Hello friends, family, and compassionate strangers,

My name is Stephen Kinney, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friend Susan Gaines—a woman whose life has been a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of second chances.

Today, Susan faces some surmountable odds, and she now needs our community’s heart to empower her anew for the common good. Yes, there are lots of needs out there, but I’m asking us to play Denzel and channel our inner Equalizer to help Susan continue to do what she does best—help the broken and hopeless folks on society’s margins.

While we can’t help everyone, every now and then we’re given the chance to make a difference in one person’s life. Blinded by the overwhelming needs of the world, we easily overlook the mustard seed opportunities right in front of us—the chance to do something very particular that has eternal significance.

Susan’s Story

Born in the mid-1950s, Susan grew up in a time when parenting was often harsh and unforgiving. Like many, she struggled through a difficult adolescence, dropping out of high school and battling substance abuse. But Susan’s story didn’t end there—God had other plans.

In her 30s, Susan entered treatment and began to heal. The tragic loss of her father to suicide inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others struggling with addiction. For over 30 years, Susan has worked tirelessly as a counselor, touching countless lives with her empathy and wisdom.

Susan is also a devoted mother. Raising her daughter Halle as a single parent, she did everything possible to provide stability, opportunity, and love—moving across states, volunteering, and sacrificing to ensure Halle could thrive.

Her career took her from Texas to Alaska, where she worked with Native communities, prison inmates, and those suffering from opioid addiction. Susan’s work has always been about service—often in challenging and uncomfortable environments. She has learned, grown, and given back at every step.

But life has not been easy. After a toxic work environment in Alaska took a toll on her health, Susan lost everything and had to return to her family in Lubbock, Texas. Despite the pain, she has never given up hope.

A New Opportunity

For a host of reasons, Susan’s current situation is soul-killing and she prays for a miracle. Out of the blue, she received an invitation to join a friend’s behavioral health practice in Redmond, Oregon, where she can continue her life’s work in meaningful ways, especially working with "conscious aging" to help incapacitated elderly. I happen to believe in miracles and want to partner with the Partners-who-are-God and the partners They inspire to help make this miracle happen.

Why We Need Your Help and How Your Support Will Help

Susan is living on Social Security retirement income—just $2,500 a month. She has no savings and no way to afford the costs of relocating to Oregon: moving expenses, deposits, initial rent, and basic necessities to start over. Our goal is to raise $8,000 to cover these costs and give Susan the fresh start she so deeply deserves.

Let’s Help Susan Begin Again

Susan has spent her life helping others find hope and healing. Now, it’s our turn to help her. Any contribution—large or small—will make a real difference. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing Susan’s story with your network.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity, and your belief in second chances.

With gratitude,

Stephen Kinney