My name is Jelena, and I am reaching out for help for myself and my 3-year-old son. After enduring psychological and physical abuse, I made the difficult decision to leave my husband. We are now living in a confidential domestic violence center, trying to find safety and stability. My priority is to rebuild our lives, but I am facing challenges that I cannot overcome alone.

One of the biggest obstacles right now is transportation. Without a vehicle, it is nearly impossible for me to attend job interviews, take my son to daycare, or even bring home heavy items like water from the store. Simple joys, like taking my son to the park or the beach, are out of reach because transporting a stroller on the bus is challenging, especially with his need for naps. Having a vehicle would open up opportunities for us, providing the stability and freedom we need to move forward.

Asking for help has never been easy for me. I did it once when I was pregnant, but I was ignored, and since then it has been even harder. But when I look at my son’s innocent sleeping face, I realize that there are difficult things that need to be done—not for me, but for him. The hardest part is already behind us; we left a place that was unsafe for both of us. Now, I need to focus on rebuilding our lives, and I do need the help and kindness of people around us. My sincere gratitude goes to every one of you. No help is too little—even if you just read about us and say a prayer, it would mean a lot. We appreciate every kind thought sent our way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and may God bless you all.