My name is Ashley, and I am reaching out for help as my son Samuel and I face the possibility of losing our home. Samuel is 8 years old, full of curiosity, and attends special needs classes. He dreams of becoming an astronaut and joining a soccer team. I want to give him the chance to thrive in a Christian homeschool program, which I believe is the path God has placed on my heart for him. Right now, though, we are struggling to afford even the basics, and the weight of debt and overdue rent is overwhelming.

Our journey has not been easy. I have attempted to attend college numerous times, but my mother stole my 529 account and abused me when I enrolled. I spent time in a domestic violence shelter to escape but returned home out of necessity. Later, I met Samuel’s father, who took me in, but I experienced further abuse and trauma. Samuel was born from a difficult and painful chapter, but I love him dearly and believe he is a gift from God. When I learned I was pregnant, I heard God speak his name—Samuel Paul—into my heart. During my pregnancy, a neighbor named Samantha became a light in my life, caring for me when I had no one else. Her passing was a profound loss, but it affirmed the name God had given my son.

Samuel, his father, and I eventually moved into our own apartment, but the abuse continued. I lost access to critical mental health care and nearly lost myself and my son. I fought hard to escape, contacting every agency I could and driving 13 hours from Colorado to Houston with my infant son, stopping every two hours to nurse him. Accepting help is difficult for me due to the trauma I’ve experienced over the past 27 years, but I know I can’t do this alone anymore. We currently live in a two-bedroom apartment, and while I dream of a stable home for us, just being able to stay where we are or go wherever God leads would mean the world. I am working hard to provide for Samuel, but the costs of rent, debt relief, his schooling, my own education, and car maintenance are more than I can manage right now.

Despite everything, I am determined to build a better future for us. I am optimistic about pursuing my own education at Liberty University, hoping to set an example for Samuel and take a more hands-on approach to his learning. I am currently taking steps to enroll Samuel in the Liberty University Online K-12 program, believing this will give him the support and opportunities he needs to thrive. I also hope to sign up for a parenting program that will help me support him even more. Our hope is to make it through this difficult time with the strength of our community, and to give Samuel the opportunities he deserves. Any support will go directly toward keeping us housed, helping us heal, and giving Samuel the chance to reach for the stars.