Life has thrown its fair share of challenges at Ben, a dedicated single trans dad, and his four incredible kids: They are a resilient family, but they've hit a tough financial spot that's making it hard to keep their heads above water.

Ben is a hardworking individual, known for his exceptional skills in his outdoor work. He's often sought after for his expertise, and his schedule is typically filled with job opportunities. However, the weight of a difficult custody battle with his co-parent has turned their lives upside down. This battle has involved heartbreaking encounters with the police, court appearances, involvement from Child Protective Services, and numerous attempts by the co-parent to limit Ben's children from accessing him.

The impact of this turmoil has extended beyond the courtroom. The co-parent has resorted to using the children as pawns, creating a painful and challenging situation, resulting in the children being exposed to adult matters that no child should have to endure. The children's allegiances have been split, leading to feelings of confusion and trauma. Some of the children have even expressed thoughts of self-harm, a clear sign of the distress they're experiencing. Ben's time, energy, and resources are stretched thin as he navigates crises arising from the custody battle, often involving hospitals due to the toll it's taken on the kids' mental and physical health. Coordination of mental health care for his children needs to happen during traditional working hours, which has impacted Ben's ability to work full-time during this period of crisis.

Adding to the strain, Ben does not have access to the Adoption Assistance funds that are intended to support adoptive families like his. The state system that administers these funds issues a check in one adult's name, in this case it is the co-parent. Since separating households a year ago, the co-parent has refused to share these funds with Ben and has also refused to use these funds to cover costs for the children's needs, mainly childcare. As a result, Ben has had to rely on limited childcare services, which aren't well-suited for his construction work schedule. This has impacted his ability to earn enough to cover basic expenses, pushing him further into a precarious situation.

But there is hope on the horizon. The kids will soon return to school, freeing up more of Ben's time during the day to earn his living. He's actively working towards revisiting the courts to reallocate funds and shield his children from further harm. Right now, he's facing a gap in his finances due to lost wages from July and August. Your support at this critical moment will prevent him from falling further behind on essential living expenses and provide stability for both him and his kids.

By contributing to this campaign, you're not just helping a single trans dad. You're making a tangible difference in the lives of Aliya, Lark, Felix, and Hazel – young kids who deserve stability, security, and the chance to heal from the wounds of a tumultuous custody battle. Your generosity will ensure that Ben can continue fighting for his kids without constantly worrying about how to keep the lights on and food on the table.

How Your Support Will Be Used:

Ben's determination to provide a safe and nurturing environment for his children shines brightly, even in the face of adversity. Let's rally together and lift this remarkable family out of their current struggle. Your donation will serve as a lifeline, helping them keep their heads above water and emerge stronger on the other side.

Here are some sweet pictures of Ben and his kids along with a few of Ben's sought-after work as a builder of custom outdoor structures and landscapes.

You can also contribute through Venmo using this name: @ben-hudson-9

Last 4 digits of phone 2533

Thank you for considering contributing to the Head Above Water campaign. Your kindness and compassion will make a world of difference for Ben and his kids. Together, we can ensure that they not only survive but thrive.