New chapter for Stephanie and Kids

My name is Danielle and this fundraiser is for my dear friend Stephanie and her three amazing children, Janelle, Jason (JJ), and Jackson.

Due to domestic violence, Stephanie and her children were forced to abruptly leave their beloved town and move 4.5 hours to Maine. But this didn't just happen overnight and Stephanie didn't just sit back and wonder how her "situation" might change. She spent sleepless hours on the phone calling every possible local and state resource to find alternate housing to no avail. She submitted lease applications, and didn’t receive any follow ups. She was added to every waiting list for shelters in our state, and sadly - could not be accommodated by our system.

Consequently, Stephanie and the kids found temporary housing, packed only what they could fit into her car and small U-Haul trailer, put their cat up for adoption, and said goodbye to their closest friends and community members in less than a week’s time.

While she would never ask for help, I am doing this now on her behalf because Stephanie and her children need support more than ever as they navigate this next chapter and acclimate to their new surroundings and community, all while trying to stay afloat during this very challenging time. From legal fees to a gap in employment, and trying to provide a new stable foundation for her family, this reality is by no means an easy feat for any single parent, especially when separated from your closest supporters. Any donation is helpful and will be used to support the children.

Though their sudden lack of physical presence is obvious, the impact they left here is still present and strong. When she was not behind the wheel of her school bus (wearing the biggest smile of anyone I know), transporting the kids in our town, or driving the bus for athletic events around the state, she was at church, or delivering flowers and plants to friends, or attending school events for her kids, or making friends with a neighbor - because that is how Steph is. She enjoys people and being a part of a community, to which she and the kids very much were.

Thank you,

Danielle