18: Independent and Taking Control

Friends and Family - I'm reaching out to my amazing community to harness our collective power through a series of small donation to make a lasting and significant change for one individual in our Boulder community. Please take a look and help me pay it forward...

 

My Story

I'm Carolina, and this story is about a courageous young woman who is actively taking control of her life - against some tough odds. For her privacy we'll call her M. Just a couple of weeks ago M ended up at my house in an emergency without a place to live and no car. She was shaken but resolute. She had taken a step away from a bad situation and I instantly knew I wanted to help. M is eighteen, resilient, strong and on her own - truly on her own. But she is also taking control. She has a full-time job, a square head on her shoulders and the knowledge that she is going to get through this. I'm just a helping hand to stabilize and support while she does what she is going to do. Please read her story and consider helping her.

 

Her Story

All of my life I have been dependent on others. Financially, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I was dependent on my family until I was 18, then I moved out to get away and start a life of my own. Taking back control was the goal, however, that did not happen. I was dependent on my then boyfriend and it eventually turned into being controlled. I was stuck and didn’t know how to get out. About two weeks ago I got out of the relationship and I am on my own. I do not want to be dependent on all of the people who are helping me out so I’m asking for help to take back my life and be independent.

Living with my family wasn’t the greatest. I had pretty much everything I needed at a bare minimum level, but I felt good in my decision to leave. After I left I had a lot of privileges revoked. The car that was promised to me was taken away, the threat of taking away health insurance was implemented. Once I was out of that environment, I had a whole new set of problems to deal with. Moving into my boyfriends house strait out of the gate was probably not the best idea in hindsight but we live and we learn. The first few months of our relationship were really good, it seemed like true love but then he became controlling and manipulative and would often gaslight me. He did not protect my safety, and kicked me out of our apartment three times knowing full well I didn’t have anywhere to go. There’s a lot more to the story but I’m here to ask for financial help in getting a car. Getting some funding would mean a great deal to me. Having a car of my own would mean not relying on my friends to get me around or my coworkers to get me to and from work. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. 

 

The Goal: $3,500

This is all about getting M mobile with a car of her own and set up with permanent, safe housing. Her full-time job will cover her living expenses (budget is done and it all adds up) and she is on the cusp of getting a raise and a promotion (she's a hard worker). The car will give her the much needed independence to get to and from work and stable and safe housing will give her the room to blossom.

 

The details:

$2,500-$2,700 for a car that can get her around town

$300 in tax/registration/fees

$500 for a first month deposit on a rental (which we're working on!)

 

I'll match the first $1,000 in donations to get to a total of $4,500 which will giver her a little leeway on gas and setting up her new place.

 

Let's do this!

PS: The car is priority #1 as she is staying with me in our guest room until housing can be figured out. If you know of a safe rental in Boulder (with or without roommates) in the $600/mo range, please let me know by email ([email redacted]).  All my love and gratitude!