Adopt-a-Family

The "Adopt-a-Family" initiative is very exciting because it presents an opportunity to see the faces of the people who we help. Clothing drives and food drives are both great humanitarian efforts, but we are still one step removed from the people who benefit from the collected items. But the Adopt-a-Family program brings everything closer to home by allowing us to see and meet those who will benefit from our help.

The following are just a few examples of the many families that YOU helped during this Adopt-a-Family initiative in the 2008-2009 year. These are real families, but their true names and identities have been hidden for privacy purposes. Please keep each family in your prayers.

Elaine is a mid-forties, single mother of 16 yeard old Susan. Susan has a 2 month old son Andrew with special needs. Elaine has recently suffered from a reduction in her work hours due to the current ecomomic situation, and she earns the sole income of the household. Susan is a high school student that is very busy between school and the many doctor's appointments for her son. They are a very tight-knit family, Elaine is extremely loving and close with her daughter and grandson. Susan is an extremely bright young lady with a wonderful smile, and her son is a very handsome little man. As a family they need help in these trying times.

Angela is a single mother of two, who recently lost her job due to the economic crisis and is trying to provide for her 7 year old and 3 month old baby. When asked what we could do help her this Holiday season, she replied "no toys, only necessities", like diapers for her baby, cleaning supplies for the house, and food that will last her longer than a day. She is experiencing financial hardship, and is in need of rent money, which is why she has asked for no gifts this year only necessities. Angela received a warning from notice of delay on her rent. She says she would rather provide shelter for her children than gifts as she desperately tries to provide for her family.

Natalie is a mother of four children (three daughters and one son). Daughters Jenny, Mary and Susie are 7, 6 and 5 years old, respectively, while son Jonathan is 13 years old. Her husband has been removed from the family due to domestic violence. That incident had a very bad effect on her youngest daughter Susie, who is getting psychological treatment as a result. Natalie is jobless and is having diffculties in meeting the basic needs of her family. She requested grocery (food items), clothing and housewares (bed sheets, comforters, lights bulbs). Whatever we do for this family will not remove their hardships, but it will provide some comfort nevertheless.

This family of five consists of a mom, dad, two children, and a cousin they have taken in. They live on a very limited income, sometimes living on food boxes donated from relief organizations. They all live in a very compact duplex. They participate in all of their agencies gatherings and the oldest child takes advantage of the tutoring center after school. Mom cannot work, as she lives in chronic pain and is waiting for her diability claim to be approved. She only wishes that her kids receive things as she is not able to purchase gifts for them. This family will be very appreciative of any kind of assistance.

Jan and her husband Tom live in a very tight apartment with their daughter and two sons. Jan's part-time job at a grocery store is the only source of income for the family currently, as Tom waits to be approved for disability. Already experiencing financial difficulties, their situation was worsened when their under-age daughter had a baby seven months ago. This family of six is very close and work hard at supporting each other. Holiday assistance will bring some much needed relief and joy to this family.

This year we will continue our effort to reach out to families in need and help them through some difficult times. For instructions on how to implement the Adopt-a-Family program in your city, please read our Adopt-a-Family Step-by-Step Guide. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Khidmat-e-Khalq team .