Hi, everyone! I have always taken so much pride in being an overachiever, extremely self-sufficient, and overly independent... so this is extremely difficult for me to do/write right now. I am finding myself in a tight spot and am currently writing this for the sake of my babies and my health.

As some of you may or may not know, Joyce Preschool closed last summer due to a lack of state funding. The stress that came from the sudden closure and rapid changes triggered my autoimmune disease, causing constant visits to the emergency room and clinic, without the possibility to qualify for emergency assistance, unemployment, or medical insurance due to the rare timing and dates on my contract. This led me to find high-paying jobs with extremely flexible work schedules to accommodate my children's schedules. It resulted in physically demanding jobs (landscaping, construction, housekeeping, demolishing, moving), which further impacted my health and previous medical conditions. Add the usual single momma struggles, food insecurities, mental health crisis' from household members, car troubles, and safety concerns in our living space (which resulted in us having to move suddenly overnight, with only a couple of clothing items).

Despite all of the challenges in such a short period... with occasional support from our close circle and long hours of work between hospital stays... the kids and I were able to secure housing again, began rebuilding from zero and we are safe for now. My health has been severely impacted and the mandated bed rest has further affected my financial stability - surpassing what I could have ever imagined. Recently, my only form of transportation was deemed a total/complete loss, only making my chances of getting back on my feet so much more difficult. I am currently waiting to hear back from 4 jobs (that are willing to accommodate my health needs), have 37 interviews scheduled, and over 62 pending job applications. I trust that something great will come out of that, but in the meantime... I am screaming for help.

I was behind on rent and utilities for 4 months, but have slowly worked towards reducing that balance and now only have the month of August left to pay. However, my landlord has grown tired of waiting and is filing for an eviction Monday, unless I am able to cover the remaining balance.

As mentioned above, I am resorting to this as my last resource. I know the job market is rough right now, that inflation has only impacted us so much more, the cost of living is increasing, and times are tough for everyone. If you happen to have $1, $5, or any money to spare... it would mean the world to my babies and I!! If you are not able to contribute financially, I ask that you please help me spread the word with anyone that may know us through the communities at Joyce Preschool, Park Avenue Methodist Church, CDF Freedom Schools, or through our work in the community.

Given our safety concerns during the last months, I ask that this post is only shared via messages or email with those who may directly know us... rather than posting on social media where it might be seen/accessed by others outside of our safety/trusted circle. Thank you so soooo much to every single one of you!!

-Teacher/ Maestra Perla <3

For transparency purposes: All money raised will be used to cover my remaining balance for past due utilities and the remainder of my rent for the month of August.