Mental Health support for queer parent and child
Donation protected
Marisa is a queer non-binary event producer and community leader who has been fostering safe and inclusive spaces for QTBIPOC community in the city. Marisa is also a single parent who is working full time and does freelance work to support themselves and their child. When they’re not working their 9-5, they are caring for their son, Romeo, doing their freelance work and producing STRAPPED events to bring the community together. Marisa has provided plenty of support to the community, and their events have been a pillar of love and joy for BIPOC queer and trans community in the city. They have been working day and night to bring us these spaces. They are known for their big heart and smiles. Their passion and drive for creating safe spaces for the community is contagious. However, capitalism and the system has been straining them, they are incredibly busy and burnout is right around the corner. These additional costs are placing a heavy financial burden on them that is adding to already existent stress and strain. It is time we all step up for them and provide them with the support needed to ensure their and their son’s mental health and wellbeing.
Romeo is seven years old. He is a sweet and loving child with a big heart just like Marisa. He likes to play soccer, loves to chat with people, dance and be active. He has been facing some challenges at school lately due to mental health barriers created by the schooling system, healthcare system and the pandemic.
Romeo has been finding it difficult to interact with peers in school after a long period of being schooled online due to the pandemic; as a result, he has been exhibiting some behavioral issues in class. His teachers have advised that he gets assessed for ADHD, and said they are unable to support with IEP (Individual Education Plan) until they have a diagnosis. He has been really struggling to focus in class, has been falling behind, and acting out. He is seeing a child psychologist because of bullying and sadness due to not seeing his dad for the past three years. Romeo’s dad has been MIA despite efforts of trying to contact him.
Romeo’s paternal family does not support the idea of Romeo being assessed due to their mistrust of the healthcare system and their treatment of black bodies. Marisa is alone in trying to figure out a way to support their child; they tried to apply for child care multiple times, but after many waitlists and frequent calls that got nowhere so they had to pay out of pocket which placed a lot of financial strain on them that is not sustainable. Additionally, OHIP does not cover ADHD assessment.
They have an ADHD assessment appointment on the 16th, and they need it to be covered by then.
Costs Marisa needs the following costs covered:
Romeo’s ADHD assessment
Child psychology sessions
Child care
Their own health and wellness covered
ADHD assessments are very expensive; they are at $2000 and very inaccessible. The costs of the assessment do not include the ongoing needed support from a psychologist, and those sessions are separate and very costly at $160 per session. Romeo needs bi-weekly sessions, which would be an additional $320/ month. Marisa works full time and does freelance work to be able to support themself and their child, which means they often need child care for Romeo, which amounts to $300 for every two weeks. They also need costs to support their own mental health, which includes therapy, gym membership and hobbies. We all need to come together to support Marisa and Romeo’s health and wellbeing.
Romeo is seven years old. He is a sweet and loving child with a big heart just like Marisa. He likes to play soccer, loves to chat with people, dance and be active. He has been facing some challenges at school lately due to mental health barriers created by the schooling system, healthcare system and the pandemic.
Romeo has been finding it difficult to interact with peers in school after a long period of being schooled online due to the pandemic; as a result, he has been exhibiting some behavioral issues in class. His teachers have advised that he gets assessed for ADHD, and said they are unable to support with IEP (Individual Education Plan) until they have a diagnosis. He has been really struggling to focus in class, has been falling behind, and acting out. He is seeing a child psychologist because of bullying and sadness due to not seeing his dad for the past three years. Romeo’s dad has been MIA despite efforts of trying to contact him.
Romeo’s paternal family does not support the idea of Romeo being assessed due to their mistrust of the healthcare system and their treatment of black bodies. Marisa is alone in trying to figure out a way to support their child; they tried to apply for child care multiple times, but after many waitlists and frequent calls that got nowhere so they had to pay out of pocket which placed a lot of financial strain on them that is not sustainable. Additionally, OHIP does not cover ADHD assessment.
They have an ADHD assessment appointment on the 16th, and they need it to be covered by then.
Costs Marisa needs the following costs covered:
Romeo’s ADHD assessment
Child psychology sessions
Child care
Their own health and wellness covered
ADHD assessments are very expensive; they are at $2000 and very inaccessible. The costs of the assessment do not include the ongoing needed support from a psychologist, and those sessions are separate and very costly at $160 per session. Romeo needs bi-weekly sessions, which would be an additional $320/ month. Marisa works full time and does freelance work to be able to support themself and their child, which means they often need child care for Romeo, which amounts to $300 for every two weeks. They also need costs to support their own mental health, which includes therapy, gym membership and hobbies. We all need to come together to support Marisa and Romeo’s health and wellbeing.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lotus S
Organizer
Toronto, ON
Marisa Grant
Beneficiary