Help a boy keep his Mom

Hi, my name is Jeanette. I am a 31 year old single mom to a smart, amazingly beautiful 10 year old boy that I would do anything for. I am also a US Army Veteran that has served this country honorably for 7 years including a deployment to the Middle East that kept me away from my baby for an entire year when he was just 3 years old.

I have tried to set a good example for my son academically by furthering my education. I am fortunate to have received a MSW (Master of Social Work) degree from Rutgers University in 2014. Although it was difficult, I worked a full time job as a social worker, balanced the rigorous academic courses as a student, and I handled my responsibilities as a single mother. In addition, I have done my best to serve the residents of the city where I was born, grew up, and still live.

For the past five years, I have been able to serve my community on a daily basis as a public servant/law enforcement officer. Connecting with different people, coming up with solutions to obstacles they may be facing, making referrals for specific services, all while maintaining law and order is something that I love doing for my community.

In July 2020, my world came crashing down when my then live in boyfriend of 2 years and I got into a verbal altercation. When my son observed that the altercation escalated and turned physical, he tried to intervene to protect his mom who had just been body slammed to the floor. The intoxicated 6’4” man that body slammed me seemed to have forgotten that my son was only 9 years old and he turned his aggression towards my son and tried to attack him. I instantly became the lioness protecting her cub and unfortunately, I was placed under arrest since he was able to quickly get to the police before I could.

Although my ex and I no longer speak, he did apologize and attempt to drop the charges last year shortly after the incident occurred. Unfortunately, since I am a police officer, the state is determined to pursue the case and force him to testify against me. I now face the possibility of losing a career that I have worked so hard for and that I love so much. In addition, I am also facing the loss of my freedom and my son is facing the possibility of not having his mother in his life for at least the next 10 years.

Enduring this whole experience has been humiliating as one can imagine. No one expects a police officer to be a victim of domestic violence or to be arrested for protecting their child. What is even more humiliating is having to ask for assistance with my legal fees; however, if I want to stand a fighting chance of being in my son’s life for the next 10 years, I need to hire an excellent defense attorney.

I am hopeful that this is just an obstacle that I will overcome as I am no stranger to adversity. As an abused teenager that was taken into child protective services until I was 18 years old, I learned that life can be unfair however, that doesn’t mean that we give up and succumb to our circumstances. It would be greatly appreciated if you are able to find it in your heart to make a donation. Any little bit can make a difference. My son having a future with his mom in his life depends on it. Thank you