Giving Hope Holiday Program Family Story Cards (Nov 27, 2018)

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Jessica

Family Story: Jessica currently lives with her parents, two siblings, and maternal grandparents. Jessica has witnessed traumatic events, including her parents’ domestic violence. Her traumatic history has done harm on her emotional state, but she has now learned to openly express herself and copes with overcoming challenges. Her family is going through financial hardship; her mother and step-father work very hard trying to meet their children’s needs. For this holiday season, your support and help will provide Jessica a special holiday.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 203

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Owen

Family Story: Owen and his family moved to California about two years ago due to his father’s job requirement. Owen is a shy kid, and his move to CA has had a huge impact on him. Despite missing his friends and having difficulties with his new environment, he works hard to meet his school standards. He is trying to build new relationships with his peers. He is in need of having a bright and happy holiday; your help will make it very memorable and special.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 204

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Destiny

Family Story: Destiny is a single mother who strives to care for her 10 year old daughter. She does not get any help from family, including her daughter’s father. Destiny grew up in foster care and does not have any contact with her biological family. Destiny states that ‘I don't have anyone in my life that I can depend on, but my daughter�.

Destiny is working and trying hard to make ends meet. Unfortunately, her old car that she uses to commute gave out this month and she is in the process of trying to get it fixed. She is not sure how much money she will have left for presents after getting her car fixed and paying bills. She would greatly appreciate any help that she can get for Christmas gifts.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 206

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Riviera family

Family Story: The Riviera family is a loving and cohesive nuclear family of four. Rosa is a caring and resourceful single mother who recently lost her husband and currently is the main family provider. Since the passing of the father, this family has gone through some very difficult times, but despite the many challenges they have faced (financial hardships, grieving the passing of the father, trauma), they continue to maintain strong family connections and values. Rosa has limited resources and holiday gifts would help bring her and her family some comfort and cheer.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 207

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Alice

Family Story: Alice is a single parent raising a son who attends high school in Fremont. Alice currently has unstable housing due to a health issue, and she was not able to continue working. This is the first time she has ever experienced this circumstance with housing and is working hard to take steps to improve her situation.

This year, Alice would very much appreciate community support so she can have a good Christmas with her son and bring joy to their holiday.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 302

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Lillian

Family Story: Lillian is a single parent in her 40’s raising 2 wonderful daughters who are in middle school and taking care of her disabled 67 year-old mother, 90 year-old grandmother, a disabled adult aunt and her adult cousin who has some delays.

Lillian has had a difficult start in life that impacted her young adulthood, but she had to step up to the plate for her family and is the main care taker.

Today Lillian is working part-time and taking classes to improve her economic situation, keeping the family housed, fed and up to date with medical appointments for the adults in the household. Lillian is also providing a stable home environment for her daughters, teaching them about the value of education, while instilling confidence in the girls so they can be ready for anything they want to be. Lillian would love to have some support during the holidays so she can especially bring joy and fun to her daughters and to the rest of her family.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 303

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Miracle

Family Story: Miracle is a single mother raising a 16 year-old son living in temporary housing. Miracle has been working in Fremont for over 11 years and really loves this community. Her son has been attending Fremont schools, getting excellent grades.

Both Miracle and her son volunteer their time helping students living in a local shelter with tutoring services because they know it’s hard to access this service when you don’t know where you’ll be staying from day to day.

Miracle has had challenges with keeping her housing in Fremont or nearby due to rising rent costs and health issues that have forced her to reduce her work hours. However, Miracle is also determined to stay near her community and to provide the opportunity for her son to continue his long term friendships. She would love to have a nice Christmas holiday with support because of the challenges they have overcome this year and to help celebrate her son’s work with other students who are in need.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 304

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Monica

Family Story: Monica is an adult sister taking care of her 17 year-old brother, disabled mother, disabled uncle, and her uncle’s 11 year-old son in one household. Monica is an amazing person that stepped up to the plate after her mother had a serious health event that turned out to be permanently disabling just a few years ago. Monica and her family had lost their longtime home in the tri-city area when the owner decided to sell the unit. Monica and her family just recently moved into stable housing, while working with various agencies to help Monica maintain that stability.

This holiday, Monica is hoping for some help to provide her family a nice Christmas. Monica has increased her work hours to make the rent payments for their new apartment and still providing for the needs of her family. Monica stated that she is grateful for the opportunity to be referred to the Giving Hope program now. She also said that when things become more stable for her family, she would like to be able to pay this kindness forward and help a family out because she will never forget how it feels being on the receiving end.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 305

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Stephanie

Family Story: Stephanie is a single mother of 5 great kids. She has had a rough young life and has really worked hard to make things better because she wants her children to have opportunities and positive experiences that she didn’t necessarily have growing up.

Stephanie, who is in her early 30’s, is going to school full time to become a licensed professional in the health field.

Her children are always at school on time and homework or projects are completed by their deadline. Stephanie would love to receive some help with making this holiday special for her children.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 306

Giving Hope to a Family!

Story Card

Name (modified for privacy):

Diana

Family Story: At the young age of 14, Diana has experienced many life events that have created feelings of grief, and in turn, caused behavioral problems that affected her academic performance in school for the last two years. In the time that I have been working with Diana, she has presented herself as a friendly and sweet young lady with great potential to succeed in life.

Diana has struggled with attendance and coursework but with the support of her family, teachers, counselor and case manager she is starting to overcome these issues. I have received great feedback from her teachers stating that she is working really hard to raise her grades by staying after school doing make-up work. Diana also struggles to get assignments done at home due to the lack of access to a computer as there is only one in the household and she needs to share it with her siblings. Diana would be immensely grateful if she could get a laptop to do research and get her assignments done on time.

Diana would also benefit from 1:1 math tutoring services but her mother cannot afford to pay for this service. Your generosity will impact the education, future, and development of this bright young lady.

Please click on this Story Card to review the full Wish List details.

Family Tracking Number: 309