Hi, my name is Jeff Stelzer. I am a husband and a father of two young children. Until very recently, I was the sole source of income for my family.

One week before Christmas, I was unexpectedly terminated from my job. The termination is being formally disputed through my union, and a grievance has been filed due to serious procedural and representation issues. Unfortunately, both the grievance process and unemployment benefits take time, and neither provides immediate financial support.

Right now, my family has lost its only income without warning. We are facing basic and immediate needs such as rent, utilities, gas, and groceries. On top of that, my son’s fifth birthday is coming up in January, just a few weeks away, and the uncertainty has been incredibly difficult on our family.

I want to be transparent. I have applied for unemployment and SNAP benefits, I am actively applying for work, and I have made contact with previous employers as well as new union work options. I am cooperating fully with my union as they work through the grievance process. This fundraiser is not meant to replace those efforts. It is simply to help us get through this short but critical period while we wait for those systems and i have my essential expenses taken care of and my family provided for in these desperate times of need so that i am able to move forward and I am able to start working again.

Asking for help does not come easily to me. I have always worked hard to provide for my family, and this situation was never something I imagined myself facing. Any support, whether through a donation or sharing this page, would help relieve an enormous amount of stress during a time when every dollar truly matters.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any kindness you are able to show our family during this difficult moment.