The Giving Fund identifies local families and individuals in need of special assistance during the holiday season.
For 14 years, United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut has partnered with The News-Times on The Giving Fund, a community holiday program that identifies local families and individuals in need of financial assistance during the holiday season. This year, stories will be published each week in The News-Times for four weeks, beginning the first week of December. Any funds contributed in excess of the amount required to fulfill Giving Fund cases will support United Way’s ongoing efforts to assist low- and moderate-income households, including through the ALICE Fund.
The Giving Fund stories will be featured in local publications to highlight community impact: cases from Greater Danbury will appear in the News-Times, and cases from Greater Bridgeport will be published in the CT Post.
2025 GIVING FUND CASES NOW AVAILABLE!
Case 1 – Greater Bridgeport
Daniel is a young, multiracial immigrant student in his third year in college, where he is studying to become a teacher. Despite working hard in school and in the community, he is facing significant challenges that threaten his ability to stay enrolled. He currently needs support with transportation, food, and stable housing.
For the past five years, Daniel has been a dedicated volunteer, passionate about helping young people stay on track to graduate high school and pursue higher education. He mentors students who are the first in their families to go to college and supports students in applying for scholarships. A process he knows firsthand can change the direction of a life.
Daniel dreams of becoming a teacher who not only educates but inspires students to believe in their own potential. A gift of $1,500 will allow Daniel to continue his studies and keep making a difference in the lives of young people in our community.
Case 2 – Greater Danbury
Rosa is 74 years old and currently in the process of completing her citizenship and receiving essential medical care that she could not access in her home country. Although she receives some assistance with food, her daily life remains extremely difficult. She does not have a home of her own and spends most of her day in churches and local libraries for warmth and safety, returning to her niece’s home only at night to sleep.
Despite the hardship and isolation, she faces, Rosa holds onto a simple yet powerful dream: to spend this Christmas with her children in Ecuador.
After months of loneliness, this trip is more than a plane ticket; it is a chance to reconnect with her family and celebrate the holiday season surrounded by love.
A gift of $1,500 would help cover her travel expenses and allow her to end the year with love, companionship, and hope.
Case #3 – Greater Danbury
Monique’s days are full of hard work, care, and determination. As a single mother of three, she juggles the needs of her 15-year-old daughter, who often helps care for her younger siblings, along with her 6-year-old son with autism and her 4-year-old son. Recently, her family faced a major challenge when the father of her youngest child left, leaving Monique without a vehicle and cutting her household income in half.
Despite these obstacles, Monique continues to give back to her community, working for a nonprofit organization while striving to make ends meet. Like many in the nonprofit sector, her salary doesn’t stretch far enough to cover all her family’s needs, and now she is solely responsible for rent, utilities, transportation, food, and holiday expenses.
A gift of $1,500 would help Monique cover past due bills and provide a little extra joy for her children this holiday season, allowing her to continue being the hardworking, loving mom she is, even in the face of unexpected challenges.
Case 4 - Greater Danbury
Amelia has overcome numerous obstacles throughout her life but continues to remain strong, smiling, and focused on bettering her life—and the life of her 8-year-old son with special needs.
Originally from Haiti, Amelia has actively pursued English classes and works tirelessly to master the language. She works over 40 hours a week, attends both English and CNA classes, and has secured a special position at a school for children with special needs, ensuring her son receives the support and education he needs while reflecting her dedication and determination as a mother.
On top of her demanding schedule, Amelia is taking driving lessons and preparing to take her final CNA test. However, the cost of transportation for her and her son to get to work and school is a significant challenge.
A gift of $1,500 would make a remarkable difference in Ana’s life. Your generosity would allow her to continue thriving and provide the best possible future for her son.
Case 5 - Greater Bridgeport
Lucia, 39, works as a cleaner in a hospital, disinfecting hallways, rooms, and high-risk areas. Her work is vital, yet her salary is low, and her hours are often unpredictable, requiring early mornings or double shifts just to cover basic expenses. Lucia is a single mother and the legal guardian of her nephew, always prioritizing a stable home for the children she cares for.
This past summer, Lucia faced a major crisis: a severe water leak damaged her apartment, destroying furniture, children’s clothes, and some appliances. She used a large portion of her savings to prevent mold, leaving her behind on utility bills and struggling to cover daily necessities. On top of this, Lucia has been postponing a needed medical appointment for her back pain—caused by lifting hospital equipment and heavy loads—because she must focus on immediate household expenses. Without care, her condition could worsen, threatening her ability to work and provide for her family.
A gift of $1,500 would allow Lucia to pay her overdue utility bills, cover groceries and essential items, and access the medical care and medication she desperately needs.
