by River Ellis Foundation | May 15, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A mother and adult son, living together, both had strokes in the same month. With limited income and mounting bills, REF stepped in to cover rent and help them stay on track during their recoveries.
by River Ellis Foundation | May 1, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
After being abandoned by his mother, a 17-year-old student was left homeless. His best friend’s family took him in, despite their own financial strain. He arrived with nothing—sharing everything from clothes to toiletries. REF stepped in to provide the essentials:...
by River Ellis Foundation | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
After a fire destroyed his bedroom, a local high schooler was left with nowhere to sleep or do his homework. The River Ellis Foundation provided a new bed, bedding, desk and chair to help him rebuild his space.
by River Ellis Foundation | Apr 1, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A 7 month old baby in the NICU tragically passed away after experiencing sudden respiratory distress. REF stepped in to cover the cremation costs, easing the family’s financial burden as they grieved their unimaginable loss.
by River Ellis Foundation | Mar 28, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A local high school graduate suffered a brain bleed while attending JMU, losing function on her right side and the ability to speak. After weeks of rehabilitation, she regained the ability to walk but continued to suffer from significant impairments in strength and...
by River Ellis Foundation | Mar 8, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A Chesapeake mother was forced to stop working so that she could be by her child’s side during cancer treatment at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. REF covered rent for this family until the mother could return to work.
by River Ellis Foundation | Feb 23, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A nurse at CHKD suddenly became the sole caretaker of her daughter and four grandchildren after her daughter delivered a premature baby and suffered a stroke. To ease the immediate financial burden, REF stepped in to cover the grandmother’s rent.
by River Ellis Foundation | Feb 22, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A husband and father of four was in his hometown of Virginia Beach for work when he tragically lost his life in a car accident. The River Ellis Foundation stepped in to cover the costs for his family to travel from Texas to Virginia Beach, allowing them to attend his...
by River Ellis Foundation | Jan 23, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A 14-year-old boy lost his mom in October and moved in with his dad. Having been homeschooled his entire life, he faced challenges adjusting to public school for the first time. After his mom’s passing, her boyfriend sold all their belongings, including the...
by River Ellis Foundation | Jan 18, 2025 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
A husband and father of four was in Virginia Beach for work when he tragically lost his life in a car accident. The River Ellis Foundation stepped in to cover the costs for his family to travel from Texas to Virginia Beach, allowing them to attend his funeral and say...
by River Ellis Foundation | Oct 25, 2024 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
Five children were home alone when they found a stranger floating in their pool. They called 911 and witnessed the paramedics trying to revive the man who ultimately died. The children were all very traumatized after this incident did not feel comfortable remaining in...
by River Ellis Foundation | Oct 20, 2024 | Sunrise Story, Who We Help
After unexpected loss of brain activity, a homeless couple lost their newborn baby. They could not afford cremation costs. REF covered this cost for the couple.
