One Chapter Ends, Another Begins — Help Us Turn the Page

Hi friends, family, and kind strangers —

My name is Emily, and this season of life has brought both incredible joy and unexpected hardship. I recently married my best friend, and while we’re doing everything we can to build a stable future together, we’re also facing urgent financial strain that we can’t overcome alone.

Why I’m Asking for Help:

Earlier this year, I had to make the devastating decision to leave my job as a school counselor after being treated unfairly and pushed out of a role I loved. The environment became emotionally unsafe and unsustainable, and I walked away without a safety net. Since then, I’ve been picking up odd jobs, applying to full-time remote positions, and doing everything I can to stay afloat — but it hasn’t been enough.

Right now, we’re struggling to get by on just my husband’s income while also trying to address two major financial emergencies:

• Legal Costs: We recently found out that my husband’s ex has not been following their court-ordered custody agreement. Legal representation is urgently needed to ensure the visitation and child support orders are enforced fairly — not only for his rights as a father, but for the wellbeing of the children.

• Vehicle Loan Relief: My husband is trapped in a high-interest, lease-to-own loan he was forced to take on just to get his only car repaired and released from the shop. The terms are punishing, and it’s consuming a large portion of our limited income. We’re trying to pay it off and escape the cycle before it buries us deeper in debt.

He has chosen not to be publicly involved in this fundraiser, and I fully respect that. I’m sharing this story on my own — because I believe in being transparent, and I believe there’s no shame in asking for help when you’re trying everything and still falling short.

How Funds Will Be Used:

• $2,000 – Legal fees for custody and visitation representation

• $5,000 – To pay off the predatory lease-to-own car loan

Why It Matters:

We’re newly married and working hard to create a life together, but this combination of job loss, legal pressure, and financial strain has left us feeling stuck and overwhelmed. I’m doing all I can to find stable work and regain momentum — but we need help getting over this immediate hurdle.

Asking for help like this is humbling. I never imagined I’d be in this position — but I believe in the kindness of others, and I know that sometimes, life throws more at you than you can handle alone. I believe this is just a chapter, not the end of our story.

How You Can Help:

Whether it’s $5, $50, or simply sharing this page with someone else, every gesture of support means more than I can say. Thank you for taking the time to read our story — and for standing with me during this incredibly tough chapter.

With love and gratitude,

Emily