Be the change in Taliyah's future!

Hello. My name is Kris Kollasch. And I am trying to make a difference in a child's life, now grown (23). She has faced more trauma than most of us can even imagine. But Taliyah wants to go to school to become a cosmetologist, to have a career, to be able to work hard and be successful.

I initially met Taliyah in 2006 when she was just seven years old. She and her older sister lived two doors down from my girlfriend at the time, with their Grampa, because their mother was in prison and the fathers were nowhere to be found. They were pretty much left to run wild…told to play outside until it got dark, no matter how hot it was. Laurie Provost opened her heart and home to these kids, helping with homework, doing projects and teaching them things. I got involved, too.

Taliyah and I had a special bond. I became one of her parents, as there were none around. Taliyah’s Papa didn’t understand it but knew it was good for the girls. I attended parent-teacher conferences, school events, and even chaperoned overnight science camp with her middle school. We got her a bicycle and her first “build a bear” and got both girls involved with a Girl Scouts troop for girls whose mothers were in prison. We took foster parenting classes for the possibility of bringing them into our home more permanently. We even took them to Disneyland and the beach for my 50th birthday. I loved Taliyah like my own.

But then in 2013, grandpa passed away, while Taliyah was trying to help him get to his bed to lay down(traumatic). They moved in with an uncle who said, “I got this.” He took away our connection line, wouldn’t have them call us back if we tried to call there, and our communication and involvement became less and less. It broke my heart. I did watch Taliyah graduate with honors from North High School despite everything she’s been through. She’s always been a smart kid. We hollered and waved from the stands, hoping she knew we were there.

It’s been over five years since that graduation. I recently reached out to Taliyah through messenger. When I suggested maybe we could get together to catch up, she called me right away! We met for dinner and caught up a little as tears rolled down her face with all the stories she could not tell me.

We got together again, and she told me how she wanted to go to Empire Beauty School to become a certified cosmetologist, start her own business, and have a career.

She asked me to meet with the school administration because there had been a misunderstanding regarding paperwork and enrollment requirements. I couldn't believe the hoops as she had to prove her mother was in prison and her father was dead to demonstrate her need for financial aid. So many things she has endured, so many things I cannot say here. But she keeps trying. And I think we can help Taliyah rise above.

She has started school, but it’s a struggle. She had to quit her night job because it was too much while going to school M-F, 8:30-4:30. She's looking for a job. Even with financial aid, It’s expensive and hard to work and go to school full-time. She has car payments, phone payments, Car insurance, rent, gas money, and everything else. With NO support…

I asked her what her budget was and how much she needed every month. She told me $1500 and had it all broken down into specific amounts. But It didn’t include food, clothing, or new tires on her car that are very much needed.

Will you help me to help her? We can be the change for Taliyah‘s future, I know we can! by making it just a little bit easier for her to get through school, have a career, and have the skills to move beyond her past. I’ve set a goal of $15,000. That would provide so much; even though Taliyah would still need to get a part-time job while in school, it could take off the stress...help her to focus on school, and succeed. I believe in her. She’ll graduate in May, ready to work. And I will do everything I can to help her succeed. I plan to manage the money donated. I’ll be sure it goes to car payments, school payments, insurance payments, phone bills, etc.

I believe If we can give this kid a chance,

she will soar. Be the Change…change the course of Taliyah’s future.

Please Donate now. No amount is too little. Thank you. From my heart, Kris