Rebuilding After Choosing Integrity

Recently, I entered one of the most difficult seasons of my life after spending more than two decades building a home and future in New York City.

I left a meaningful professional opportunity to pursue a role I was recruited for that seemed like an exciting next step to grow my career and expand my leadership. Unfortunately, after joining the organization, I encountered serious workplace concerns that did not align with my professional values or standards.

I raised those concerns through the appropriate channels in hopes of helping improve the environment. Instead, the concerns were not received constructively, and I ultimately chose to remove myself from a situation that felt unhealthy and unsustainable.

Since leaving, I have struggled to secure stable full-time employment and am now facing serious financial hardship and the possibility of having to leave New York City.

Most painful of all, I may have to step away from the clinical caseload I am building as a queer Mental Health Counselor working toward full licensure in New York State—a path I have invested years of study, training, finances, and emotional and physical energy into creating.

I am also navigating disability-related challenges. I have one eye, and recently I have been struggling with my prosthetic and vision, which has added stress, discomfort, and additional expenses during an already overwhelming time.

My monthly cost of living is about $3,500, and my savings were depleted within a few months. Friends and family have helped me, and I am deeply grateful, but I do not want to continue placing that burden on others.

I am humbly asking for support to help me remain housed, cover essential expenses, continue serving clients, and stay on track toward licensure while I seek sustainable employment.

Any contribution or share of this page would mean more than I can express. Thank you for believing in me during this chapter.