A Mom Rebuild for her 5 kids After Fire in home

Many people who know me, either from my personal life or my professional life, know me to be very happy, bubbly, excited, a bit over-the-top, or they often call me strong, courageous, and beautiful. I have worked in the Stayton community for nearly 11 years, there at the Grocery Outlet and at Safeway for a brief period. My children have grown up in the community, and we have met many, many wonderful people and friends or acquaintances who have been a part of us growing together. Some people know my story, and some know versions of what may have happened, but I am a private person and I keep details to myself. Until now,

In February 2025, I was made a victim in a domestic violence case, and my children lost their father. I have 5 children, by the way. They didn’t lose him mentally, however, only physically. Although they have been troopers over it, I see behaviors indicating they are struggling some with this, especially when they are triggered.

In March 2025, I was turned into DHS, reported to the police not only once but twice. I suffered emotionally and mentally for weeks due to past trauma with the system. Although I know my attacker knew this.

In May 2025, my physical health started to decline and I missed some work. My owner at the Grocery Outlet decided he was retiring (way to go, Larry; we all know him).

On May 29th, 2025, my home, where we had lived for nearly 8 years, caught fire in the morning as I was making bacon for breakfast. Bacon... I was making bacon. We lost our home this day.

I am a single mom with 5 kids, no support financially from either dad (no one’s fault but my own there), and I am a strong, proud, hardworking woman. I take pride in my responsibilities and my ability to care for the people I love.

On June 23rd, I was diagnosed with Multilevel Degenerative Disc Disease with moderate spinal stenosis, and you guys, I have lost my ability to smile and I am terrified. I am terrified for all the possibilities.

My upbringing taught me not to ask for help, not to share your shortcomings, to mask pain, to be strong, to grab the bull by the horns, to take it one day at a time. I am utilizing every single tool I have ever been given these days, but guys, I need help.

I was taught after the last domestic violence event that my biggest mistake was not asking for help when I needed it. I NEED help.

We couldn’t find another home and we exhausted all of my savings, credit cards, gifts from family, and short of begging like I am now, I have nothing but love to give these kids right now, and you best believe I am, and they are, grateful for all that we have and for each other. I have been EXTREMELY proud of my children for their hard work and their resilience in these times, but I just want to let them breathe and be kids.

On June 24th, we moved into our new home and we have a lot of things we need to replace, and I am a couple of weeks away from any sort of income coming in, and everyone is knocking on my bank account.

I am grateful to the American Red Cross for what they could do for me, Grocery Outlet & Larry, my friends and family, which by the way is Kati Caldwell & Justin Moreno, Troy & Rita Carter, and Pat Carter. Through this crazy time, they have helped when they could and they were there when I needed them.

Some details are left out for a reason and some people for a reason. If I offended anyone by this, I am sorry ahead of time.