Help Jaiden Find a Safe Place to Land

Never in a million years did I think we’d be here.

Many of you have walked alongside Jaiden and me through the ups and downs of the past decade or so. You’ve seen how hard she’s worked, how deeply she feels, and how bravely she’s grown into the person she is today. Last spring, she graduated from high school, a moment we celebrated with so much pride and hope, and was accepted to the college she’d dreamed of. I thought she was finally stepping into a season of possibility.

But this past year has been incredibly difficult. Jaiden pushed through and gave it her all, but in the end, there were things and events beyond her control that made it impossible for her to stay. Her safety in this country became something I could no longer take for granted. And that’s when everything changed.

After many tearful conversations and long nights, we came to the heartbreaking but necessary decision that she needs to leave the U.S. to find the safety, support, and space every young person deserves. Jaiden has been accepted into a Norwegian folk school — a beautiful year-long program that blends learning, creativity, and community. It’s not just a school; it’s a place where she can finally exhale. A place where she can feel safe.

We are incredibly fortunate to have relatives in Norway who can be there if she needs them. But getting her there, and helping her land gently, is something I can’t do on my own. I was laid off in January, and despite months of searching, I’m still unemployed. Our savings are gone, and my unemployment runs out in July. I’ve done everything I can to stretch what we had, but I’ve run out of options.

I hate asking for help. But I love my daughter more than anything, and I’ll do whatever it takes to give her the chance to be safe and whole. The school is far more affordable than college in the U.S., but it doesn’t qualify for financial aid, and she’ll still need help with travel and basic expenses while she gets on her feet. She’s hoping to find part-time work once she’s settled.

If you’re able to contribute, know that you’re not just helping with a plane ticket or a tuition bill. You’re giving a young woman a chance to breathe again, to dream again, to live without fear. And if you can’t give, just sharing this means the world to us.

If you’d like more details or have questions, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping Jaiden find a soft, safe place to land.

With love and gratitude,

Ingrid (Mama Bear)