From Abuse to Safety: A Mother’s Fight for Her Family

Update: We've Reached $550! (Including Zelle Donation)

I’m beyond grateful to share that, thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve raised $550 total—$400 through GoFundMe and the rest through a generous donation via Zelle! This would not have been possible without the support of my amazing friends, family, and everyone who has contributed. Your kindness is helping us take one of the most important steps toward a safer, more stable future for my children and me.

With the funds now in hand, I’m moving forward with the next step in the process: finalizing my divorce. The total amount needed to file with the agency helping me is $1,000, and we’re now halfway there! The remaining funds will go toward covering the second half of the filing cost, and we’re one step closer to a fresh start.

I can’t thank you all enough for your love, support, and encouragement. Every donation, share, and kind word means the world to us. If you're able, please continue sharing my story, as we still have a bit further to go.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. We’re making it happen, and it’s all because of you.

With gratitude,

Melissa

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Hi, I’m Melissa, and I’m reaching out because I need your help to close one of the hardest chapters of my life and create a safer, more stable future for my children and me.

For 15 years, I was in an abusive relationship. My ex-husband controlled many aspects of my life, and the emotional and mental toll has been overwhelming. I’ve been working hard to rebuild my life and protect my children, but the scars of those years continue to affect us.

The situation became even more complicated when my niece, who had been living with us, was taken away by DCFS and placed back with her biological mother. While I’m grateful that my niece gets to be with her mom, the way she was ripped from my home due to my ex’s actions was incredibly painful. It’s a hurt that runs deep, and not being able to care for her anymore has been one of the hardest things I’ve faced.

Since leaving my ex, I’ve been doing everything I can to provide a stable home for my kids. I’m running my own business, which specializes in wildlife control, helping our community by safely removing animals and protecting properties. It’s a job that allows me to serve my community, and it’s something I’m truly passionate about. I’ve been paying the mortgage and managing the household on my own, but the last step—finalizing my divorce—remains out of reach due to the legal costs. I’ve found an agency that can help me file for divorce, but I need $500 to get started.

This is a crucial moment for my family. I want my kids to grow up in a home free from fear and instability. They deserve a life full of love, security, and hope, and this divorce is a necessary step toward giving them that future.

I’m asking for your support to help make this fresh start possible. Any donation, share, or kind word would mean so much to us. Thank you for reading my story and helping us take this next step toward a better, brighter future.