We’re Mindy and Lily- a mother/daughter duo in Columbus, Ohio. About 18 months ago our lives were shattered when Lily’s Dad committed a violent crime. Shocked and confused, we have spent the past year and a half extracting him from our lives. While it has left us safer, it has also meant figuring things out on our own- especially after his incarceration and sentencing of 18 years. Through hospitalizations for PTSD (both of us) and therapy and new financial opportunities and new relationships and school transitions and changes in nearly every area of our life, we have survived and even thrived with the support of our friends. We are now able to cover our monthly expenses and even have a little to put away. Unfortunately, we haven’t been at in phase long enough to have savings for emergencies.

This week, our car died. DIED. The only way to save it is with a new engine which would cost somewhere between $7-10K. Since the car is a 2009 Toyota Venza, it doesn’t feel financially responsible to put that kind of money into a car that is worth $6000 at most.

In all of the chaos, Mindy’s credit has also DIED. While building it is a priority, for a variety of reasons getting financing for a car- even a used one- is not an option. We have also researched government resources/charities etc, and have a case worker who has helped us with this research. There are not currently any programs that could provide us with what we need.

Mindy teaches piano lessons and visits at least 15 homes a week. Driving around Columbus is a vital part of the only source of income we have. Not having a car is simply not an option.

No one likes to ask for help. But we are asking for help so we can continue healing (attending therapy sessions, athletic practices, social events…) and making a living. We can finally see a bit of light, and we’re asking you to help us make it brighter.

If you would like to give directly, you can do so via Venmo @MindyKaySmith, or contact Mindy for Zelle information. The money we raise will go directly towards getting us transportation as quickly as possible.

All our thanks and love.