Please Consider Helping Mahogany Pay for College

Hello friends and family. I am starting this GoFundMe account for my friend Mahogany. She is a bright and determined young woman who desperately wants to attend college, but lacks the necessary funds to do so. Mahogany and I met two years ago while I was volunteering at Folsom’s homeless winter shelter. She was 23 years old and homeless, struggling to make sense of her life amidst major trauma and turmoil. Her story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. As a child, Mahogany was raised by grandparents who sadly died when she was 14 years old. After the death of her grandparents, she was put under the care of an aunt who was sometimes physically and verbally abusive. Unfortunately, Mahogany also sustained extensive trauma from a man who sexually abused her, and when she confided this to family members they did not believe her. The perpetrator is still in the area today. Despite these horrific life events, Mahogany graduated from high school (she is a smart cookie!) However, as a result of sustained and deep trauma, and a lack of family financial and emotional support, Mahogany ended up homeless for a while. That was when she and I connected. I could see that Mahogany was angry and closed off emotionally, but I also saw she had promising potential. We began an unlikely and strong friendship. During the past two years Mahogany has made incredible life changes and choices. She now has her own apartment. She works. She is becoming more open and honest about her past traumas, and has begun a brave mental healing journey. I am proud of her! Now Mahogany wants to attend American River College. She has filled out the financial aid paperwork and has secured financial aid money for books, but she still needs money for part of her tuition, transportation, supplies, etc. This is where our community can help. Will you please donate any amount to help Mahogany reach her goal of attending college?

$5, $10, $15, $20. The donation doesn’t need to be big if a lot of us band together in this effort! I will be managing the money and having it deposited into my bank account. Thank you so much for considering making a donation to this worthy cause.

Mahogany and I are grateful for each and every one of you.

In peace and gratitude,

Jessica Leng.