NJ-2025-0062: FAMILY BACKGROUND: 36-year-old single mother has endured one of the most challenging years of her life.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: 36-year-old single mother has endured one of the most challenging years of her life. Earlier this year, she suffered a dangerous slip and fall on black ice that resulted in a major shoulder surgery just two weeks ago, along with a previous spine surgery. She is currently in recovery and undergoing therapy five days a week. Her doctors have informed her that two additional procedures are still needed before she can regain full mobility.

Before the pandemic, she worked as both a nurse and a respiratory therapist. Losing coworkers to COVID deeply affected her, and she made the difficult decision to change her career path. She began studying IT and Business Administration at County College of Morris, but her recent injuries forced her to temporarily pause her education. She remains determined to return to school once she is physically able so she can build long-term stability for herself and her daughter.

Her only income right now is child support. She receives Section 8, Medicaid, and SNAP, but recent reductions in SNAP benefits have made it hard to keep up with necessities. She often has to choose between doing laundry or buying basics for her daughter. She has maxed out a credit card buying food and essential household items. She also had to pull her daughter out of dance and piano lessons due to financial strain. Their one affordable activity together is the YMCA pool, which she can access thanks to a lifelong membership through a nonprofit program.

Despite the hardships, she continues to give back to the community. She serves on the Morris County CoC Executive Committee, the ABC Advisory Board, the Allocations Committee, and is a Garden State Leader. She volunteers her time to help homeless and low-income families by using her lived experience to guide community organizations and improve services. She also contributed to data research work through a grant with the Office of Temporary Assistance.

This holiday season, she is reaching out not just for gifts, but for reassurance and hope. She wants her daughter to feel joy, stability, and love in a year that has been filled with uncertainty. Any act of generosity would help bring comfort and light to their home during the holidays.

CITY: Morris plains
COUNTY: Morris County
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 2

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 36
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women 8
Shoe Size: 7.5
Wishlist:Sneakers or boots, sweaters, a fun outing for her and her daughter, a sweatsuit, California king blanket, scarf or gloves, and a Teflon-free pan set.

CHILD #1:
Age: 4
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: 7
Shoe Size: 12
Wishlist: Twin XL blanket, toys, long waterproof snow boots, sweat-suit sets, underwear (women’s medium – short style), warm socks, Barbie or educational toys, warm jeans (7T)