Anthony came into our lives more than 3 years ago. He is not of my blood nor of my daughter's, who has been raising and caring for him from birth. Stacie and Jayson were best friends who married in 2004 and had 2 sons (Holden and Owen) together. The marriage did not last, but the frienship did, which was great for the boys. Holden and Owen are now 10 & 8. Jayson was involved with Jessica who became pregnant (while married to another). While she was well into her pregnancy, Jessica was arrested for assault. Turns out, her rap sheet is quite long, spanning her entire adult life.
Jessica gave birth to Anthony while incarcerated and Jayson took his son, to raise him, on his own. His best friend, Stacie, was always there to help. When Anthony was a little over a year old, Jayson got into trouble and nearly died from a drug overdose. When he recovered, he went to rehab. Stacie assumed responsibility for Anthony and has been caring for him ever since.
She has never received a dime of support for any of her 3 sons... but has worked full time (and more) to support them all on her own. In September, Jessica will be getting out of prison. She has informed Stacie that that she will be getting Anthony and he will be living with her.
A little history; Before Jayson and this "last" prison sentence, Jessica was married. She and her husband (who also served time) had 3 children together that they lost to the state and were adopted out. During her current sentence, while out on parole, Jessica again became pregnant. She was out for only a couple of months, when she violated parole and had to go back to serve her sentence. That child, delivered during this incarceration, was turned over to the state for adoption. That makes 5 children lost to her. Sadly, Jayson also brought on more trouble for himself and is now facing a prison sentence. That means that BOTH of Anthony's birth parents will be in jail.
For nearly 3 years, Stacie has been the sole supporter of, not only HER sons, but of their (Jayson and Jessica) son. In fact, he has become HER son in every way that is possible. Stacie has filed for legal custody of Anthony. She loves him as her own and cares deeply for his overall welfare.
If you are so moved, Anthony needs your help. He is a precious little boy who loves his Mom and brothers and would be crushed if he were taken from that nurturing and loving environment, where he is happy, healthy, and thriving. Holden and Owen would be heartbroken. Stacie needs your help. She is loving and responsible, works hard, and makes barely enough to keep her life intact. Legal fees for child custody could reach into the tens of thousands of $'s. Her lawyer is very confident that she has a solid case to ensure that she maintains custody, but cannot proceed Pro Bono, although he has reduced his hourly rate to give her a break.
We are not looking to cover every penny necessary, but are hoping for some help to get started. If you feel moved to help, know that it is God Himself who is motivating you to respond. If you are unable to contribute, financially, please feel free to pray that God would provide the funds to accomplish this. If you are on social media, please share.
God bless you all