Good morning, friends! It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you during my time of need. I have been forced into an unfortunate position where my 12-year-old son and I had to flee where we were staying.

Last Sunday, I was in a physical altercation with a family member who, in recent months, suffered from a stroke. During this time, we were called upon to be caregivers, to help look after them during their time of need, and without hesitation, that is exactly what we did.

I moved my youngest child out of his second school that year to make it happen.

Everything was smooth in the beginning, but we eventually realized how toxic this situation was because not only did this family member have a stroke, but also has an early onset of dementia, with the tendency to be emotionally and mentally degrading and now, physically abusive.

I was chased around the home with fists and open hands swatting, chest bumping me across the room, and they were centimeters away in my face having an episode. I felt very threatened to the point I had to arm myself with a pot from the kitchen sink and swing back to keep them away from me, where I was on the couch with my legs up to shield my tiny body. I had back surgery last year and I am still in constant pain daily. The pain did not desist from the procedure; it only moved to other areas. Despite that, I always have kept up with my duties as a mom and worked daily towards a small business we started.

Selling things on the computer and at farmers markets, doing inventory, researching the products and pricing, and keeping the storage area organized and clean. I even put my own personal business of making plant medicine after becoming a certified herbalist on the back burner. The one thing I could do from home without laboring, that I truly love and have a calling for.

Since we left last week, I have been in touch with my son's school doing everything I possibly can to keep him in this school and provide normalcy, keep his schedule, his newly acquired friends, and a safe environment so he didn't have to be subjected to that unhealthy lifestyle. I have been in touch with his counselor and a caseworker through the district. I have been in contact with the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Safe Berks, Hannah's Hope, Lighthouse Shelter, Berks Coalition for Homelessness, United Way, filled out applications for the Opportunity House, Family Promise, New Journey, the local assistance office, Mission House, Human Relations Commission, and multiple churches and food pantries.

Even with the "blue light" status, I have not been successful in finding a place to stay in the district, or any others. I have used my resources to stay at an extended stay at a motel for $70 a night and after a week, I am low on funds and worry every day how I am going to be able to be the mother who can protect and shelter my child.

I am a kind, generous, selfless, humble, genuine, loving, caring human being. I have overextended myself all of my life for others in desperate situations myself. I have fed, sheltered, showered, clothed, donated, and took care of both adults and their children.

I found a beautiful home for $1000 a month located right by Sullivan's school. The grand opportunity for us to finally live at peace and continue staying in the district. (This is of great importance, I don't want to have to uproot him again.)

It is move-in ready. I do have multiple jobs right now to be able to continue with the payments for rent and utilities, but I don't have the upfront money to put down and lock this opportunity in.

The landlord knows the situation and will let me move in ASAP. But the cost is $1000 for the first month of rent and $1000 for the security deposit. I am asking those who find it in their hearts to help the helper... because every once in a while the one who does the helping also needs a hand. And I say this with tears streaming down my face as I am ashamed to admit that I truly do need help. I do my best not to, I have struggled in silence for many years and I am exhausted. I only want to provide the best for my kids and be the best mother and role model that I can. To show them that their mother will always fight to protect and allow them to live a life where they can be worry-free.

Although my oldest son (17) lives with his father, he still worries about his mom and little brother and I'd like to reassure him that we are both somewhere we can thrive.

Now since last week, forgiveness has been given and we have been invited back. But, how could I be a good mom by allowing that to happen, when it was the very reason we had to leave? Who knows when the next episode or miserable attitude will go south and we are back in the exact situation?

I am asking those who find it in their hearts to help us move into our new home, where we can start fresh, I can cultivate my herbs and begin making medicine again, get rid of my extra monthly storage fees, stay in a district my son finally feels comfortable in and thrive! Every little bit counts. I have the opportunity to really make a difference here and get back on my feet. Will you help us?

I will also remember this kindness and pay it forward, as I always do! On my honor and word as a fellow humble human. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your consideration.