Depaul Expressions Vol XXII-2

A Bridge to Hope story you made possible. DePaul’s Bridge to Hope Fund continues to meet needs in our community thanks to your generous donations to the fund. Now in its fourth year, your gifts have helped 53 children, 36 individuals with disabilities, and 69 families to access critical supplies, equipment, and services when everyone else has said, “no.” This year, your support changed the life of Shelley and her family when they needed us the most. Shelley is an adoptive mom of two young boys: ages 7 and 9. Both of Shelley’s adoptive boys have special needs. Kristopher was born with cerebral palsy and requires total care in their home. Landon also has special needs and has ADHD that requires a high level of supervision and physical support. Shelley was prepared to love and care for the boys and adopted them to give them a forever home. What Shelley was not prepared for was the series of strokes her husband suffered this year that left him critically debilitated. He is unable to help her with the physical care of the children or provide for his family. Shelley is now taking care of both boys, her husband, and their home. She has tried to obtain supports in her home for Kristopher but has hit many roadblocks. She was desperately seeking resources that would help her adequately care for all their needs—a transition and challenge that was taking a toll emotionally and financially. The Bridge to Hope Fund was able to provide temporary services and financial support for a few months when Shelley was in desperate need of help. When she needed a lifeline, the Bridge to Hope Fund was there, thanks to you.

Without the Bridge to Hope fund, this family’s hardship would have been even harder. There are many more stories of life-changing and life-saving support from the Bridge to Hope Fund. And we have more work to do. With your help, we will continue to bridge gaps and say, “yes,” when it really matters most. Thank you for making Bridge to Hope possible.

Total Raised: $78,220 Funds Used to date: $51,527 Fund Balance today: $26,693

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