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EDITED:
I want to give a big thanks to those who have supported me in this legal process by donating funds, sharing resources, and taking the time to send prayers and positive energy my way.
I wanted to take some time to provide more context regarding my situation so that it is easier for people to connect and better understand exactly what the funding would be assisting.
As I shared previously, I left a toxic relationship back in February of this year. In this relationship I endured mental and emotional abuse and on several occasions physical abuse and intimidation. During our relationship, throughout my pregnancy and almost the first whole year of my daughter’s life, the abuse progressively got worse and I lived constantly on edge and at the same time was trying to be as focused and present and happy for my baby as I could in order to protect her from feeling the toxicity of the situation. My daughter and I were isolated in a state in the middle of the country, away from my support systems and during the pandemic which limited access to resources. I also did not have a job, a car, or any money as I lost everything due to not being able to work- I was at risk of a miscarriage as a result of the abuse. I became completely financially reliant on my abuser and had a hard time reaching out for help out of fear and because it is hard to interpret psychological and emotional manipulation and abuse when you are in it. Through domestic violence resources and counseling, I am still uncovering so much of what was happening and I am so grateful I got us out when I did.
It took a long time for me to find the courage to leave but with the help of a few close friends, I did it. And my primary motivation was my daughter because I know first hand the longterm trauma caused by growing up in a home riddled with domestic violence and substance abuse. I did not want my daughter to be subject to any type of abuse. I knew that I had to do everything I could to protect my daughter from that cycle. So I left.
For the past 6 months, we have hopped around, in the midst of a pandemic, while I have struggled to work and provide for us but also be a mother first (as these are some of the most important developmental years of my baby's life and during our circumstances, I refused for my baby to be without her mother). God has taken care of us and blessed us through so many people. He provided me with a car, a part time job that is flexible and allows me to be a mommy first, free domestic violence services and counseling, and most recently, we finally are in a more permanent home that will allow me to get back on me feet and focus on other important factors, such as this situation I am raising money for. We have been so blessed despite the uncertain circumstances. And most importantly, my daughter is healthy and happy because I have worked hard to make sure she never knew we were going through a tough season. I worked hard to ensure that she always has everything she needs and most importantly, she is happy because she is so loved. And I want to continue to be able to protect her.
My daughter’s father is seeking 50/50 custody. The funds that I raise are assisting me in hiring legal counsel that can help me fight for full custody, give me a stronger voice in court (as it is intimidating to go against your abuser without proper legal counsel when they do have legal counsel), and ultimately protect my daughter from returning to the toxic environment that I struggled significantly to remove us from. While it is difficult having to share these intimate details of the situation, I feel that it will help folks better understand why I am asking for this funding. Because I only work part time in order to be a mother first and foremost, I do not make enough money at this time to afford the cost of legal aid. But I do not want lack of money to be the reason I cannot have the best legal support necessary to protect my baby by all means. Lawyer fees are expensive and there are other associated fees depending on additional resources needed (as I have learned in my communications with various legal entities). And for these reasons, I am seeking the support of anyone who feels the urge in their hearts to give. Every dollar goes gets me further in having the support we need.
I appreciate your love and support and feel truly blessed to have so many people (whether they can give or not) who believe in me as a mother and are believing on our behalf that God will see us through this.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Lots of love.