Hi, my name is Bry, and I’m reaching out with a humbled heart.

I’m a single mom working hard to build a better life — not just for myself, but for my girls and for the people I hope to serve in this field. I’ve dedicated myself to the work of social services, and I’m so close to officially becoming a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). But I’ve hit a financial wall, and I need help getting over it. I work full-time as a family-based therapist. I work additional jobs here and there to cover things for my kids and myself that pop up, but I’m even depleted in that sense.

So far, I’ve paid $150 out-of-pocket toward the LSW exam process, but I still have $300 left to go, not including additional fees. I’ve exhausted every resource I can think of. I’ve looked into grants and assistance programs, but I either make slightly “too much” to qualify (even though I’m barely getting by), or I’m told to ask my family for help — and the truth is, I don’t have family I can ask.

I’ve worked incredibly hard to get to this point. I’ve studied, I’ve pushed through setbacks, and I’ve continued to show up for others, even when I felt like I had nothing left. I just want the chance to take this last step — to sit for my licensing exam — and finally be eligible for jobs that require licensure and offer the kind of stability my family and I desperately need.

It’s heartbreaking to know that the final barrier to a better future is money. That there are so few resources for people like me — people who are trying, really trying, to do everything right.

If you’re able to help, in any amount, you’re not just helping me pay a bill. You’re helping me secure a future in the field I’ve poured my heart into. You’re helping me show my girls that even when things are hard, kindness and support can carry us through.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, or for donating — every bit helps more than you know.