* Sensitive Information * - We post this with consent from our recipient, and with great care towards her story.

For the month of February, we are grateful to have the opportunity to come alongside Michelle and her girls, and provide them support and encouragment with our February funds. We would love for you to take a few minutes to read a bit of Michelle's story below.

“My name is Michelle Beyer, and while I was familiar with the foster and adoption systems, I had no knowledge of kinship care until my daughter's murder. Her two young girls, my granddaughters Aria (then 4) and Audrey (then 2), came into my care through full legal guardianship. Before my daughter's death, I cherished my role as an involved grandmother and saw them often. The past three years have been a rollercoaster of shock, grief, and adjustment. I've navigated countless medical appointments, weekly counseling sessions, and the inability to work (due to our schedule) while also coping with the investigation, trial, and conviction related to my daughter's death.

In addition to these challenges, Audrey has a rare genetic disorder called Ogden Syndrome. She is nonverbal, has a feeding tube, and is at high risk of wandering due to a lack of safety awareness. She was also recently diagnosed with Autism. When the girls came to live with me full-time, I readily met their physical and medical needs, drawing on my healthcare background and experience caring for another special-needs granddaughter. However, I underestimated the weight of their mental and emotional needs, as well as the increased required mental energy from me.

As Audrey grows, I remain constantly vigilant about her supervision and safety. Outings require extensive planning to ensure her needs are met. The girls love outdoor activities like camping and swimming, which offer joy and respite, but also demand careful preparation. We often seek out quieter locations or times to minimize distractions and maximize safety. The girls also enjoy riding around in the yard in their Jeep, but Aria is also growing, seeking her independence and yet needs to enjoy her childhood too. They both need opportunities to engage with the same things, together and as individuals.

This generous gift would open up more opportunities for sensory experiences and family fun, provide respite care for Audrey, and encourage much needed self-care for me. I'm deeply grateful for the support, as it would alleviate financial burdens and allow us to focus on creating positive memories and experiences.

While the challenges are many, the rewards of raising my granddaughters far outweigh them. Joy and hope are beginning to outshine our grief. I wouldn't change my decision to become their guardian, but I wish I had known more about kinship support resources. I'm now committed to sharing my experiences and knowledge with others who may be facing similar journeys.

Thank you again for your kindness and generosity in selecting me to be the recipient of the February funds from The Dollar Difference.”