacy and assistance. Although he lives in his own apartment, he still struggles to make ends meet. Your gift of $150 would provide food and other basic household items to Leo.

28. Mercedes recently became a single mom when her husband abandoned her family. Now, she is struggling to raise her 11 year-old daughter, 2 year-old son, and one year-old son alone. Your gift of $250 could provide the clothing and personal hygiene items that this family desperately needs.

29. Courtney and her three children have been homeless several times this year. They are currently living with friends and Courtney’s youngest son is in the Home Base program with Catholic Charities’ Head Start. Your gift of $250 would pajamas, underwear, socks, and other personal care items for this family.

30. Eleanor is a senior who has lived alone since her husband died. She finds it difficult to afford her bills and also suffers from chronic back pain. Your gift of $150 would help Eleanor afford a new mattress to help alleviate her pain.

31. Leslie is a single mom with a 10 year-old daughter and 9 year-old son. Everyone in the family has chronic illnesses and a variety of acute medical issues. Ongoing car repairs have challenged the tight household budget. Even under these circumstances, Leslie maintains a clean, organized home and remains optimistic and motivated. Your gift of $200 would provide winter clothes for the kids and basic household items like laundry soap, toilet paper and shampoo.

32. Lawrence is a 68 year-old Vietnam War veteran who completed two tours, earned the rank of Sergeant, and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. As the result of his service, he developed PTSD and eventually became homeless. Lawrence currently stays at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center, but was recently approved to move into an apartment. Your gift of $150 would help Lawrence buy personal and household items as he moves into his new housing.

33. Val’s 10 year-old son and 7 year-old daughter were devastated when they were forced to suddenly move from the only home they’d ever known. However, they have adapted well to their new home and schools. Meanwhile, Val is working hard, but still having trouble making ends meet. Your gift of $200 winter boots and shoes for the children and work clothes for Val.

34. Tamra is a 22 year-old single mother of two boys and is expecting a baby girl just after Christmas. When her boyfriend was incarcerated earlier this year, Tamra was forced to look for a new support system, which was challenging because she is a former foster child with no known family. After the baby is born, Tamra plans to finish her culinary arts degree and move her family out of public housing and into “a real house.” Your gift of $250 would help Tamra buy items for her new baby and winter clothes for her other children.

35. Keesha and her four children recently stayed at Catholic Charities’ Hope House homeless shelter after they lost their home to foreclosure. Although Keesha suffers from depression after being the victim of physical and emotional abuse, she has proudly maintained the same job in the medical field for nearly 10 years. Your gift of $300 will provide winter coats and clothing for this struggling family.

36. Benita has four children under seven years-old. She is currently unemployed and was recently informed that her apartment building is going into foreclosure and she needs to find a new home. Your gift of $300 would provide warm winter clothes for Benita and her children.

37. Justin is an 18 year-old with Cerebral Palsy. His television recently stopped working and he spent most of his time playing video games on it. Justin lives with his parents, who are both disabled and have a very limited income. They commute to doctor’s appointments almost every day. Your gift of $200 would provide a TV for Justin and gas cards for his parents.

38. Brenda and her three teenage children came to stay at Catholic Charities’ Hope House shelter after losing their home earlier this year. When they arrived, Brenda was dealing with serious mental health issues and no extended family support. Additionally, Brenda’s older daughter is 5 months pregnant, which presents future hardship issues. Despite their struggles, this family has amazing resolve and is very attached to one another. Your gift of $300 would help Brenda’s family work toward their goal of buying a used car since they currently have no transportation.

39. Naeema came to this country from Africa 10 years ago. She is a single mom to two young children and is expecting her third. Naeema does hairstyles part-time at a local salon, but struggles to communicate with customers because her primary language is French. Your gift of $250 will provide winter coats for this family.

40. A few years ago, Linda suffered a major stroke, which has left her with slurred speech and weakness on the right side of her body. She benefits from Catholic Charities’ Senior Companion program because she needs help with her daily activities in order to continue living independently. Your gift of $150 will provide Linda with food and other basic household items like laundry detergent, toilet paper, and soap.

