In my work as a guardian ad litem I have seen many difficult stories, and they all impact me differently. This case ended up in an unlikely friendship. It is the story of a mother who fought tirelessly to rebuild from poverty, addiction, and incarceration, after losing her kids to DSS. She made appropriate changes, and when she relapsed her first time in treatment, she got back up and continued again and again until she was successfully clean (9 months now). This mother made the choice to cut out toxic relationships and for the very first time in her life, she learned to value her life, set boundaries, and believe in herself! She has worked to create stability for her children with all she can, and provides for their special needs, she has a loving and safe home but there is looming housing instability and an eviction anytime, and back dated power bills. I know this mother is not the only one facing such heavy burdens, but in this moment, I am fighting to help her. Her determination and hard work brought her through recovery and united her with her children against all odds, she has taken accountability for her actions and misdeeds and continues to work on her growth mindset. She has become the mother she always dreamed of being. However financial struggles are unforgiving. She feels the shadows of 2 months backed rent and missed electrical payments, SNAP benefits on hold, and approaching holidays (she was working but injured on her job - all things I verified). This mother depends on the public transportation to meet all of their transportation needs, since she doesn't have a car. She doesn't complain about drying her clothes by the oven, walking to a laundry mat, eating the same cheap foods, or the fact that her girls share the only bedroom in her home and she sleeps in the living room. I want to send this mother the message that she is not alone, her perseverance matters, her sobriety matters, her tears matter, and the changes she has fought for matter! There is a world where grace and support still exist and people want to help her succeed! Second chances exist and while this might not have the makings of a fairy tale, it will have a lasting and strong message to this mother and children to keep going, and that they matter! Help keep their hope and home alive! Thank you for any donated amount at all! FYI I will be putting any and all donations directly onto her back rent and bills and if by chance money exceed that, I will pre-pay rent since some have expressed concern of giving cash to a recovering addict. She doesn't make enough to meet ends meet, but she is trying. We have some things lined up to help her and get some stability, but she needs some grace and help right now and I have tapped out financially in helping - so I let her know I was starting a go fund me and we will see where we end up. We don't know what to expect, 5 dollars or 5 thousand - anything helps. Also, you should know that an entire court room and judge clapped for this mother when her case closed - she has put the work in! The hands of her and daughters are the picture you see - holding on, holding tight, and holding hope, but finally together again.