Julie's Journey

My name is Cathy Clubb. The past 3+ years of being a widowed single mom, I have become very close friends with many other single women on their various journeys in life. Being a single parent is emotionally and physically exhausting, but I am thankful that at least in my situation I don't have to deal with a messy custody battle like one of my friends is doing as she fights for the right and the resources to raise her children.

I would like to introduce you to my dear friend Julie Thomas. I knew her for several years as a fellow homeschool mom, but we really connected as friends during covid. I was overwhelmed with a messy house and grief, and she had recently left a messy marriage and needed a job that was flexible around her kids schedule. I hired her in a heartbeat. Julie has probably spent hundreds of hours helping me clean and declutter my home. She knows where everything goes better than I do, and she's somehow able to motivate my children to work alongside us better than I can. My girls and I have babysat her son while she has worked cleaning other houses. She has selflessly done so much to help my family that I would do anything to help and encourage her on her journey. Julie now needs my help as she is facing tens of thousands of dollars from legal expenses from her continuing custody battle.

This is Julie's Journey

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My Background.

Hi, my name is Julie Johnson Thomas. I’m "Mom" to nine biological children and "Grandma Julie" to three grandchildren. Three of my children are still minors, and my youngest has Down Syndrome. I survived 30 years in an extremely difficult marriage and am now in the middle of a long, drawn-out, financially-exhausting custody battle for my children.

My Story.

I found it necessary to separate from my husband in November 2019, after 30 years in an emotionally-draining marriage, and I was awarded full legal and physical custody of my 4 minor children. My estranged husband appealed that custody decision, and the last 3 1/2 years have been a long, drawn-out, abusive process as I battle for my children’s welfare. In February of this year we thought we had a resolution to custody; he agreed to an order, yet now he refuses to sign that order.

My Need.

My older daughters started a GoFundMe in 2020 and the funds raised helped pay my attorney bills at that time. To those who contributed, Thank You. However, I now find myself in a very difficult financial situation; my attorney fees have mounted to the point of being unmanageable and things are still unresolved. My current balance is over $42,000. My lawyer cannot continue this lengthy battle without more money. Will you please consider donating to help me with legal fees? The funds will be used solely for custody issues, not divorce.

My Challenges.

I was a stay-at-home, homeschool mom for 30 years and did not work outside the home. Transitioning into living on my own then entering the workforce, especially during Covid, was very scary for me. I initially started a cleaning business but now I have a Commercial Drivers License and I have become a school bus driver. I love my new job. The hours sync with my kids’ school schedules and it is perfect for my son Phil who has Down Syndrome. My younger three children are now in public school and little Phil is thriving in his special ed program.

My Help.

My trust is in Jesus, He is the One who’s got me through this difficult journey thus far, and He will keep getting me through. He gave me the courage to leave and the endurance to keep fighting for my children. He has provided a safe, pretty, private place to live and an amazing network of friends to surround me. To the many of you who have come alongside me and my children, Thank you. Thank you for your prayers, and your encouragement. Thank you for your help with childcare and help with broken down vehicles. Thank you for being patient with me and supporting me as I continue this long and discouraging custody battle.

My Hope.

I am hopeful about the future. I have high hopes for all my kids, especially sweet Philip, as he faces many challenges with Down Syndrome. I, myself, have been in counseling for 4 years; I’m healing and regaining my identity. My prayer is that my story will give other women hope and courage to leave unsafe situations.

My Request.

Will you please consider donating to this GoFundMe to help me with mounting legal fees in this custody battle for my children? Again, these funds will only be used to help pay the past and on-going legal expenses for the custody battle for my children. Please continue to lift my entire family up in prayer, and pray for this legal battle to finally be resolved and that all my kids (and grandkids) will be healthy and safe.