NJ-2025-0017: FAMILY BACKGROUND: 37-year-old single mother of 1 daughter struggling after partner’s incarceration while caring for her disabled mother and fighting to keep her household stable

FAMILY BACKGROUND: 37-year-old single mother has been fighting to keep her family afloat after her former partner became incarcerated, leaving her solely responsible for her 10-year-old daughter and the care of her chronically ill, disabled mother. Their lives shifted overnight, and she went from receiving rental assistance one month to facing a complete financial collapse the next. She worked seven days a week trying to catch up, but no matter how hard she pushed, it was never enough. Last year brought no Thanksgiving, no Christmas, and a painful New Year’s Eve where she had to tell her daughter they were being evicted. She shared that if it weren’t for her daughter, she is not sure she would have found the strength to keep going.

On top of everything else, her mother suffers from severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. She has undergone multiple surgeries to remove and replace joints in her toes, which her body ultimately rejected. She also experienced a recent stroke and remains in fragile health. The emotional and financial strain has been overwhelming, and this mother is simply doing everything she can to hold her household together and keep her daughter safe and supported. She hopes for the chance to give her daughter some Christmas and birthday joy this year, something they have gone without for far too long.

CITY: Mount Olive

COUNTY: Morris County

HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 2

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 37
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women 2
Shoe Size: Women’s - 8.5
Wishlist: Gift cards to Walmart or Target, winter coat (size M), jeans (size 2 long), sweatshirts/hoodies (size M), drawer organizer

CHILD #1:
Age: 10 Years
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Girls 12
Shoe Size: Women’s - 9
Wishlist: Chapter books, nail kits, TV, makeup table, Nike sweatshirt (size M), leggings (size 10/12), socks, bedding set, drawer organizer