* If you'd like to help it's preferred you contact us directly to avoid fees, but any support on any forum is hugely appreciated THANK YOU!

Our friends and beloved members of our community are in dire straits, so we're campaigning to raise emergency funds to help them stay in their home, keep their vehicle on the road, stay together, and begin to regain financial independence.

As if COVID wasn't enough of a head spin, Jess, a single mother; her young son, Quin; and their sweet furry friends, Aengus and Podi, have been on a harrowing journey for the last couple of years - through family violence, a contentious and traumatic separation, false criminal allegations, mother-child separation, homelessness, an ongoing custody battle, unemployment, bankruptcy, physical and mental health crisis…

Honestly, their experience has been really tough to witness. Jess worked extremely hard to separate amicably from her child's father, but that proved impossible. Things spun out of control and the aftermath has been brutal. One minute she was Quin's primary caretaker, and the next she was in court fighting to have a "sleepover" with him. She fought for over a year for 50/50 custody, and finally succeeded earlier this year; but the experience bankrupted her financially, emotionally, physically, mentally... And unfortunately, she's still caught in a battle she wants no part of.

Jess has been a part of our community for over 15 years. She's a hard-working person that has extenuating circumstances to overcome. She has supported herself since she was 17 years old after leaving childhood family violence. 

Jess has always been very involved in her communities. She began volunteering at her Jewish community center when she was 11 years old, has devoted countless hours to dozens of organizations since then, and currently volunteers with Friends of the Elderly. She has multiple college degrees, and is continuing her higher education by earning a professional certificate. This simply isn't what any of us could've ever envisioned for this motivated, creative person. 

Quin adores his Mama, and she excels at being his mother. She is devoted to his well-being, encouraging him to explore all of his passions and curiosities in music, dance, art, astronomy... and of course, heavy machinery! He's bright and resilient, and a kind soul. No matter how resilient children are though, they need stable and healthy parents. Our support can help his mom provide that for him.

Jess had an attorney in the very beginning...And within two months a bill for $30,000! So, for the past two years she's had to navigate the court system on her own. The neverending court dates; countless hours spent researching, drafting and filing court paperwork; and frequent changes in the custody schedule, has made maintaining a regular work schedule near impossible.

On top of that, the unmitigated stress exacerbated, and continues to exacerbate, the chronic pain, fatigue, and other debilitating symptoms associated with the systemic autoimmune disease she lives with everyday, and will live with for the rest of her life. Jessica has made several requests for reasonable accommodation to ground floor unit due to mobility issues. She's almost fallen down the stairs multiple times, including while carrying sleeping Quin (!!!) but the property manager is ignoring her requests. They rented out 4 units directly after she made her last request, so she's consulting with an attorney and needs to pay a retainer.

And on top of that, she was diagnosed with PTSD from these traumatic events. Thankfully through her hard work and perseverance she's successfully overcoming these challenges one day at a time. She's actively seeking full time employment. (Let us know if you have any leads on jobs with benefits, and/or refer friends to her personal/business/event services company, Moments of Rhapsody LLC!) Regaining financial independence, supporting her family, and learning to love herself again are her top priorities, and she takes them seriously. 

Funds have been calculated carefully and intentionally. We want to help this family with $12,000 of much needed funds. With the high cost of living in the Bay Area, this sum offers immediate support with past due bills, and then stable housing for the next few months.

This money will cover:

Please help us help this mother and child. We know times are hard and money is tight for so many of us. If making a donation (friendly reminder... they are tax-deductible) isn't possible at this time, no problem! There are many other creative ways to support this cause. We urge you to share their story with family, friends, coworkers, classmates, your place of worship, etc. You may be surprised by the benevolence of acquaintances… even strangers! (Please note: When sharing, we do ask you to use discretion for their safety in this vulnerable time.)

You also might find resources by talking to your employers... Many companies have charitable funds that employees can access, which are often set up for folks in situations just like theirs... Consider reaching out to folks and organizations that are involved in humanitarian efforts. And, to ease the burden on you, if you just want to share info, we'll follow up on your lead! Offering Jess work, child care, a relaxing day of self-care, emotional support, etc., are also some wonderful, much appreciated ways to join in this cause.

The Fleming family has survived through some grueling challenges, but we want to see them thrive despite more obstacles on the horizon. They need our help to do this. Reducing this financial stress will enable Jess to focus on the job hunt, on Quin and their animals, and on her own well-being for a change. We believe it's time for the greater community to step in for someone that steps in for us when we need support.

With our love and support, Jess, Quin, Podi, and Aengus, will be on their way to thriving in no time! And thank you for taking the time to read this and considering joining in this effort!

Sincerely,

Mallary & Friends