41. Ashley is a single mom with two children in Catholic Charities’ Head Start program. This young family currently lives in public housing, but Ashley is working hard to move her family to a safer environment. She recently stopped taking college courses so that she could work full-time to provide for her family. However, Ashley plans to continue college soon. Your gift of $200 will provide warm winter clothes for Ashley’s little boys.

42. Nicole and her six year-old son arrived at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center when they became homeless. Nicole had a long history of abusive relationships and quickly started attending counseling to address this issue. She has progressed and is now actively looking for an apartment to rent. Your gift of $200 would help Nicole get started with the household items she will need in her new home.

43. Georgia and her two young daughters are currently living with her aunt because they can’t afford to live independently. Today, Georgia is working full-time and trying to save up enough money to move into an apartment. Her goal is to go to college and better provide for her daughters. Your gift of $200 would help Georgia and her girls have a bright Christmas this year.

44. Julius is a 56 year-old man staying at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center. He suffers from a variety of medical conditions and, as a result, can only work part-time. Your gift of $150 would help Julius pay for his insulin, insulin needles, and other monthly medication.

45. Amber and her children bounced from shelter to shelter and occasionally had to sleep in a car before they found their way to Catholic Charities last year. Now, the family lives in permanent supportive housing in DuPage County and has a safe place to call home. Amber has been working on her job skills, but continues to struggles without an income or transportation. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new baby boy in December. Your gift of $300 will provide baby bottles, diapers, and a bassinet for Amber’s new baby.

46. Carolina has two boys in Catholic Charities’ Head Start program and she is a frequent volunteer at school. She has been the victim of domestic abuse and is working very hard to provide a stable home for her children in the absence of their father. Your gift of $200 would provide winter clothes for Carolina’s sons.

47. Matt and Kim have struggled to find work for the past few years. They are barely able to keep their home out of foreclosure and frequently have their electricity shut off. Matt does temporary work whenever he can find it, but is hopeful that he’ll find something permanent soon. Your gift of $200 would help this couple provide toys for their six year-old son who is currently “obsessed” with the Avengers and other superheroes.

48. Hope lives in public housing with her three year-old and one year-old daughters. She has been homeless in the past and is proud to be providing stable shelter for her children, but still struggles to keep her utilities and rent current. Your gift of $200 would provide Christmas gifts for Hope’s little girls.

49. Angel and her eight year-old daughter recently moved into their own apartment after escaping from an abusive environment. They are receiving counseling from Catholic Charities and greatly appreciate the assistance they have received. Your gift of $200 will provide blankets for their beds and scrapbooking supplies for the little girl.

50. Scott is a 37 year-old man who lives in Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center. He is unemployed, without medical insurance, and battles chronic mental illness. Your gift of $150 would provide Scott with a full eye exam, including contacts or glasses (which he desperately needs).

51. When Ruby’s mother died, she became homeless and enrolled at Catholic Charities’ Daybreak Center. Ruby is 32 years-old and suffers from a learning disability which makes it difficult for her to live independently. She also has a hard time gaining and maintaining employment because she has trouble learning job skills. Your gift of $250 would provide Ruby with appropriate professional clothes to put her best foot forward when interviewing.

52. April is a single mom who is recovering from an abusive relationship with her children’s father. She is determined to provide a good education for her family and has enrolled her children in Catholic Charities’ Head Start program. Your gift of $300 would provide toys for Christmas and also bath towels and bed sheets.

53. Jon is homeless and doesn’t have any warm clothes for winter and his shoes are completely ragged. He desperately needs a new pair of boots, thermal socks and long underwear to protect him from the cold weather. Your gift of $150 would provide warm clothes for Jon.

54. Rosa works very hard cleaning houses to provide for her family. Everyday, she faces the challenges of being a single parent to a teenage daughter with developmental delays. Your gift of $200 would provide clothing for Rosa’s 15 year-old daughter and 4 year-old son.

55. Star is a 21 year-old single mom with three children under four years-old. The family is living with relatives while Star studies for her GED and looks for a job. Her goal is to become self-supportive by improving her education. Your gift of $250 will provide Star’s children with Christmas gifts.

56. Tori is only 18 years-old, but she’s already a married mother of three. Tori and her husband struggle to maintain a stable place to live. Although Tori’s husband is employed, it’s still not enough to cover the bills. Your gift of $250 would help this young family catch up on their bills and pay for some everyday expenses.