Story

I am a full-time student and a mother of three children. My daughter, is 13 years old, and I have twin boys, who are 7 years old. I came here as a refugee after losing my entire family in the war. The decision to have children was my way of filling the emptiness left by that loss, and though I did not have them with a good partner I was thinking he is, I love them deeply they are my entire world.  

I have always been a hard worker and never relied on others for support, but sometimes life circumstances force you to seek help. Since arriving here, I have worked to provide for my family. However, after having my twins, it became increasingly difficult. They both have developmental delays and are on IEPs due to speech impairments. Since they cannot communicate their needs verbally, they often cry when they want something but don’t know how to ask for it. I have to assist them with all basic daily tasks and ensure our home is fully secured because they tend to open doors and run outside. They are also very active and attempt things on their own, such as lighting the stove, which makes it challenging to find a daycare that will accept them.  

From the age of one, every daycare I approached refused to take them. I even sought assistance from DHS to find childcare, but before I could secure a place, I lost my job. People reported me to the police multiple times, accusing me of leaving my children home alone, but in reality, I had no other choice. When I applied for financial assistance and explained my situation, I was told I did not qualify. I also submitted proof of my sons’ IEPs, but it did not help.  

On top of everything, my utility bills are extremely high gas is around $300, electricity is $200, and water is $140. I wonder if this is normal in Chicago. Right now, in the middle of winter, we are living and sleeping without heat. Our unfinish basement has backup water with a big hold, the foundation is not strong, the construction company asked me $60000 to finish it. It is not same for the boys I am so affraid for their safety. issues, adding to our struggles.  

I also requested child support enforcement, but they told me I needed proof that the other parent refuses to pay. He verbally stated over the phone that he would not pay, but he is hiding his address. In court, I asked the judge to require him to provide his address since he knows mine, but she did not.  

At this point, I am not even able to stay home. After my kids return from school, I take them with me in the car while I work doing food delivery. Despite all these challenges, I remain focused on my education. I am set to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in health sciences in May 2025, and I have applied for a two-year master’s program to become a physician assistant. I know that soon, this will all just be a difficult chapter in my past.  

However, I am currently facing another urgent issue. A body shop has been holding my car illegally for over three weeks. Initially, they agreed to accept credit as payment, which was also stated on their website. But after completing the repairs, they suddenly demanded cash only. I explained my situation and offered alternative payment methods like a transfer, but they refused. As a result, my account is overdrawn, and since I rely on my car for work, I am struggling to take my kids to school, buy groceries, and attend my own classes. I do not know how to get back my car I do not have money to hire a lawyer. this is the end of the month we need to pay for the house $ 2000, bills, car note $ 500, insurance $ 200 and my car is in hold in that place,

When I went to the shop to discuss the issue, the owner was very aggressive. He yelled at me for no reason and acted as if he wanted to hit me. I am truly afraid of him. I have filed a complaint online to get my car back and contacted the city and state attorney, but they told me my application has not appeared in their system, yet it will take time to process.  If we could get any help we will really appreciate it. God bless you and your family.