NJ-2026-0087: Domestic violence survivor and graduate student celebrating a first safe Christmas with her son and foster baby

FAMILY BACKGROUND:
A mother in Keansburg left a long-term domestic violence relationship that became extremely dangerous, including an incident in which she was strangled. Her former partner, her son's other mother, is now incarcerated because of the abuse. She carried and gave birth to her son through IVF, and the last three years of change have been hard on both of them. The isolation of that relationship left her with little support, and Christmas has usually been just the two of them. Through it all she kept moving forward: this year she graduated with her BSW, enrolled in an Advanced Standing MSW program, works remotely, volunteers with the American Red Cross, and earned her driver's permit while saving for a car. They have finally moved into their own home, where they feel safe. Her son is 5, has autism, and loves everything about Christmas: the decorations, the lights, Christmas movies and their traditions. Their family has also grown. She is fostering an 8-month-old baby boy who came to her at 2 months old, and she is moving toward adopting him. This will be his very first Christmas, and the first time the three of them celebrate together in their own safe home.

CITY: Keansburg, NJ 07734
STATE: New Jersey
COUNTY: MONMOUTH
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: 3
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN HOUSEHOLD: Autism; Mental health condition, including depression, anxiety, PTSD or bipolar disorder; Developmental or learning disability, including ADHD
HOW THE FAMILY CAN RECEIVE GIFTS: No preference

HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD:
Age: 36
Sex: Female
Clothing Size: Women's 14
Shoe Size: Women's 8.5
Wishlist: Plants (a money tree), blender

CHILD #1:
Age: 5
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Kids 12
Shoe Size: Youth 1
Wishlist: Plush alphabet letters, bean bag chair, chunky shape puzzles, Humpty Dumpty, Wii

CHILD #2:
Age: 8 months
Sex: Male
Clothing Size: Baby 6-9M
Shoe Size: Infant 1
Wishlist: Anything Ms. Rachel, educational toys, a push walker