Jake's Chicago Move: A Step Toward Healing

Hi, my name is Johnny, and I’m reaching out on behalf of someone I love deeply—my dear friend Jake.

Jake is in a very vulnerable place right now. Despite doing everything he can—working with a therapist, staying connected with his AA group, managing his medication—his mental health is hanging by a thread. I see it every time we talk: he’s trying so hard to stay strong, but he’s feeling stuck, isolated, and more fragile by the day.

Jake is currently living in Laurens, Iowa—a place that was meant to be a temporary stop for healing. But instead, it’s become a place of deep loneliness, disconnection, and emotional exhaustion. He feels trapped, not only by circumstances that keep him from returning to where he truly belongs: Chicago, IL.

Chicago is home.

It’s where his recovery community is.

It’s where his friends and chosen family are.

It’s where his healing can truly continue.

Jake’s been through more than most people can imagine. In April 2022, he lost his husband Aaron to suicide and alcohol addiction. That loss shattered him—and he’s been fighting ever since to rebuild a life from the ashes. At one point, he had over a year of sobriety. But after moving back to Iowa to be closer to family, he relapsed, overwhelmed by grief and isolation.

Now, after months of hard work, Jake is 7 months sober again. He’s throwing himself into service work, leaning on his recovery tools, and staying focused on a future full of art, love, and purpose. But that future feels out of reach unless he can get out of Iowa and back to the people who lift him up.

He has a dream:

To live simply, create art, help others, and stay sober—surrounded by love and support.

Grateful to his friend Andrew, he has a place to move into, and has also gotten a job prior to moving. This is set up primarily to help Jake get out of town and set up in Chicago for a bit.

We’re asking for your help to make that possible.

Your contribution will help Jake by giving him the chance to return to Chicago on September 5, 2025

In return, Jake and I want to give something back. Every donor will receive a piece of Jake’s original artwork, and we’ll keep you updated on his journey—because this is more than a fundraiser, it’s a story of recovery, resilience, and hope.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, and supporting Jake in this critical moment.

With love and gratitude,

Johnny