My name is Katelyn, and I’m reaching out for help after a sudden car problem and a major change in our family’s finances. Yesterday, my 2016 Toyota Prius wouldn’t start, and we learned the hybrid battery may have died. This car is the backbone of our daily life—I use it to drive my two children, Audrey and Dean, to school and their activities, and it’s essential for my house-call grooming business. I work with many elderly clients in our community, helping them care for their pets, and my Prius’s low travel costs have made it possible for me to keep my services affordable and accessible.

The timing couldn’t be worse. On the same day my car broke down, my husband found out his job contract with the Coast Guard won’t be renewed, and he’ll be out of work by the end of September. We’re losing a significant portion of our income, and my part-time grooming business will be our only source of support. My husband receives VA disability from his military service, but that only covers rent and some utilities. The stress has been overwhelming—I’ve barely slept or eaten, and I’m scared about how we’ll manage bills, feed our kids, and care for our pets as the holidays approach. We recently had to pull Audrey out of her school’s All-State choir due to our financial situation, and both kids are active in football, cheerleading, and choir at school.

I’ve always tried to help others in my community, but now I need help myself. Getting my car fixed before my husband’s job ends is critical for keeping my business running and making sure Audrey and Dean can continue their activities. Any support would mean the world to us and help us get through this difficult time.