Many of you know Jina Edwards as Vice President of Slow Bloom Coffee Co-op, Vice Chair of Redlands City art commission, as well as a board seat for The Artlands. And many of you, I’m sure, have been touched by something in the Redlands art and Pride communities that Jina has directly influenced.

Jina works tirelessly to create and hold spaces for all people, especially those in marginalized groups. She spends her free time creating and curating art exhibits for the BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ communities, many of which were the first in the city of Redlands.

Jina gives everything she has to her community, and now she needs our help.

On May 15, while landscaping and groundskeeping at Slow Bloom, Jina sustained injuries to her right hand and arm, and dislocated her right shoulder. And, although a workman’s comp case was opened immediately, mix-ups and lapses with insurance left Jina (dominant right-handed) without medical treatment for weeks.

Jina’s very painful physical therapy started on July 1st, but there’s a long road to recovery ahead. Having no other choice but to take a minimum of 5-weeks sick leave from work without pay, Jina’s finances have taken a hit and have been depleted.

So I’m asking the community that Jina gives so much of herself to for support. If we all pitch in, even a little, we can lessen the burden felt by Jina in a very hard and vulnerable time.

Please donate what you can and help spread the word. Let’s show Jina how much we have her back when she needs it most!