Case 6 - Greater Bridgeport
Isabella is an immigrant mom caring for three children of her own and two nieces, whose mother was deported. Every day, she works tirelessly to pay rent, utilities, and provide food, doing her best to keep her family safe and cared for.
Even with all her hard work, the holidays are a struggle. Isabella worries about being able to provide a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal, gifts, or warm winter clothes for all the children she loves so dearly.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Isabella to cover essential expenses and provide her children with a joyful holiday season, giving her the stability she needs to continue caring for her family and making a difference in their lives.
Case #7 – Greater Bridgeport
Valeria’s mother is battling pancreatic cancer and recently underwent surgery, requiring an extended hospital stay. After her classes, Valeria would go to the hospital to care for her mother, stay overnight, and often spend seven hours a day by her side. The cost of daily parking—sometimes $20 a day or $1 per hour—added to the financial and emotional strain. Despite limited sleep, Valeria persevered, leaving the hospital at 3:00 AM, sleeping for a few hours, and then attending her university classes.
Valeria is in her final year pursuing a double degree in Speech Therapy and Hispanic Studies and has recently been accepted to Teach For America, where she will work as a special education teacher for elementary students. Alongside her studies, she volunteers by giving music lessons to children aged 6 to 12.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Valeria to cover essential expenses like food, gas, and a winter coat, while supporting her studies, enabling her to continue caring for her mother and making a meaningful impact in the lives of the children she teaches and mentors.
Case #8 – Greater Bridgeport
Carmen is a single mother who works caring for the elderly. Years ago, she sought refuge in a sanctuary church in New Haven, Connecticut, hoping to avoid deportation, and since then, she has shared her story to support others facing similar challenges.
Recently, Carmen’s work hours have been reduced, and with the holidays approaching, she has struggled to pay her electricity and gas bills. She is also hoping for help to provide a joyful Christmas for her children, including food and gifts, despite the financial strain.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Carmen to cover essential bills and provide a warm, festive holiday for her children, giving her the stability she needs to continue caring for her family and supporting her community.
Case #9 – Greater Danbury
Sofia and her mother are living on their own after Sofia’s father was deported back to Ecuador. The sudden loss of support has made it difficult for them to keep up with daily expenses, and they are struggling to cover essential bills—especially the cost of childcare, which is necessary for Sofia’s mother to continue working.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Sofia and her mother to alleviate critical expenses like childcare and utilities, helping them regain stability and move forward without fear of falling behind.
Case #10 – Greater Danbury
Elena and her young daughter are working through a difficult period following recent changes that have left Elena solely responsible for providing for her family. Despite her determination and hard work, covering basic needs has become a struggle. They are currently in need of support with food and groceries, as well as help with utility bills to keep their home warm and safe.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Elena to cover essential expenses like food and utilities, giving her the stability she needs to continue supporting her daughter and rebuilding their lives.
Case #11 – Greater Bridgeport
Gabriella is a hardworking mother of four who is doing everything she can to support her children. A few years ago, one of her sons was deported, adding deep emotional and financial strain to the family. To provide for her children, Gabriella sells tamales outside a local church and also works as a domestic worker. Despite her tireless effort and unwavering commitment, it is still difficult to keep up with the rising costs of food, rent, and transportation.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Gabriella to cover essential expenses and provide stability for her children, ensuring they have what they need to thrive during this challenging time.
Case #12 – Greater Bridgeport
Camila is the daughter of immigrant parents who came to the United States in search of the American Dream. Her family worked tirelessly to build a better life, but everything changed when her mother was deported to Honduras. The separation has deeply affected everyone, and both Camila and her sister continue to struggle with anxiety and depression as they cope with the trauma and uncertainty.
Just three years after their mother’s deportation, Camila’s father became critically ill. He suffered a heart attack and underwent surgery to receive a pacemaker and now spends more time in the hospital than at work due to complications from his heart condition, diabetes, and other health issues. With reduced income and increasing medical needs, the family has fallen behind on essential bills. Their gas is often shut off, leaving them without heat, and there are times when they do not have enough money for food.
Camila is determined to help her family stay afloat, and she dreams of seeing her sister begin college and pursue her future with hope.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Camila’s family to pay their utility bills, access food and necessities, and support her sister in starting college — helping restore stability and hope during an incredibly difficult time.
Case #13 – Greater Bridgeport
Michelle is in her twenties and doing everything she can to rebuild her life while caring for her toddler. She has been experiencing homelessness for the past six months and has no family support or help from her child’s father. Without a driver’s license or a car, Michelle commutes daily from Bridgeport to Stamford for work — a long and exhausting journey that she undertakes because she is determined to provide a better life for her child.
Despite working hard, she struggles to afford necessities. Most days, Michelle goes without meals so she can do everything possible to provide for her toddler. She is also several weeks behind on daycare payments, making it harder to maintain her job and move forward.
