Help Keith Achieve His Crane Certification

My name is Keith Neal, and at 28 years old, I'm more determined than ever to build a brighter future for my family. I'm reaching out to you today with a heartfelt plea for support to complete my tower crane operator certification. This isn't just about a job; it's about transforming my family's future and achieving a dream that has been a long time coming. I need to raise $2,500 to cover essential travel and training costs for my final practical exam in Salem, Oregon, scheduled for late August 2025.

Last February, I invested significantly in my first attempt at this certification, spending roughly $4,000 on fees and travel expenses, which includes the 5-day class that was $2,500 for the class itself. I passed the written portion of the exam online, but despite my best efforts, I failed the practical exam twice. It was a crushing blow, especially as my classmates, who had prior experience, passed on their first try. The disappointment of spending so much and failing left me in tears, but it also solidified my resolve to succeed, realizing that the initial 3 days of practice, with only a couple of hours a day, simply wasn't enough. I now understand I need a full 5 days of dedicated practice to ensure I can pass this critical exam.

My family has a history in the crane industry, and while my father has since moved on, my cousin is still active. Recently, my father shared news that two positions are opening up at my cousin's crane job location. This is a critical moment for me; a genuine chance to finally secure a stable and high-paying career. Tower crane operators in California earn an average annual salary of over $70,000, significantly more than my current under-the-table security work, which pays $19 an hour.

Currently, I work 60 hours a week, earning roughly $4,500 a month. But with rent at nearly $1,900, a $575 car note, $315 for insurance, $400-500 for food for my wife and daughter, $400 for gas, and a $300 phone bill between myself, my wife, and my daughter, my finances are stretched to their limit. After bills and my persistent attempts to invest in new projects that haven't panned out, I'm often left with nothing. I'm not content with this cycle; I don't go out, I don't hang out, and I'm tired of constantly being broke. I'm working grueling 60-hour weeks, often from 5 PM to 5 AM, which leaves me perpetually exhausted and with little time for my wife and daughter. Despite making $4,500 a month, after essential bills in Los Angeles, California, we're barely surviving, and I'm tired of feeling constantly broke and unable to provide the experiences my family deserves.

My teacher at Morrow Training Center in Salem, Oregon, has offered a crucial lifeline: a discount on the 5-day class, bringing the cost down from $2,500 to $1,300. This discounted price includes valuable practice time, which is essential, as my first attempt only allowed for about 2 hours of practice per day for three days before the test. There's no tower crane training available in California, so returning to Oregon is my only path at an affordable price.

The $2,500 I'm seeking will cover:

* 5-day Class (discounted price): $1,300

* Motel: $300

* Rental car: $300

* Food: $250

* Gas: $100

* Flight: $250 (round trip from LA to PDX and PDX to LA)

Every bit of support helps. While I don't have an exact date booked yet (as it depends on reaching this goal), I want to offer flexible ways to contribute. If you're more comfortable contributing directly, I would also be incredibly grateful for assistance with specific expenses, such as a flight voucher, a hotel gift card, a rental car credit, or a gas gift card.

This certification isn't just about a personal achievement; it's about providing a better life for my wife and daughter and finally escaping the financial struggles that currently weigh us down. With this certification, I can secure a legitimate, well-paying job that will allow me to provide for my family, something I'm desperate to do.

By helping me get this certification, you're not just donating money; you're becoming a hero in my family's story, helping a brother open the door to a secure and prosperous future. Your support will directly enable me to book my flights, secure lodging, and take the necessary days off work to finally pass this exam and seize this incredible opportunity.

Thank you for considering my story and for any help you can offer.