My name is Faith, and I'm asking for help because one of the hardest periods of my life has turned into a legal battle that could affect my entire future.

I was raised by my aunt, my grandma, and my step-grandfather, who I called Papa. He was the only father I ever truly knew. He loved me, helped raise me, and was one of the most important people in my life.

For the last five years, my family and I watched him battle terminal dementia. Earlier this year, we lost him.

His death broke my heart.

I am autistic, and I've always been a quiet, hardworking person. I've tried to keep my head down, do well in school, work hard, and push myself to succeed. I have a history of academic achievement and athletic excellence, especially in track. I have always wanted a future I could be proud of.

But after losing my Papa, I started struggling in ways I did not fully understand.

The grief and trauma of his death triggered a severe mental health crisis. During that time, it became clear that I was also dealing with symptoms of schizophrenia, a condition my estranged birth mother has battled as well.

In early March, my mental health began deteriorating quickly. My family tried to get me help. I was admitted to two different mental health facilities because we were hoping I would receive the care, treatment, and support I desperately needed.

Instead, I was failed.

I was discharged without meaningful treatment, without medication, and without the resources needed to stabilize me. As a young Black disabled woman from a low-income family without insurance, I slipped through the cracks of a system that was supposed to help me.

Then came March 19, the day of my Papa's funeral.

I was overwhelmed with grief and in the middle of a mental health crisis. I called the police because I needed help. During that encounter, I grabbed a firearm in what my family now believes was a suicide attempt.

Instead of receiving emergency mental health care, I was arrested and charged with resisting arrest.

My family could not afford the $4,000 bail. We were told by my court-appointed attorney that I would likely only need to remain in jail for a few months before receiving a personal recognizance bond.

Thankfully, I am now out of jail on a PR bond, but my legal battle is not over.

My case is still active, and I will soon be assigned a court date. While my court-appointed attorney has helped at times, my family and I do not feel confident that I am receiving the advocacy I need. I need an attorney who will truly fight for me and make sure I am not railroaded by a system that has already failed me more than once.

Our goal is simple: we want this case dismissed and removed from my record.

A felony conviction would follow me for the rest of my life. It could affect my ability to attend college, find work, secure housing, and build the future I am still fighting for.

I am not a criminal.

I am a young woman who experienced devastating grief, suffered a severe mental health crisis, and needed help.

I still have my whole life ahead of me.

I am asking for your support to help my family hire an experienced attorney who can fight for my future. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving me the representation I need and deserve.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and community.

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for believing that one mistake made during a mental health crisis should not define the rest of my life.