GoFundMe Proposal: Support Kyla Meghan Johnson

Hello, my name is Kyla Meghan Johnson, and I am an Indigenous American living in Canada. My band is Yellowknives Dene First Nations, and I am part of Treaty #8 and the Akaitcho Territory Government. I am reaching out for financial assistance to help me through a challenging period as I navigate university, student advocacy, and securing stable housing while also caring for my two emotional support cats.

I am facing an urgent need to find a pet-friendly apartment or room by April 9, 2025. While I am actively seeking support through income assistance, the approval process is uncertain, leaving me in a difficult financial situation.

My Journey and Challenges

I am the first in my immediate family to pursue post-secondary education. However, my educational path has been deeply affected by intergenerational trauma. My family has experienced the lasting impacts of the residential school system, the 60s Scoop, and the discriminatory policies of the Indian Act of 1867.

Right now, I am at a crossroads regarding my education. I initially pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, majoring in Humanities and Social Sciences, with the dream of becoming a book editor or working in publishing. Reading has always been a passion of mine, and I believed that turning it into a career would bring fulfillment. However, due to financial barriers, mental health struggles, and academic difficulties, I am uncertain about continuing my studies. My current GPA is 1.20, which disqualifies me from funding through my tribe or treaty programs, and I am currently on a 12-month probation period with student loans due to academic setbacks.

Health and Mental Well-being

I live with multiple diagnosed medical conditions that make daily life challenging:

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Learning disability (related to ADHD)

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (resulting from a 2022 car accident)

• Flat Feet Syndrome (limiting my ability to stand or sit for long periods)

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Asthma (since birth)

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Additionally, I believe I may have Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and Complex PTSD due to various traumas in my life, including a severe car accident.

Why I Need Your Help

Aging out of financial aid at 34 has left me in an unstable position. Finding work while managing my mental and physical health has been difficult. Homelessness shelters are not an option for me, as they do not accommodate pets, and my two cats are essential to my emotional well-being.

While I am actively looking for employment, I am also exploring ways to support myself through my small business, Shattered Beads, where I create and sell beaded jewelry through Facebook, Instagram, and SquareSpace.

 

How Your Support Will Help

Your donations will go directly toward:

• Housing costs (rent, utilities, pet-friendly accommodations)

• Basic necessities (food, medication, and transportation)

• Supporting my small business so I can achieve financial independence

• Mental health and medical expenses

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in my life. If you are unable to donate, sharing my story would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated.

Please like, share, and donate if you are able to help.