Hello, Hello —

And thank you for being here.

In February 2024, after almost sixteen years, I made the incredibly difficult decision to end a relationship that spanned half my life. After six months of tense cohabitation, I forfeited much of what I had built — financially, emotionally, and physically — in exchange for safety and freedom for myself and my child.

Relocating into separate households was a leap of faith that felt both terrifying and necessary. While this past year has brought moments of healing and growth, it has also brought immense instability, isolation, and grief. Living in a town where my main connections were rooted in a family that ultimately withdrew their support left me vulnerable and alone. By late spring, it became clear that remaining there was no longer safe — emotionally or physically — and I made the decision to relocate back to Colorado to rebuild a stable life for myself and my son.

As Dr. Gabor Maté says, “Safety lives in connection.” That realization guided me home.

For those who know me, you know that when I say something is hard, it’s nearly insurmountable. For those who don’t — here’s the short version: I’ve been resilient my entire life. I grew up in instability and neglect, navigating abuse, food insecurity, and depression from a young age. Despite everything, I fought my way to a full-ride scholarship to NYU and earned my degree in Applied Psychology, and later my Master's of Social Work (also on scholarship) from the University of Denver. I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, dedicating my life to helping others heal from trauma — even as I continued healing my own.

Unfortunately, family wounds have a way of resurfacing. When I decided to end my marriage, my mother offered to help with my move. I accepted, hoping it would be a chance for repair — a way to break the cycle of pain and rebuild trust. But her involvement quickly became volatile and manipulative. What was meant to be support turned into sabotage — emotionally, financially, and logistically.

Under pressure, I agreed to let her fund a moving trailer through U-Pack, with the understanding that I would repay her in installments. After I arrived safely in Colorado — physically and emotionally exhausted but ready to rebuild — she reported the entire transaction as fraud, without my consent or knowledge.

As a result, the moving company froze my shipment — holding more than half of my belongings until I pay nearly $4,000 ($3,798) in full.

What’s being held includes:

My couch, washer & dryer, and most of my household furniture.

My son’s toys, books, and sentimental items (including his first birthday rocking horse).

My professional materials and confidential work equipment — critical to my therapy practice and protected under HIPAA.

Important personal and legal documents (our birth certificates, tax info, etc.).

After weeks of advocacy, negotiation, and trepidation, I’ve secured a short extension until October 17th (from the 9th) to pay before my items are auctioned. I’ll be able to cover roughly half, but I cannot release my belongings until the full balance is paid.

I’ve debated for weeks about whether to make this GoFundMe. My lifelong pattern of hyper-independence — born from trauma — makes asking for help excruciating. But as Brené Brown says, “When we refuse to ask for help, we deny others the opportunity to be generous.”

So here I am — asking for help.

I’m a single mom, a therapist, and a survivor doing her best to rebuild a foundation of safety, stability, and dignity for herself and her child. I’ve spent my life helping others heal. Now, I’m asking for a little of that energy in return.

If you can contribute — whether financially or simply by sharing this — it would mean the world to me. Every bit helps me move one step closer to reclaiming not just my belongings, but my sense of home, continuity, and peace.

With profound gratitude and love,

Jamie

PS: It's was brought to my attention that GoFundMe has a service fee. So, if you'd like to avoid the fee and still support us or if you'd like a tarot reading here is my venmo: @Jamie-Herring-8