Hi, I’m a single mom of two little ones with over 20 years of experience in global disability-inclusive education. Until recently, I was a USAID contractor, but on January 28, without warning, I was furloughed and then laid off—along with so many others. The company I worked for only provided two weeks severance which barely got me through February.

Since then, I’ve been doing everything I can to keep my family stable—I've applied for over 90 jobs, sought out grants, and been leaning on friends and family. We've had some support, for which I’m deeply grateful, but it’s not enough. I’m now facing the terrifying reality of not being able to pay rent or catch up on utilities.

I’m asking for help to cover basic needs—rent, utilities, and essentials for my kids—while I continue job searching in an extremely competitive market.

If you’re able to, please donate, share this story, and/or connect me with any job leads. Every bit of support brings us closer to stability.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for being part of a network that still believes in showing up for each other.

Thank you for standing with us.

For more of my personal story: Instagram

For connecting professionally: LinkedIn

To donate directly via Venmo (and avoid the 2.9% charge): @casey-recabarren (last four digits are - 1305)