Michelle is resilient, hopeful, and dreaming of a stable home and future for herself and her child.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Michelle to catch up on essential bills, secure reliable transportation support, and ensure that she and her toddler have access to food and safe childcare — helping her rebuild a stronger foundation for their future.
Case #14 – Greater Danbury
Luna is a mother of four children who is currently facing significant hardship. She is at risk of losing her housing before the end of the year due to back rent and past bills, making it especially difficult to provide a safe and stable home for her kids during the holidays.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Luna to catch up on overdue rent and bills, helping her avoid eviction and give her children a safe, stable home while bringing peace and security to their holiday season. This support would be a lifeline, ensuring her family can celebrate the holidays with hope rather than worry.
Case #15 – Greater Danbury
Mary, in her late 50s, has faced multiple challenges in a short period. She spent years as a stay-at-home mom, raising her three children with her late husband. Recently, the family’s Social Security benefits stopped, and Mary’s youngest child is now working full time while taking college courses. Mary herself works part-time and is trying to increase her hours for the holiday season, balancing employment with household responsibilities.
After selling her car to manage costs, Mary has relied on help to keep electricity on and uses the food pantry. Her children are hardworking and resilient, with the eldest two finishing college and the youngest pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice. Mary’s holiday wish is to visit her parents and late husband’s graves with her children and place decorative arrangements on their headstones — a meaningful family tradition.
A gift of $1,500 will allow Mary to cover essential expenses like transportation, energy bills, and food, and create a special holiday memory for her family. This support would relieve immediate financial pressure and allow Mary to continue caring for her family while honoring cherished traditions.
Case #16 – Greater Danbury
Marisol is a young woman recently diagnosed with an aggressive and complicated form of cancer. She has already undergone surgery and is currently in treatment, with a long road ahead before she can return to work. Despite facing multiple medical complications, Marisol remains hopeful, resilient, and committed to maintaining a positive outlook.
With no income while she focuses on healing, Marisol is struggling to keep up with essential expenses such as car insurance payments and increased electricity costs, along with the need for warm clothes to help her through the winter months.
A gift of $1,500 will give Marisol comfort and stability during treatment, helping her stay warm, keep up with essential bills, and focus fully on healing and recovery.
Case #17 – Greater Danbury
Aria and Luis once enjoyed a vibrant and fulfilling life with their two daughters. They both worked full-time, spent weekends cheering at school sports games, and cherished the joy of a close-knit family. But in an instant, everything changed. Two years ago, their youngest daughter died following a tragic incident; a heartbreaking loss that forever altered the course of their lives.
The grief was overwhelming. Luis watched Aria struggle emotionally, fighting to stay strong for him, their surviving daughter, and their extended family. Eventually, she made the difficult decision to step away from a career she loved, hoping time would help her regain the strength to return. But the trauma was too great, and healing has been slow and complicated.
Three months ago, Luis was laid off from the job he deeply valued, adding financial strain to a family already carrying immense emotional weight. While he continues searching for work and hopes opportunities will open soon, the uncertainty is heavy.
This family is doing their best to move forward, support one another, and find light again, but they cannot do it alone. A gift of $1,500 would help Aria and Luis keep up with essential expenses, including their mortgage, utilities, insurance, and holiday needs, providing meaningful support during an incredibly difficult time.
Case #18 – Greater Danbury
Naomi is a devoted mother who, while very pregnant, shared the joyful news that she was expecting triplets. In September, she learned that the babies had arrived—far earlier than expected. All three newborns were immediately admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit, where they continue to receive specialized care.
Just days after giving birth, Naomi was discharged from the hospital, while her babies remained behind. She began traveling back and forth daily between Danbury—where her middle-school son needed her—and New Haven, where her fragile newborns were fighting to grow stronger. Eventually, she was able to stay in New Haven temporarily, while her husband remained in Danbury to work and support their older child.
Recently, the family made the difficult decision to relocate temporarily to New Haven so they can remain close to the triplets. While this has brought emotional comfort, it has also created significant financial strain. Naomi owns her own small business, and due to the circumstances, she has been unable to work—resulting in a substantial loss of income on top of mounting expenses from travel, food, temporary housing, and medical needs. With the holiday season approaching, the pressure feels heavier than ever.
Despite everything, this family remains focused on what matters most: staying united and supporting their three tiny fighters. Their resilience is remarkable, but the need is urgent.
A gift of $1,500 would provide meaningful relief—helping Naomi and her family cover essential expenses like food, transportation, and temporary housing so they can stay close to their newborns and continue fighting for their health and future.
Case #19 – Greater Danbury
Javier is the father of four children under 18, one of whom has special needs. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, forcing him to stop working while undergoing intensive treatment. Since then, the family has been struggling deeply to meet even their most basic needs.
