This profile picture is from my last day at The Refuge, a residential treatment center that not only saved my life but utterly transformed it! This transformation shifted me from focusing on the struggles of my past to being excited for the hopes of a future. During my last week, I painted this mural, asking myself and others at the Center this Mary Oliver question "what is it you plan to do with this one WILD and PRECIOUS life?"

 

Finally, with some solid ground of recovery under my feet, I had an answer that I’ve been working towards for the last 2 years!

 

The Refuge inspired me to work at a residential treatment center for at-risk and foster youth. I got a real taste for engaged social work; chasing runaway youth, case notes, breaking up altercations, treatment team meetings, keeping suicidal youth safe, facilitating group activities and outings, and giving mid-night pep talks. After having the experience of being on both sides of the treatment table, I decided it was time to go back to grad school. ... but something was missing.

 

Social work alone didn't feel like enough. I couldn't abandon my roots around eco-activism. I couldn't ignore my strong spiritual inclinations. So, I combined them all! I found Denver University's unique social work program with a concentration in environmental justice. Denver became THE school of choice when I found out it was the only program in the US with this area of focus.

 

We are all interconnected; the human and non-human animals, plants, micro-organisms, and elements. Extreme weather, changing climates, and humanitarian crises are rapidly increasing because of human-driven climate change. I want to work at the intersection of these issues, supporting the mental and spiritual health of front-line eco-activists, climate refugees, and environmental organizations where there are high levels of fatigue and burnout. An LCSW will help me find a community to grow with and be supported by while gaining the skills I need to better support myself financially and support those supporting earth, plant, and animal flourishing and resilience.

 

This is my dream. Please, can you help? Any donation amount is appreciated. It takes a community, and I believe we can reach this goal bit by bit. Here is my budget…

 

COSTS OVER TWO YEARS (in thousands)

 

University with LCSW and added concentration program: +100

Housing: +24

Books and college Supplies: +3

Food, Car Expenses, Insurance, Medical: + 6

Faculty Merit Award : - 32

Jane Aadams Merit Scholarship: - 10

Loans: -55

Job: -10

Fundraised Already: -5

Balance: 21,000 Remaining

 

I must respond to the University by April 15th, and although I still need 21,000, if I can raise at least 11k by then,  I can feel secure enough in my finances to make this leap into the next chapter of life!

 

Thank you!

 

PS... Here's a video I made for another scholarship I applied to... :) xoxo <3