My friend, a young Black woman living in Florida, is being forced to take medical leave for the sake of her mental health, with no PTO or ways to support herself while she’s away. She's been diagnosed with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder, severe depression, and suicidal ideation. Her insurance through her employer won't cover her care either. Her doctors have told her that if she doesn’t take time away to seek professional care, she will be involuntarily institutionalized. But her employer won’t provide PTO or any other compensation so she can survive while away for over two months. She needs help covering her rent, bills, and food while she is on leave.

She fled her abusive family years ago, and can't rely on them. She asked me to keep her identity private so her family won't find her.

In her own words: "I have tried with everything to avoid having to go back to my parents' house. Including sleeping in my car. My father has attempted to kill me multiple times and has done so since I left. I’m no contact with my family. It’s all me. Chronic sexual abuse. Chronic physical abuse. Chronic psychological abuse. I’m doing my best to heal from it so I can finally want to live. I am desperately committed to healing. I just want a chance to do it."

I, and the people who love her, desperately want to keep her alive and safe. Please help us do that. We would be so grateful if you could give whatever you can so my friend can keep a roof over her head while getting the help she needs. Whatever amount, no matter how big or small, would mean the world to us all.