My name is Colette Benko. I am a mom, daughter, and friend to many. I have the greatest job in the whole world; I get to feed our future generation of leaders, business people, musicians, and artists. What I do truly feeds my soul. My work is very important to me in so many ways but mainly because I want to be that adult that I needed when I was their age. Its also my safe place where for so long I could only be myself because my home life was not so great.

In March, I chose to take my life back and leave my marriage of 20 years due to abuse. These last few months have been an eye-opener. I've spent them working on me, healing my mind so that I can be a better mother. My relationship with my daughter has strengthen and even tho things have been a struggle she never goes without.

Due to several setbacks and roadblocks, and frankly just simply life throwing lemons, because of this, I have gotten behind in my bills. Anyone who knows me knows I don't ask for help. It's not in my nature, so making this GoFundMe has been very hard. But with the bills stacking higher and the $$$ coming in not going up, I'm choosing to put my pride aside and ask for help.

The money will go towards rent for December, January and February and will go towards the electric and internet bill. I'm hoping that getting ahead will help me be able to find a cheaper apartment where I wont have to struggle so much. It will also go towards helping cover food and a down payment for a new apartment/house/townhouse.

I greatly appreciate any help you may be able to give.

The statement "It takes a Village" has rung in my head since I was a child. I never truly understood it until recently and I'm forever grateful for my village as I don't think I could personally have been strong enough on my own. I will forever be grateful for your kindness!!