*** UPDATE 7/12/2023***

I had to leave our home with the children on 7/11 due to extreme emotional abuse, intimidation, attempts to isolate me by taking away my only means of transportation, and threats of violence. We are in a safe place and I’m taking the necessary steps to protect myself and the kids. I truly appreciate the funds and support we have received thus far. Please continue sharing with friends and family so this fundraiser does not lose momentum.

Hi, my name is Lena. I am a stay at home mom to 3 children ages 10, 6, and 3. On one hand it feels humiliating and embarrassing to have to ask my community for help and air my personal affairs in public, but I am choosing to trust this process and have faith. I think you all know that I would never have written this if my situation weren't truly desperate. I believe that as a society, our future success and survival is based entirely upon our capacity to unify and support one another during times of trouble and great hardship. It is with the spirit of this intention in mind that I set aside my pride and reach out to you all. I’m raising funds to help support my 3 children and myself. My husband/partner of 18 years and I broke up in February of last year. During this difficult and heartbreaking process, he has done everything he can to gaslight and abuse me emotionally and financially, as well as attempt to coerce me into moving out and leaving our children solely with him. He has tried to use the courts to have me kicked out of our family home and now threatens to take my primary vehicle away leaving me stranded on a very remote property alone with the children while he is away socializing or working full-time. I have had to borrow money to hire an attorney to protect myself and advocate for the children and am now in debt by thousands of dollars. As I have a nursing 3-year-old and no money, seeking employment has proved very difficult to impossible. My ex has repeatedly sabotaged opportunities by bailing at the last minute and leaving me with the kids after he's agreed to have them while I am working. I am stuck between a rock and a hard place, with nowhere to turn around. I have to continue living on a rural property with my ex during this process as I do not have the means or resources to move out. Meanwhile I have run out of money and I am out of options. The tension is toxic and the stress is nearly unbearable. While I wait for family court mediation and for our upcoming court hearing I need funds to support myself and the kids. Funds will be used for living expenses, monthly bills and to pay off some of the debt I have accrued until my ex and I can either settle out of court or child and spousal support is awarded to me. In the meantime, I would deeply appreciate any help that you can offer.