Javier’s wife now spends most of her time caring for him and their children, leaving little opportunity to work. Their 16-year-old daughter has taken on a part-time job to help support the family—an enormous responsibility for such young shoulders, but one she carries with love and strength.
This family is doing everything they can to stay afloat during an unimaginable crisis, but they cannot do it alone.
A gift of $1,500 would bring essential relief, helping the family cover urgent expenses like food, utilities, and transportation, so they can focus on Javier’s care and supporting their children through this difficult time.
Case #20 – Greater Bridgeport
Vanessa is a full-time student working tirelessly to improve her future by attending an adult education GED program. She is also the sole income earner in her household, supporting her retired father and her mother, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Despite her dedication, Vanessa’s income is not enough to cover the household’s basic expenses, and the family is facing significant financial strain.
A gift of $1,500 would help Vanessa cover essential household expenses, giving her family the stability they need while she continues her studies and works toward a brighter future.
Case #21 – Greater Bridgeport
Jade is a single mother of three and a survivor of domestic violence. She is working tirelessly to rebuild stability for her family while attending school full-time and maintaining a job, balancing her responsibilities with extraordinary dedication.
As the holiday season approaches, Jade anticipates a reduction in her work hours, making it difficult to keep up with essential expenses.
A gift of $1,500 would help ensure her children remain safe and housed, while allowing her to meet other basic needs without falling behind on rent during this vulnerable time.
Case #22 – Greater Bridgeport
Maria is a single mother of two who recently moved into a new apartment after spending a year and a half in a shelter with her children. She is working hard to create a stable and comfortable home for her family.
A gift of $1,500 would provide essential support as she sets up their new space with basic necessities, such as a dining table and chairs, bathroom towels, cooking utensils, and other household items, to help make their new apartment truly feel like home.
Case #23 – Greater Bridgeport
Caroline is deeply committed to her education and has continued to prioritize her studies while working more than 45 hours each week to support her household. Recently, her husband was injured and is currently unable to work, placing a significant financial strain on the family and leaving her as the sole provider. Despite her best efforts and long hours, she is struggling to keep up with expenses and provide stability for her family. Caroline, her husband, and their son recently moved into a smaller, more affordable one-bedroom apartment just to save a few hundred dollars each month.
A gift of $1,500 would help Caroline keep up with basic needs during this difficult time, giving her the breathing room to stay focused on her education while ensuring her family remains stable.
Case #24 – Greater Bridgeport
Alexis is a mother of four and works as a babysitter while taking on hourly cleaning jobs to support her family. Her income fluctuates week to week, and despite her constant effort, bills have begun to pile up. She is now behind on essential utility payments and owes a month of rent — a distressing situation for any family, especially one with young children. She isn’t seeking luxuries; she simply wants stability and the security of keeping her family housed.
A gift of $1,500 would help Alexis bring her rent and utilities current, giving her the support she needs to regain stability for her family.
Case #25- Greater Danbury
Gwen, is a single mother to a 10-year-old daughter. She has undergone more than 10 surgeries and faced serious medical complications related to breast cancer. After exhausting her financial resources, she is currently staying with a friend while she works to regain stability. She urgently needs help with basic necessities.
A gift of $1,500 would provide Gwen with food gift cards, personal care items, and support with utility bills, helping her rebuild security during an incredibly difficult time.
Case #26- Greater Danbury
Jasmine is fighting cancer for the second time. Her ovarian cancer has metastasized to her bones, leaving her unable to work and struggling to cover essential expenses. She lives with her daughter and two grandchildren, and the family is doing everything they can to stay afloat — but the financial burden is overwhelming.
A gift of $1,500 would help Jasmine with utility bills and purchasing groceries, ensuring that her family can meet their basic needs while she focuses on treatment and recovery.
Case #27 – Greater Danbury
Faith is a single mother to a 9-year-old son and is currently facing a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Treatment has made it impossible for her to work, and she is struggling to cover basic necessities, including rent and groceries. Despite the challenges she faces, she remains focused on providing stability for her child during an incredibly overwhelming time.
A gift of $1,500 would help Faith cover utility payments and purchase groceries, easing the financial strain as she continues treatment.
Case #28 – Greater Danbury
Diana was recently diagnosed with leukemia and is undergoing intensive treatment. She has been out of work for several months and lives with her husband and their twin daughters. While she receives treatment, her husband must accompany her to the hospital or care for their children, making it difficult for him to maintain steady hours at work. As a result, the family is struggling to keep up with essential living expenses.
A gift of $1,500 would help Diana and her family cover rent, mounting hospital bills, and groceries, ensuring they can meet their basic needs while she focuses on recovery.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION
For more information on the Giving Fund, contact Archeline Youte at archeline.youte@unitedwaycwc.org.