Help a single mom get her life back.

Hi, my name is Julisa

As many of you know, back in 2014, I was arrested. Rightfully so. I did it. It was a non-violent, victimless crime. A marijuana charge. My only ever, by the way. I also served my time. Completed a mandatory rehabilitation program, Did hundreds of hours of community service, Completed my probation in half of the time, Because of good behavior and Paid my dues and court fees.

Shortly after my release, I became a mom for the first time in my life. A single mom to a beautiful baby girl with a heart defect. The first few months of her life were filled with pain and uncertainty. After countless ER visits, a couple of hospital stays, open heart surgery and numerous sleepless nights; My baby girl was on her way to a long and slow recovery.

When Azalea was four months old, still recovering from surgery, around-the-clock medications and a feeding tube. I started my culinary studies. I enrolled in a fast-paced, intensive pastry program. It was a decision I made primarily because of my love for food. And a chance to provide for myself and my little one. After graduating, the jobs that I could get were pretty slim pickings. Because of my felony. I was denied countless opportunities. Places like Disney, Publix, Country Clubs and the like. Would not hire me because of my record. I eventually found a small business owner that would take a chance on me. Mainly because of my creativity, knowledge, work ethic, and reliability.

That place became my second home. My creativity flourished. I went from one shift a week to full-time fairly quickly. As the days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, that then turned into years. I was given more responsibilities. Which meant more was put on my work load. I took a management position and a salary. I made $2000 a month (before taxes). Rent alone was/is $1112-$1300 a month. I was there for four and a half years, before hitting burnout. With no benefits, no paid overtime, no health insurance. Nothing but a title.Throughout that time and still to this day. I continue to barely scrape by. Due to the fact that most employers will not hire a felon. I can't even deliver food. All those delivery apps that everyone uses. They ALL run background checks.

It has been a dark over shadowing cloud. I have more than "Paid my debt to society" ten fold. It's been eight long years, ya'll. And now I am asking for your help. At the moment I am basically unemployed. Besides my efforts to obtain ANY type of employment.

However, I am currently studying to get two separate licenses in real estate. In which there is a high probability that I might get denied for said licences due to my felony. I think you all get the picture. Most of you who know me. Know of my struggles these past eight years.

I spoke to several attorneys. And I qualify to expunge my record. Which would allow me to get my life back. Attain gainful employment. And take care of myself and my family.

 

I'm trying to raise money to move forward in my life.

$2500 is for the attorney fees.

$1000 is for travel expenses. (I might have to travel out of state to appear in court before the judge).

 

Any little bit helps. And I will be eternally grateful for your donation.