Joedy urgently needs our help!

Dear friends,

Joedy Cano is more than 3 years into recovery from her meth addiction. She has surrounded herself with a lifestyle dedicated to health and wellness while creating a drug-free life that matters. With all of her hard work, she has earned the right to rebuild a life with her children. They also want this, and Joedy has been showing up for them since March 01, 2019.

My name is Malkah Geller. I am a language teacher and a close friend of Joedy’s, who has been a part of our Viroqua community since 2010. I’m facilitating this fundraiser because, against all odds, she has reclaimed her life. Now she needs significant financial support to effect the legal changes necessary for her and her children to heal.

We, her friends and supporters in the local community, can see how committed Joedy is. We also see how she and her children are trying to grow a healthy relationship. However, despite many attempts over the last 3 years to work with the other parent, she has been unable to come to an agreement with him about a balanced and reasonable visitation schedule.

Her children, ages 13 and 14, have seen their mother only inconsistently over the last few years. They will profoundly benefit by having regular time with their mother that they can count on. The lack of clarity, planning, or certainty is stressful for all concerned, especially for the children, who are navigating two households and don’t know when they’ll see their mother next.

Joedy and her children cannot wait any longer to hire an attorney, so this can be settled in court. They urgently need to update the 2016 court order so that it accurately reflects her current life. The legal fees for this process will be upwards of $15,000. Joedy has been actively pursuing alternative avenues for representation over the last two years. She has explored organizations such as the Legal Aid Society, the Non Profit Legal Services, and others. Over and over again, she has been told there are no funds available.

Additionally, Joedy is without a car. Her vehicle engine failed and cannot be repaired. As a result, she and her partner are trying to navigate driving to their jobs, plus picking up and dropping off the children from an hour away with his truck alone. Joedy needs her own vehicle as this is an unsustainable situation. Any help in this regard would be most helpful.

Joedy has a fulfilling job she’s passionate about and sends regular child support payments. She has been in a healthy, loving relationship for over 3 years. Her partner is a positive influence on the children and, together, they do everything they can to create harmony between the homes. In addition, they help the children with their schooling and life skills development during their infrequent visits.

Sometimes, addicts take up their recovery with such commitment that they become better, wiser people. This is definitely the case with Joedy. She continues to work with counselors, health and wellness coaches, support groups, attend classes, workshops, and volunteer events. She has surrounded herself with people working to make positive changes in their lives. She is doing everything to stay in recovery and build a beautiful new life for herself and her children. The time for legal change is NOW.

Will you help Joedy remedy this situation and have another chance to be the mother her children deserve? Joedy is entirely worthy of your support if you are willing and able to give. Your funds will go toward attorneys’ fees, court fees, and a vehicle. She will use this opportunity well.

We appreciate your consideration with all our hearts. Please give generously to help Joedy’s family heal and create a healthy future together.

Warm regards,

Malkah