
A Lifeline and a Comeback
Donation protected
Hey friends,
I never imagined I'd create a personal GoFundMe. This is one of the hardest, most uncomfortable things I’ve ever done—but I'm at a turning point, and I need to ask for your help.
For more info on what's going on with me, please watch the full unedited video below and read on.
The past year has been incredibly challenging—personally, emotionally, and financially. A severe family health crisis, a health issue of my own, and a few other elements have come together to create a perfect storm.
I started falling behind and as I've worked tirelessly to get myself to a better place, the resulting daily financial stress has left me in survival mode.
I've been working around the clock—coaching, consulting, tutoring, teaching fitness, making workout plans for fitness clients, recording an audiobook, seeking voice acting gigs, applying for jobs, and several more.
I've managed to pull off quite a few last-minute miracles, all while putting the pieces in place to get back to even ground and then back ahead (see below).
But the walls have closed in before I could make that happen, and I'm in an acute financial crisis.
I need to raise a significant amount by March 1 to pay my back rent from February, pay March rent, pay my overdue bills, and cover essential expenses to get out of immediate crisis mode.
Beyond that, I need to raise enough to get by for a couple of weeks as I :
- Pay my current bills
- Apply for my ICF coaching credential—opening doors to corporate coaching opportunities.
- Renew my personal training certification so I can continue teaching and working with clients.
- Take a breath, shift out of survival mode and begin rebuilding.
Why This Moment Matters
At the same time that I’m struggling financially more than I ever imagined, I’m also on the verge of something big.
- I’ve completed all requirements for my ICF coaching credential
- I’ve built expertise in ADHD coaching, have a booked speaking engagement at a professional conference, and have more in the pike.
- I’ve stepped into professional voice acting—I even have a book on Audible!
- I have coaching groups, online courses, and several other coaching projects in the works
- I’m working with an incredible coach to take things to the next level.
- My big goals: A TED Talk and a potential book within the next 18-24 months.
- I have several short term work and project work possibilities in the pipeline.
I just need a bridge to get there.
Reclaiming My Voice & Purpose
While I was back home in New York ver the holidays, I decided to organize and scan ~7,000 family photos that were in a bin in my parents' basement—photos I had never seen before.
And what I saw broke me.
There was this little Justin staring back at me, full of light. He was curious, expressive, captivating. He entertained people, drew them in, told stories. His eyes lit up when he spoke. He was big.
And I realized something: That kid is still in me.
But over the last year, I’ve been playing small. With all the stress I’ve been under, I've been shrinking, hiding from the world, and dimming my own light.
I’ve spent so much time just trying to survive that I forgot what I’m actually here to do.
This isn’t just about stabilizing my finances. This is about reclaiming my voice—literally and figuratively.
I’ve already begun sharing it with the world as a voice actor, and now I’m ready to step into my power in coaching, speaking, and writing.
It’s time to to be big again - to shine my light so that others can shine theres.
Other Ways to Help
If donating isn’t an option, I totally understand. There are other ways to help:
- Coaching Referrals – If you know anyone who might benefit from coaching, I'd love to invite them to a free session without any obligation. If I can help, that's a win in itself. I specialize in coaching LGBTQ+ professionals & individuals with ADHD.
- Quick-Turnaround Work – Voiceovers, audio editing, training video creation, marketing strategy, pitch deck storytelling.
- Learning & Development Opportunities – Curriculum design, training facilitation, workshop leadership.
- Consulting & Strategy Work – Business strategy, innovation, and storytelling for startups.
- Sharing this campaign with someone who might be able to help.
The Invitation: Be Part of My Comeback
This isn’t just a fundraiser—it’s a turning point.
I’m launching The Comeback Collective to share my journey, keep you updated, and invite you into the process. If you’d like to be part of it, you can sign up here to get updates, give feedback on beta projects, and more.
The Ask: A Lifeline and a Comeback
If you can contribute, please do—every single dollar makes a difference.
If you can’t donate, sharing this with even one person who might be able to help means the world to me.
This is the start of something bigger. And I want you to be part of it.
Thank you for believing in me. ❤️
Justin
Organizer
Justin Meli
Organizer
San Diego, CA