Help Us Find Safety and Stability After a Year of Chaos

The dark side of mental health awareness is that, at least here in Pennsylvania, emotional and psychological abuse often go unseen.

My children haven’t seen their father (one by birth, one by choice) in over a year. He is diagnosed with Bipolar I, and last fall he suffered a complete psychotic break that led to an arrest and hospitalization in New Jersey. In September 2024, he told me he would no longer see the kids because of his “political aspirations.” He claimed that a vision from God told him he would one day become President — and that my son was Jesus.

Since then, he’s provided no financial support. He stopped paying for the kids’ activities — Celia’s dance, competitions, and Scouts — including a long-planned high adventure trip they were supposed to take together. When he was institutionalized, he also defaulted on our propane account — I found out only when we ran out of fuel and had no heat, hot water, or gas for cooking.

I qualify for legal aid, but their resources can’t handle a case this complex. I’ve had to put nearly $18,000 in legal fees on credit cards just to keep us safe. Now, after everything, we’ve been served with an ejectment notice and have 30 days to move.

I’m doing everything I can — working two teaching jobs and serving as a soloist for both a church and a synagogue — but between legal bills and the cost of moving, I’m out of options.

We’re asking for help to:

• Secure safe housing for me and my children

• Cover basic moving expenses

• Pay down the legal fees that have kept us protected

If you can contribute, any amount makes a difference. And if you can’t give financially, please share our story so it reaches someone who can.

The saddest part is that my children aren’t upset about leaving what was supposed to be our “forever home.” They’re relieved — relieved to finally live somewhere safe, and hopefully protected from the chaos and trauma they’ve endured.

Thank you for reading, caring, and helping us find peace and safety again.