Helper Needs Help

Hello, my name is Ray. People who know me well know it is difficult for me to ask for help. I am a very hard worker, and pride myself on being self-sufficient. My entire life, I have dedicated myself to helping others in need, and this makes me feel good.

However, I have encountered a recent hardship. The Monday after Thanksgiving, I was told that my position was being eliminated in a budgetary reorganization of the department within the organization where I had been diligently working.

It hit me very hard, because I was pouring my heart and soul into this job so much, that it held for me a lot of my identity. Suddenly, I found myself adrift. The team that I had hired and trained, the students I had been mentoring and finding tuition sponsorship, the volunteers with whom I had shared so much, my colleagues who had helped me to achieve my creative visions- it was all just stripped away.

I do not hold a grudge towards my employers. I understand that nonprofit management comes with the onerous task of making difficult decisions largely based on budget. However, beginning a job search in the field of horticulture at the end of November is not particularly ideal.

That said, I chose to remain positive and keep on moving forward. Before Christmas had arrived, I was already in second and third round interviews for many different organizations. But, as we know, the holiday season slows everything down.

Concerned about finances, I could not afford to see my family for the holidays, but still, I tried to remain positive. I spent those warm moments with my cherished dog, Beckham, and remained grateful for what I had.

Here we are in February, and all of my hard work and positivity has now finally paid off. I was offered many different leadership positions in prestigious organizations across the country. I am very excited to have accepted a new offer of employment with a wonderful garden.

This just brings me to the last hurdle. I have scrimped and saved and eaten tuna fish for dinner more times that I'd care to admit, but my last reserves are exhausted, and I need to break my lease and move to the area in which I will be working.

The cost of this move and the fines for breaking my lease are the reasons why I am seeking help.

If you have ever needed my help and I gave it freely, or if you have ever been in a similar situation and had someone to turn to for assistance, please consider helping me to get past this final obstacle, so that I may regain my stride, and continue working on making the world a more beautiful place.

With sincere gratitude for reading this plea for help,

Ray