Mutual Aid-Help at Risk of Eviction

Hi my name is Taylor Simpson. To give you a little background on who I am and my story: I'm 23 years old and from the Blackwell/Manchester area. I have always been curious about the human mind, philosophy, art and plants. I have always been an advocate for mental health, and I worked as a Behavioral Aid and enjoyed learning about psychology from working with youth ages 5-15. Ironically, I've also always struggled in different ways regarding my mental health. I've done everything I can to care for myself since I was 15. I have gone from multiple aid programs, ranging from school counseling, intensive in-home, outpatient, crisis, CBT, etc. Most recently, I was hospitalized for a week and diagnosed with PTSD and Major Depression. Unbeknownst to most, I started a new job working at Gleaf Medical Cannabis on 8/15/2022. Two days after being discharged from the hospital.

Those who know me know some of my passions consist of herbalism, gardening and serving others, so I was very excited to start my journey networking and learning more in the medical cannabis industry.

I was completely blindsided when my contract was terminated on 9/21/2022 without any notice, verbal warning or insinuation of termination. Understanding the "at-will employee" law in Virginia states that an employer has the right to terminate without cause at ANY given time. This contract had a 90-day probationary period in which that right could be exercised. They chose to exercise that right the very next day after communicating to the Head of HR my medical conditions. They reasoned that I was "not a good fit." I was refused any documentation or details on what led up to this decision, and there were no communications of deficiencies in work performance prior or opportunities for corrective measures. I have lost all online access to any signed consent forms and employee handbook documents.Unfortunately, Gleaf is not a company with a system for "lower level" employees. In terms of this nuanced situation, lack of communication and details, there is essentially nothing I can do within my power alone. As of now, I have no legal or communal support to do any further investigation on the grounds of discrimination.

The effect their decision has on my life is something that has been copied and pasted onto so many others. Whether for lack of resources, knowledge, power, etc., this problem continues to persist in many different industries and power structures. Under these circumstances, my health and well-being have been depleting, and I have been unable to sustain a reliable source of income. This abrupt change has weighed more on my already deteriorating mental health, and I have struggled to care for myself financially. As a result, I have been put behind on my rent, phone and electricity bills. I have exhausted every resource I have access to and am aware of, and I am fighting through crippling depression to make the bare minimum. I am asking for community help. Any support helps. Please share this with a friend or loved one. I am grateful for anything. If you have any questions or want more details, please feel free to ask me.