Help Bridge the 60 Day Gap to Keep Our Home

Help Me Bridge This Chapter: From Survival to Stability

Hi, I’m Chantal—and I’m asking for support to help bridge the next 60 days so I can transition back into full-time work, stabilize my family’s finances, and continue rebuilding our lives after a year of deep healing, full-time parenting, and starting over from scratch.

This is not easy for me to ask. But I’ve learned that closed mouths don’t get fed, and I also know that what’s happening in my life right now isn’t just about me. I’ve walked through the fire this past year—and I’ve emerged clearer, calmer, and more committed to creating a life of peace and purpose for me and my children.

Now I just need a little help crossing this final bridge.

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Where I Am Now:

After 9 months of healing, building my business (The Lighthouse Collective ), and raising four children full-time as a single mom, I’m returning to the classroom. I’ve been offered interviews and roles that align with my passion and skills—and I’m ready. My kids are ready. Our peace has returned. The only thing standing in the way now is the cost of transitioning back into work.

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️ Why I’m Asking:

Returning to work costs money (sigh.)

Here’s what I need help covering:

Expense Amount

➡️ Total: $7,115

I’m asking for $7,200 total to give my family the runway we need to make this transition successfully.

That amount will allow me to:

• Stay in our home

• Send my youngest to daycare

• Secure my new teaching role

• Get my car road-ready

• Cover essentials like gas and school supplies

I’ve spent the last year building The Lighthouse Collective —a platform that helps women navigate the messiest, most transformational seasons of life. Every time I’ve wanted to quit, someone has reminded me that this work matters. But right now, I need a little help staying afloat while I transition into this next chapter.

If you’re able to contribute, share, or send encouragement—thank you. I’m so grateful for this community. And I promise, I’ll pay this forward 100x over.

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The Longer Backstory (If You’re New Here):

Just last year, I was a school principal in Philadelphia and owner of two daycares. I was thriving professionally—but behind the scenes, I was burning out fast. Like so many women, I had become the expert at holding it all together while quietly falling apart.

In May 2024, a literal fire broke out in my school building. I found it, evacuated the building, and had a panic attack immediately following. It was the breaking point I didn’t know I needed. That moment set everything into motion.

I left the principalship, sold the daycares, and used my retirement to move my kids to North Carolina for a fresh start. I thought it would be a simple move. It wasn’t. In the months that followed:

• I became a single mom overnight after a domestic violence incident.

• I started a podcast and brand called The Lighthouse Collective to help other women navigating transitions.

• I’ve raised my kids alone, full-time, while healing from trauma, divorce, and burnout.

• I’ve kept a roof over our heads by DoorDashing, launching digital products, and showing up every single day online.

• I’ve had my lights cut off, my HVAC fail 6 times, and buried 2 puppies while still parenting, posting, and producing.

And now, I’m rising.

It’s time for me to return to the classroom.

Not out of failure. Out of wisdom.

My retirement has run out. My car is hanging on by threads. And I can’t stabilize our life without income.

✨ I’ve already been invited to final interviews this week.

✨ My 7-year-old is excited to go to school with her mom.

✨ I’ve started building community here in NC.

✨ I’ve even joined a local horse program to volunteer with my oldest daughter.

I’m ready. But returning to work costs money.

I’m proud of the woman I’ve become. My kids have seen every ounce of this transformation. They’ve watched me break and rebuild. They’ve gone from luxury and name brands to Dollar General runs and popsicles in a $13 backyard pool—and never once complained. This home has been their sanctuary during the storm. We cannot lose it now.

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️ Where This Is Going:

In just a few weeks, I’ll be back in the classroom, building community again. My toddler will finally be in daycare. And I’ll continue growing The Lighthouse Collective—but from a place of stability instead of survival.

I’m asking for your help bridging the next 60 days—because I know I’m not meant to do this alone.

In June, my landlord made it clear that he would no longer work with me for payments and I have been doing everything in my power to generate funds. I owe $2,120 for July (including late fees), and August rent is due shortly after. The main portion of these funds will be going toward housing for me and my children until I can pick it back up in September after receiving my first paycheck.

Whether you donate $5, $50, or $500—thank you.

Whether you share, comment, or pray—thank you.

Your support will not be forgotten. I plan to pay it forward 10x over.

And no matter what—know this:

I’m still standing.

And I’m not done yet.

With deep gratitude,

Chantal

✨ Learn more about The Lighthouse Collective:

[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thelighthousecollect/the-lighthouse-collective-fueling-the-mission-of-balance]