Beloved Community (and friends of friends- and strangers who align with knowing that Black lives do indeed matter).

Today, we are reaching out to you in the spirit of sacred service to tend to a family deeply deserving of our devotion, reciprocity, and support:

________

Our friend and sister Jessica is so sadly on a big edge and deeply exhausted. To find ground, she is surrendering her endless every single minute pushing to say-please pray for me and my family right now so we can move through this. At the time of this writing, she has not slept for many days. To see our sister through this moment, we envision this as the beginning of a Dignity Project in which our sister as a Black woman is supported. Why? Because we are standing for her life and the life of her family. We are asking you to join us in whatever way you are able, knowing that any amount is a way to share your care. And because she is someone that many of us care about.

From the vulnerability of asking– she wisely and courageously reached to her family and friends for love, for prayers, for help. She has done everything and then some for her family, her life and right now, it is an uphill journey with more curves than breaks. Both Dee and Jessica found themselves with no fault of their own without present employment and without transportation. Rent is upcoming and there presently is nothing to cover this as the last of their funds have been used. A diverse team of us who truly care about her and her family decided together with her that a crowdfund would be the best way to meet the large challenges they are facing. In the dignity project vision, this is step one of many to help this family find ground, find future, find health in the midst of the craziness of where they reside- Washington, DC.

Monies will be used for a safe vehicle, for survival, for catching up, for grounding a future and preserving their overall health and wellbeing. It also allows Ian to be held by community while his parents find ground.

Our reach is an invitation to caring, to relationship and how we build better futures through our relationships. Some of us have known Jessica for 17 years. This is relationship over time and standing for her, especially as a Black woman in our culture is important when she wants to know – are you at my back? Do you care about my family?

Jessica is a continuous force of independent service, touching lives through her creative expression, art, and intuitive care. She is a woman who constantly pours into the soil of our community, ensuring everyone around her blooms.

Now, it is our turn to pour back into her.

In our modern landscape, mobility is inextricably linked to opportunity and livelihood. Norman Dee is actively interviewing, bringing his gifts to the table while waiting for the right door to open. Jessica continues to weave together income through independent work, building long-term vision projects, and finalizing her professional certification.

● To bridge this gap and step into sustainable self-reliance, they need a reliable vessel. A dependable vehicle will do so much more than get them from point A to point B:

Sustaining Community Work: It ensures Jessica can safely and reliably travel to the communities, schools, and gardens she serves so deeply.

● Unlocking New Livelihood: It gives them the immediate capability to generate independent income through rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or delivery work.

● Job Access: It creates immediate access to wider employment opportunities for Norman Dee and client projects for Jessica.

● Family Stability: It ensures safe, consistent school transportation for Ian.

Our collective goal is to raise $15k.

If financial medicine is not what you have to offer today, your energy is still vital to this circle. We warmly and deeply welcome:

● Leads on dependable vehicles or donated cars

● Trusted dealership or mechanic referrals

● Some days of respite out of the city if you have a place they can breathe in the country to reset their frayed nervous systems.

● Since it is going out there in the wide universe, Dee as a gardener of plants would benefit from a possible micro-grow license career in the DC area which would mean an investment of 14k (not in this campaign) as this would lend to a strong path of sustainability.

● Your prayers, well-wishes, and an intentional share of this message with your own circles.

We place this request into the hands of the community with absolute trust that what is needed is already making its way to them. Thank you for holding Jessica, Norman Dee, and Ian in your hearts, and for reminding them that they do not walk this path alone.

With deep gratitude and blessings, Swan, Mariza, Linda, ALisa, Milly