I'll be home for Christmas...
This classic Christmas song rings out every year, with its soft melody and enchanting chords. We listen to it, imagining a cozy Christmas night surrounded by loved ones and presents, sipping hot chocolate—but for many families, the idea of “home” is more of a wish than a comforting thought. While some families hang their stockings, others hang on to hope they might have somewhere, anywhere to spend Christmas night.
This is the reality for foster children who may not know where they will lay their heads from one night to the next. This is the reality for trafficking survivors who only know lives filled with fear, coercion, and uncertainty. This is the reality for single moms working extra shifts to give their children the Christmas they deserve. This is the reality for struggling families facing eviction, as the troubles of life build up and threaten to derail everything.
For many, Christmas is not a time of joy and celebration, but rather, a time of strife, worry, and struggle.
One More Child steps into these realities, providing tangible support, professional guidance, and spiritual encouragement. We help vulnerable children and struggling families in their time of need and offer a path to a brighter future.
We recently had the opportunity to support one family in finding a home when everything in their lives seemed to be falling apart.
This is the story of the Goodwin* family.
A Place to Call Home
When we met the Goodwins, they were in crisis. Kim,* a mother of three, was suffering from a serious medical condition that caused memory issues and frequent seizures, and her father, Henry,* was legally blind. Because they couldn’t adequately provide for the family, Kim’s oldest son, 19-year-old Dominic* had taken on the overwhelming responsibility of caretaker—a heavy burden for such a young man.
Living in Henry’s deteriorating home, the family faced unsafe conditions that forced them to leave. With nowhere to go, the Goodwins became homeless.
When the Department of Children and Families learned of their situation, they called One More Child to help. Our Family Support team worked with the Goodwins for months, providing mentorship and guidance, and helping them obtain food stamps and disability services. Housing was, of course, one of their most urgent needs, and our team ensured they received the support required to obtain it.
We helped them apply for services and support until, finally, the Goodwins were able to move into their own apartment—a safe, stable place to call home.
After months of effort working with our team, the Goodwins achieved safety and security. We supported and mentored them so they could reliably maintain their newfound stability. The family expressed deep gratitude for their relationship with our Family Support team and everything we’ve accomplished together.
Today, the Goodwin family isn’t just surviving—they’re positioned to thrive on their own. Kim and Henry can focus on their health and providing for their household, while Dominic can focus on his own future, no longer bearing the responsibility of caring for the entire family.
Their story is a shining example of what can happen when struggling families receive vital resources and are empowered to succeed.
*Names changed for privacy.
Can We Count on You?
I'll be home for Christmas... You can count on me...
There are thousands of families, just like the Goodwins, in need of a place to call home. Many children and families may spend this Christmas season uncertain if they will have a safe, stable home.
One More Child is equipped and ready to help these families—but we can’t do it without your help.
As a nonprofit organization, One More Child relies on generous donors, steadfast partners, and willing volunteers to make our ministry happen. Our work could not be accomplished without thousands of you saying YES to join our mission.
Together, we can impact the life of one more child this Christmas.