Hello everyone! My name is Ebonee Brown (she/they), and if you had told me just four months ago that I would be sitting here sharing my story, I would not have believed you. I’m a proud resident of Atlanta, Georgia, by way of the south side, Riverdale. I am also a proud Spelman College Alumna, where I delved into Literature, and a Florida Gator, where I completed my master’s in Women’s Studies.

Four months ago, I faced an unexpected challenge (as many Americans have) when I lost my job as a program coordinator at a nonprofit organization. Since then, I’ve been on an intense and hopeful search for new opportunities while balancing my bills, nurturing my relationships, and focusing on my mental health. In early July, I hit a rough patch. After receiving a job offer and taking positive steps with the support of my family and friends, I experienced a nervous breakdown, which was an experience that was undeniably challenging and frightening for me, my family, and my friends. It became nearly impossible to manage daily activities, and I was incredibly grateful for the unwavering support I received. However, I realized that I needed to prioritize professional help, as I was in crisis. After having thoughtful discussions with my family, we decided that seeking care at the Grady Crisis Center would be a significant step towards turning things around.

I spent nine days at the Crisis Center, and it was transformative! I was diagnosed and learned how to handle my triggers and live a healthy lifestyle. I am now on the path to rebuilding my life. I’m fortunate to have my apartment in the vibrant Pittsburgh community near downtown Atlanta, which has been a supportive haven during my most challenging times. I hope to stay there until my lease runs out at the end of the year. In this spirit of optimism, I’m reaching out to my wonderful community for financial support over the next two months while I focus on securing my next job opportunity. Your help during this crucial time would mean the world to me and help ensure that I will not face eviction, allowing me to complete my lease. Thank you for considering my request and helping to make my dreams of financial stability a reality. I am eternally grateful.