Help Steve Build a New Life

All raised funds will be held in the account of the organizer, Jack Bentele, a trusted friend of Steve's. Steve wants all donors to be assured that in this way the funds will be spent exactly as outlined, and Jack will transfer the money to Steve to make his necessary purchases.

Steve Kastner was a successful accountant for over twenty years. When he lost his family to a tragedy, followed by the loss of his parents to old age, Steve fell into despair. He self-medicated with substances that he became addicted to and this led him into homelessness. 

 

This began a vicious cycle that occurs to many experiencing homelessness, as despair compounds with hopeless feelings. However, even without shelter, Steve managed to get sober on the streets and has now been sober for a year and three months. 

 

A lot has changed for Steve recently. He is living in temporary housing and desires nothing more than another chance at life. He has put together an actionable plan to find new work and eventually permanent housing for both himself and his companion pup Buddy (pictured below). With a few months to brush up on the latest reading materials and technology, Steve knows he can find work before the end of the year. 

 

 

 

 

The most important resource Steve needs right now is new hearing aids. Born with 40% hearing loss, this is a struggle he has faced for a long time. These aids are vital to obtaining and maintaining new employment, and their lack is the number one obstacle that he currently faces. 

 

As the cost of these is $9490, raising funds to afford this expensive technology is the primary goal of the fundraiser. However, if this fundraiser manages to bring in more donations, we also want to present other items and resources that would drastically improve Steve’s life and help him complete this journey that he began without any help at all.

 

The computer and reference books will be used to brush up on the latest accounting principles, auditing standards and tax laws related to various entities and to help him get reacquainted with software such as Office 365. The vet bills will, of course, be utilized to treat Steve’s loyal friend Buddy who has experienced health problems lately.

 

- A refurbished PC with the minimum needed to run tax & accounting software - $450

- Vet Bills for Buddy's treatment for digestive, respiratory, and eye problems - $3,000

- Professional Clothing for the Office - $2225 

- Up-to-Date Tax Reference books - $600

- Adding Machine - $285

- Office Supplies such as toner and paper - $250

- Up-to-Date Accounting and Auditing Books - $250

- Microsoft Office 365 - $75

- Briefcase or Travel Bag - $100

 

Overall Stretch Goal: $16,725

 

With any and all help provided by this fundraiser, Steve will be well on his way toward working, continuing to stay sober, and becoming a productive, independent member of society once again. Speaking as his friends, as Steve is reluctant to ask for assistance, the organizers wish to highlight Steve's diligence and hard work in the face of tremendous obstacles. We believe he deserves help at this critical turning point. The moment that he received temporary housing, he went about putting together a plan to continue making steps to improve his life, and these goals are realistic and within reach. Any assistance he can be afforded will go fully toward his long-fought cause of beginning a new chapter in his life.