Hi. My name is Dina. I am a 53 year old woman.

When I can get work, I care for children, the elderly and pets. My superpower is working with special needs.

I am a poet and artist. I read at various open mics throughout Chicago.

I recently attended Aurora University, where I started my BSW. 

I am raising money for myself.

Following  divorce, I lived in DV shelters,  with friends, and on campus while attending University. 

I have worked numerous jobs, including house cleaning, pet sitting, dog walking, and babysitting.

Due to C-PTSD and other health issues, I have been unable to sustain regular work. 
I do not qualify for SSDI.  According to the Social Security Administration, my physical and emotional illnesses are treatable with drugs, therapy and surgery (I've had 4 unsuccessful procedures to treat one injury already, I react badly to synthetic drugs, and I am currently in therapy). I also have not earned enough work credits to be eligible. So Social Security Disability is not an option. 
 
I applied for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) in September, 2019. I was told I had a clear case, went to the doctors required for my approval, and waited. I heard nothing until I contacted my adjudicator in July, 2020. 

The adjudicator assured me I was approved, and I was waiting for the State to continue the process.

After several months with no contact from the State, I called my State Representative, only to discover that I had been denied before I had the conversation with the adjudicator in July!

I have found a lawyer and attempting a re-determination.  It will take six months to rebuild my case.

I currently live with a friend who has her own health and financial issues, and will move this year.  A friend has helped me pay rent and phone during this process, but will not be able to help me after February.


So this is my goal:

I need to raise the funds to cover my rent ($300) and my phone ($138) through June. 


I also need a chance to heal. Repeated traumas, DV, chronic homelessness, physical illness and injury have left me emotionally and physically stressed. I have been unable to heal traumas that led to my situation, because my situation is constantly chaotic. I am stuck in a loop of homelessness, joblessness and traumas. This is why I will need SSI. I need time to heal and not constantly lose jobs.

Truly, I would be thankful for the smallest donation!