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Single Mother of 9 in Need (2019)

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Sharon (Coyne) Ruplinger is my older sister. We went to the Oakcrest (Washington DC) and the University of Dallas together. Years ago Sharon and her 8 children became trapped in a tragic domestic “situation”. She is my best friend and I’d do anything for her, so I am appealing to you for financial support.

Sharon, Maria (me), and Jeanne

By the Grace of God, my sister and her eight children returned to us six months ago. Sharon escaped their heart-breaking domestic situation. They fled with the help of local friends to the Bolton House (www.boltonrefuge.com). With assistance from a wonderful, generous couple in Wisconsin, Sharon and the kids relocated to Indiana. I was so relieved they were safe and thrilled to have my sister and her beautiful family here with us.

Sharon and kids (minus 1)

For years I felt Sharon was a prisoner, a hostage. She was isolated from family and friends in a small Wisconsin town (hours from any family). Her ability to communicate was limited, her phone, email, and text were monitored…controlled. The children suffered greatly, denied modern educational resources and medical interventions.  Sharon fought to provide the support and care her children deserved.  

Since relocating to Indiana, Sharon and the kids have made important strides in establishing their independence and rediscovering peace. While progress has been made, the challenges are truly overwhelming. As a single mother who is pregnant with her 9th child, raising eight children and managing household responsibilities is nearly impossible. The estranged husband is incapable of providing monetary support and the Court has issued a 2 year “no contact order”.



My husband and I (along with our seven children and many good friends) have been able to help, but no one can tread water forever. There is not a week that passes without a new problem – vehicle repairs, medical issues, school problems, logistical nightmares, access to medical care, insufficient cash assistance, and most recently problems with the rental house.

When Sharon and kids relocated, the local shelters were full and the only place to live was a dilapidated rental house. The house itself has numerous problems, but most significantly it has an “infestation” (pre-existing). We have had it professionally treated, and we continue to treat it; however, the professionals says it is likely impossible to rid the house of the infestation.

We are currently in a dilemma. Sharon is expecting her ninth baby in mid-December, but she and the children need to vacate the house as soon as possible. There is no money available to relocate. Thus, I am appealing for assistance so that I may support Sharon and the children with adequate housing and other needed support.


Sharon and CiCi

While the goal of 150K is lofty, it is the level of support required to establish permanent housing and provide long-term support. We estimate this level of funding can stretch 3-5 years. Most women in Sharon’s place who return to their previous domestic situation, do so primarily because of economic reasons (http://www.dcadv.org/domestic-violence-facts-and-faqs). We want to eliminate this risk as Sharon is 100% committed to establishing independence for herself and children so that they may heal. She has done a tremendous job thus far, but she needs help.

The Coyne Family

We are grateful for any support you can provide as anything we raise will have a significant impact. If you cannot provide financial support please keep us all in your prayers and share this campaign with others. You will be in our prayers daily.

In addition to an urgent housing need there are many other ongoing challenges that need support.
• The oldest child has significant special needs and requires intensive medical and therapeutic support
• Logistical challenges with eight children, while being pregnant (child care support needed)
• Medical and dental needs
• Therapeutic and social needs are significant (counseling)
• Educational support needed (tutoring)

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts,

God Bless,

Maria (Coyne) Klopfenstein and family


Summary Clarification:
I am Maria (Coyne) Klopfenstein. Sharon (Coyne) Ruplinger is my sister. When Sharon moved from WI she initially lived at my house .We are both now living separately in Martinsville Indiana. I have Sharon's express permission or organize this campaign  and to manage this fund. The proceeds from this fund will directly support the needs of  Sharon Ruplinger and her children. Immediate needs include: housing (and related expenses) and medical, educational, and therapeutic needs. These funds will not be used to support the separated spouse.
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Donations 

  • Christine and Roy Koczela
    • $100
    • 4 yrs
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Organizer

Maria Coyne Klopfenstein
Organizer
Martinsville, IN

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