After months of fleeing an abusive ex, my longtime mentee and her children were forced to leave Maryland to stay safe. With help from domestic violence counselors and this community, they made it to a new state and began starting over.

They arrived with what they could fit into a car and small U-Haul. The kids started at new schools, and donated winter clothing from a local Buy Nothing group helped them settle in.

Then another crisis hit. Beginning December 1, the entire household became sick. This past weekend, the baby was hospitalized with pneumonia, RSV, influenza A, and a double ear infection, and later suffered a febrile seizure after being released. He is now home and recovering.

Because of the medical emergency, she missed scheduled job interviews and has been focused on caring for her children. I covered immediate pharmacy costs, but January rent ($450) and heat ($60) are coming due.

She is safe, capable, and determined. This support is about helping her clear one last hurdle so she can secure work and regain independence. Thank you for helping this family stay housed, healthy, and moving forward into 2026.