Help MammaC Recover from Domestic Violence

My name is Cristie, and I'm fundraising for my friend who I will call MammaC.

MammaC has extricated herself physically from a domestic violence situation, and needs help. Her ex was hyper-controlling and emotionally abusive, and it got worse over time. She has had to cut off all of her family as well, as they raised her in a way to consider emotional abuse as normal and acceptable treatment. She has realized as an adult that it is not.

I am so proud of her.

She is taking a stand and being strong, in a system that is designed to break her down. She has moved to Tennessee with a partner who is supportive and kind, in an effort to rebuild her life. She had to leave behind her daughter with her ex, because she could not help her daughter when she was regularly re-traumatized by continued interactions with her ex.

The domestic violence from her ex to my friend has recently been recognized by the courts, and she finally has a domestic violence protection order that helps her feel safe. She has been applying for jobs and has an offer that is starting soon, but won't be high income. She has gone through all of her savings trying to get out of this abusive situation and retain at least some custody of her daughter. The Family Court trial for custody and parenting plan is set for July 24th.

I am trying to help her fundraise some money so she can at least pay out her current remaining lawyer fees ($7000), afford airfare so that her daughter can visit her in July (~$1000), get health insurance to tide her over until she is eligible through her new job ($350/month), a few basic expenses until she her income starts coming in again ($170/month), and I would dearly love to raise enough money that she could continue the therapy sessions she started in the winter. Any additional funds would be put toward lawyer fees or associated costs for the upcoming trial in July. If the court doesn't rule in her favor, we made need to do another fundraiser after the trial. Our system is completely broken, but we can't fix it in time to help my friend.

Please consider donating to help her as she creates a new, more positive life.