Stand by Charlene After Her Injury

Help Charlene Benjamin Avoid Eviction and Homelessness from a Life-Altering Workplace Injury

Charlene is facing eviction from her small apartment near JFK Airport on June 16th. Her rent is seriously overdue, and without urgent support, she will lose her home.

To make matters worse, her phone service is set to be disconnected on June 10th, cutting off her ability to communicate and seek help.

Charlene has been through an incredibly difficult time. After suffering a workplace injury that severed her finger, her financial situation collapsed. This week, she’s been confined to bed—physically unwell and overwhelmed with anxiety.

This fundraiser is a lifeline. Your support can help keep a roof over Charlene’s head and give her some breathing room to recover and rebuild. Every dollar makes a difference.

Please consider donating or sharing—thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Charlene's own words:

Hello Everyone,

My name is Charlene, and I never imagined I’d find myself in this position — reaching out for help. But due to circumstances completely beyond my control, and to no fault of my own, I’m facing a financial crisis after a serious workplace injury. I’m humbly asking for your support to raise funds to help me survive this difficult chapter and get back on my feet.

What Happened

On October 26, 2024, while working at the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center, I was injured in a freak accident. A large, heavy metal door suddenly snapped back and crushed my dominant hand — specifically damaging the middle finger of my right hand. The injury was so severe that two police officers rushed me to the ER themselves, not even waiting for an ambulance because I was bleeding so badly.

Since then, my life has taken a dramatic turn for the worse.

Why I Need Help

• In New York State, injured employees cannot sue their employer due to outdated and unfair laws that protect corporations — not workers.

• The manufacturer of the faulty door no longer exists, leaving me with no legal recourse.

• Workers’ compensation has provided only a fraction of what I would normally earn — not even close to covering my basic living expenses.

• I was forced to resign from my position and lost all of my other freelance work due to my injury.

• I’ve exhausted my savings, unemployment benefits, and every other option.

• I now face possible eviction and mounting unpaid bills while I recover from both the physical and emotional trauma.

Adding to the heartbreak, no one from my workplace ever reached out — not even once — to check on me during the months I was out. I had to walk home alone from the ER, drowsy and in pain, just minutes from where I was injured. That moment told me everything I needed to know about how employees are treated — disposable and forgotten.

Where the Funds Will Go

• Rent to avoid eviction and keep a roof over my head

• Outstanding medical bills not covered by insurance

• Transportation and daily living expenses

• Continued physical and occupational therapy

• Basic necessities while I search for a new job I’m physically capable of doing

The Bigger Picture

The laws in New York make it nearly impossible for injured workers to be fairly compensated. Even if I “win” an award from Workers’ Compensation, I’ve learned they will deduct every penny they’ve already paid — leaving me with nothing in the end. This system is broken, and I’m just one of many trying to survive it.

But right now, I need help to simply make it through this storm.

Final Thoughts

This has been the most humbling experience of my life. I’ve always worked hard, juggled multiple jobs, and never asked for help. But now, I truly have no one else to turn to.

If you can find it in your heart to donate — no matter how small — I will be forever grateful. And if you can’t give, please consider sharing this with someone who might be able to.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading, for caring, and for your generosity.

With love and gratitude,

Charlene