A Mother Fighting for a Fresh Start for Herself and Her Son

I never thought I would be here asking for help, but I’ve learned that sometimes strength looks like being honest and starting over.

My name is Reyna. I’m 32 years old and a single mother to a little boy who is my whole heart.

Right now, my son is living with his father not because I gave up on him, but because I made the difficult decision to step back and rebuild my life the right way.

I was in a toxic environment that took a serious toll on my mental health. Everything began to spiral, and I knew I had to make changes if I wanted to be the mother my son deserves. So I did.

I went to therapy.

I checked myself into rehab.

I kept working.

I fought through court situations.

I did everything I could to get better and I did start getting better.

For years, I worked hard for the same company and stayed consistent, even while I was struggling. I eventually got a room to rent and began rebuilding stability.

But life shifted again.

Due to legal reasons I can’t fully speak on, I had to leave my job. Before that, I was already going through periods of instability sleeping in my car, staying in hotels, and moving from place to place just to get by. Even then, I kept working and pushing forward.

I used the savings I had to cover rent for two months while I searched for a new job. I’ve been going to interviews, applying everywhere but my situation as a mother makes it harder.

I have court-ordered visitation with my son, which means:

• I need to be available Wednesdays and Fridays

• I cannot work weekends

I am not willing to give up time with my son just to survive and that has made finding stable work extremely difficult.

I’ve applied for unemployment, CalWorks, and General Relief and have been denied.

Right now, I’m doing DoorDash just to get by, but most of what I make goes straight back into gas. It’s not enough to keep up with everything.

At this moment, I’m staying with a friend who has opened her home to me. I contribute what I can $300 for rent so I can at least have a safe place for myself and somewhere my son can come stay during my visits.

But I’m falling behind on everything

I feel like I’m doing everything I can, and still drowning.

What scares me the most isn’t just struggling it’s the thought of losing time with my son because I can’t afford gas, food, or stability.

That’s why I’m here.

I’m asking for help to:

• Stay housed and stable

• Cover basic necessities (, gas, essentials)

• Continue showing up for my son

• Give myself the chance to secure stable employment

More than anything, I am asking for a second chance a real, solid fresh start.

I am not giving up. I am actively applying for jobs, seeking assistance, and doing everything in my power to rebuild my life the right way.

If you’re able to give, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you can’t, sharing this or even saying a prayer means more than you know.

I truly believe God is guiding me through this, and I trust that the right people will come into my life during this time.

And I promise this when I get back on my feet, I will give back. I want to help others who find themselves in a place like this, because I understand now how hard it is.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.