Hi, my name is Kate,

Right now, I am struggling to provide even the basics for my family—food, gas, and keeping a roof over our heads. I’ve had to ask for help to get my son to his soccer practices this week. I am doing everything I can, but I am at a point where I cannot do this alone.

Over the past year, my life has changed drastically. I made the incredibly difficult decision to leave my home and marriage to create a safer, healthier environment for myself and my two boys. That decision meant walking away from financial stability and starting over completely.

Since then, I have reached out everywhere I could—income assistance, rent support, food banks, student loans, and financial institutions. I even have a social worker helping me try every option. But because of my previous financial situation, I have not qualified for support. Despite having no stable income right now, I have been unable to access the help I need.

I am now facing the very real possibility of losing our housing and vehicle.

At the same time, I am working hard on my mental health. I have been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and I attend two half-days of therapy each week, one of which is a group/workshop therapy session lasting six months. These sessions are critical for my recovery—but they are also mentally and physically exhausting, often leaving me drained.

My struggles didn’t begin recently. I experienced trauma starting at just five years old and additional traumatic experiences throughout my life. Those early experiences shaped much of what I have struggled with over the years. Now, with a proper diagnosis and support, I am finally beginning to understand, heal, and rebuild.

My younger son has also recently been diagnosed with a physical disability and is now being homeschooled after experiencing bullying and several assaults at school. This has added emotional and financial strain, including uncovered costs.

I do have a small business, but due to my health, limited availability, and responsibilities as a mother, I have very little capacity to work. Any income it brings in currently goes toward keeping the business running, leaving nothing to support my family.

Still, I keep trying.

I was raised to believe it is always better to give than to receive, and I have carried that with me my entire life. I have volunteered in my community since a very young age alongside my mother, supported families, helped in churches, volunteered my time with sports organizations, served on Non-profit Boards, opened my home to children, and spent time with those experiencing homelessness—listening, sharing meals, and offering kindness wherever I could.

Asking for help like this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I am learning that sometimes, we need support too.

Despite everything, I have always pushed forward. After my education was disrupted due to trauma as a teenager, I earned my GED with my mother’s support. From there, I continued to college and university, and now I am in the final stage of my MBA.

I am so close to finishing.

This degree represents more than education—it is my path to stability, independence, and the ability to support my boys fully.

Right now, I am facing overwhelming financial pressure:

• $7,200 for tuition to complete my MBA (expected graduation September 2026)

• $800–$1,000 for books and materials

• $16,000 to cover rent through September when my lease is up

• Ongoing monthly expenses (medicine, food, gas, car, insurance)

• Legal fees not covered by Legal Aid

I have exhausted every available avenue, having depleted all my savings and assets. I am now at a point where I cannot do this alone.

I am now asking for help to keep us stable and get through this.

If you can donate, share, or support in any way, it would mean more than I can express. Every contribution helps us stay afloat and move forward.

I am already thinking about how I can give back once I am back on my feet—through continued volunteering, supporting others, fundraising, and, one day, creating

opportunities for people who have faced similar struggles.

As difficult as it is for me to ask for help, I truly believe in the power of community and kindness. I am determined to continue giving back and to honour every bit of support I receive.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping me keep going.

With gratitude,

Kate