Hi, I’m Melissa, a mother doing my best to care for my children after surviving eight years in a domestic violent relationship. My partner was an untreated narcissist with other untreated mental health issues, and he refused to address any of it, which only made things worse for us. I lived in constant fear, not only because of his unpredictable behavior, but also because he was much stronger than I was—his work as an arborist with Farmer Tree Care made him physically intimidating. On top of the untreated mental health issues, he regularly used cocaine and struggled with addiction, which made things even harder for me and my children. The emotional, financial, and mental abuse I endured left me struggling to meet even our most basic needs. He constantly lied, cheated, gaslighted, and blamed my mental health for everything, because I am autistic, have ADHD, borderline personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, CPTSD, and deep depression. I am also considered a spoonie, living with full-body arthritis, sciatic nerve pain, and the physical challenges that come with multiple births.

One of the hardest parts was not being able to leave sooner. I had no support system to help me get away, and I was stuck in a lease and Section 8 housing with him. Section 8 is my only way to stay stable, since I am disabled and rely on Social Security with very little money each month. Leaving meant risking homelessness for myself and my children, so I felt trapped and isolated. He sabotaged my ability to pay bills, turned off my phone, neglected my car maintenance, and left our water bill unpaid. He sent his money to his girlfriend’s account, leaving me unable to provide for my children. The stress of not knowing how we would get by has been overwhelming, and my children have been left without entertainment or comfort at home.

My car is my only form of transportation, and its poor condition was just another way for him to trap me. There is only one bus in the area, and it’s at least a 30-minute walk from our house, which is extremely hard with five children. Without a working car, I am unable to go to the grocery store, take my kids to the dentist or doctor’s appointments, or even bring them to the park. The only thing that has kept me sane through all of this is regular therapy. Talking to my therapist has been my lifeline, helping me stay grounded and find hope even in the darkest moments.

Your support will help us cover immediate needs like paying the water bill, fixing my car so I can regain mobility, restoring phone service, buying cat food, and providing entertainment for my children. If we are able to raise enough, I hope to pay off my car, which would be a huge step toward independence and stability for us. Getting my car fixed is especially important because it will allow me to get my kids to daycare, attend massage school in March, and access groceries, medical appointments, and normal experiences for my children. After eight years as a stay-at-home disabled mom, this is my chance to return to the workforce and rebuild our lives. I am deeply grateful for any help as we try to pick up the pieces and heal from years of abuse. Your kindness and generosity will mean the world to me and my children as we move forward and try to find hope again. Thank you for considering supporting us during this difficult time.