Help Us Create a Safe Home for My Family

Hello, my name is Katrina , and I’m a 37-year-old single mother of four incredible kids. Among them is my 8-year-old son, jj, who is autistic and has a brilliant mind. He speaks four languages—Arabic, English, Spanish, and German—and can recite the ABCs and numbers in all of them. His intelligence amazes me every day, but navigating life with his unique needs has been a challenging journey.

jj experiences sensory overload, which sometimes leads to him banging the walls, kicking doors, and even breaking glass. These behaviors are his way of expressing frustration when he feels overwhelmed. As much as I strive to understand and support him, it’s become increasingly difficult in our current living situation. We live in a small apartment, and our neighbors have filed noise complaints due to the sounds jj makes when he’s trying to cope with his sensory needs.

Unfortunately, we are now facing eviction because of these complaints. This has left me feeling scared and helpless, as I want nothing more than to provide a safe and nurturing environment for my children. We need a bigger home, one where jj can express himself freely without the fear of causing distress to others.

In addition to finding a new place, we also need funds to purchase sensory tools and resources that can help jj manage his sensory overload. Things like weighted blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and other calming items would make a world of difference for him.

Every day, jj has a schedule he created, including trips to the store to buy things he wants. When those trips don’t happen, he struggles to cope, leading to more distress and outbursts. I want to support his needs and help him thrive, but I can’t do it alone.

That’s why I’m reaching out for your help. Your support will allow us to move into a larger space where jj can feel safe and secure. It will also enable us to purchase the necessary sensory items that can aid in his daily life.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Any contribution, no matter how small, will bring us one step closer to creating a loving home where all my children can flourish. Please share our story and help us find the support we desperately need.

With gratitude,

katrina