Update: https://youtu.be/HDjkYm1UQTQ

I've tried my best to hold off on this but my bank account is screaming at me currently... My car is finally running well so that's good news!

Below is a summary of the video I have posted.

Life & Work Update

Hi everyone — I wanted to share a recap of what’s been going on in my life since last July. My name is Annette Terrell (Annette Garcia Terrell), and I’m a proud mom to two amazing kids, Promise and Treasure.

Last year, I was working at Verizon Wireless — a job I truly loved. I was there for over three years and got to grow in so many ways, learning Power BI, Tableau, Excel, dashboard design, and even project management. My boss was incredibly supportive, but unfortunately, my contract ended due to a company rule. I stayed a bit longer because of a PO, but eventually, it wrapped up.

They had talked about bringing me back in six months, but I later learned there’s actually a longer “cooling-off” period for contractors. Meanwhile, the job market turned upside down.

Job Search Challenges

I've never been out of work this long. I’m applying and networking constantly, and while I do get some callbacks, I’m just not getting past that first step. The rise of AI in hiring and overloaded recruiters seems to be a huge barrier — something a lot of people are experiencing.

I’ve joined a supportive church group called Between Job Ministries where we help each other with leads, training, and encouragement. I'm actively taking new courses to stay up to date and sharpen my skills.

Financial Strain

Thankfully, I had some savings and filed my taxes early to keep things afloat, but unemployment has run out, and I’m not receiving child support right now. I’m nearing the end of my mortgage forbearance, and once it ends, they’ll expect a lump sum payment — with no option to tack it on the end.

We’re almost at the bottom of our savings, and I’ve got nothing coming in. I'm not sitting around waiting though — I’m doing everything I can to turn things around.

Car Troubles

My Lincoln MKX, which I loved, started breaking down. I took it to a shop, paid hundreds, and got it back with the same problems — and worse. The AC went out, and the issue wasn't even fixed. I just don’t have the mental or emotional space right now to fight that battle, though others have suggested small claims court.

A friend covered labor on another repair, and a family member helped with parts, so I’m hopeful it’s finally drivable. But without AC, I still can’t use it for Uber or delivery gigs.

️ Creating with Purpose — Our Jewelry Business

To try and generate some income, my daughter and I started making handcrafted jewelry. I’ve always loved being creative, and we realized these pieces could carry messages of hope and faith. One design made her think of Noah’s Ark, and suddenly, we started seeing stories in every piece.

One design I wear is called “In His Arms” — two circles representing God holding me close. These aren’t just accessories — they’re reminders that even in the toughest moments, God’s got me.

We're planning to share more about this collection, and it’s really helped bring some light and purpose into this hard season.

Why I Created a GoFundMe

I’m not someone who takes asking for help lightly. But the reality is, we need support to keep going. I’m doing everything I can — cutting expenses, using coupons, filling out help forms, even considering blood donation.

If you’re able to give anything, it will help with basics like food, utilities, or keeping a roof over our heads. We can stretch $500 a week without a mortgage — I’m careful, frugal, and resourceful.

I’m still applying to every job I can, even roles well below my experience level, but I keep getting told things like “you don’t have recent expense report experience” — which is wild, because I’ve done it before and am happy to do it again. The logic in hiring right now just doesn’t make sense.

Final Thoughts

I believe God has a plan for us. Even if I can’t see how it all works yet, I know we’re not alone. I’m staying faithful, creative, and determined. This GoFundMe is just one step to help us get through this season — until the next door opens.

Thank you so much for listening, for sharing, for helping if you can. Every bit means more than you know.

Cost Breakdown - $25,000 - just a start but here's where the $$ would go.

$2,000 one month for groceries/ utilities/ Auto Gas/ insurance etc.

$16,000 - home deferred twice - expires June 1st - The deferred amount will be due immediately.

$7,000 - we need a new car - this one is hanging on but we just need something that will not breakdown. - probably should be more like $10,000 - I just wanted to give a starting number.