My name is Stephen Grossman, and I am 80 years old. I have worked since the age of 19 and was able to advance in the corporate world. As I advanced, I always helped others to move up in their careers, be it in aviation, in a network broadcasting management position not available until I, for 2.75 years, gave up my life through negotiations to make sure others could finally advance into management, to making the railroad tankcars safer when it came to saving lives and our environment. So I was always there for others to provide them opportunities they otherwise may not have had.

As a side note. When I moved from Los Angeles to Canada to work for a company in Vancouver, I accumulated a lot of air miles since I had to fly from Vancouver to other cities for business meetings. To this day, I use those air miles as donations for various children's causes. Children are very important to me, and if a donation of air miles can help a child lead a better life, then I am all in.

However, my life changed when the Great Recession occurred between 2007 and 2008. I lost my house, my investments, and yes, even sold a car. At that point, I tried everything I could think of since the Great Recession put me into deep debt. I tried to get myself out of debt, but nothing seemed to work, and then COVID hit. Before COVID, in order to help myself, I started driving with a ride-share company, but stopped once COVID started.

Finally, in May of 2023, I started back driving for the ride-share company, only to have them give me an 8-day notice that my 2007 Prius could no longer be on their platform, with no explanation, though I called and emailed them. My Prius at least helped me earn a little money to pay some of my debt, but now, at my age and not being able to get a regular job, I was forced to get another car, which has only put me further and further into debt to a point where I cannot meet my financial obligations.

Due to my age and some medical complications, doing ride-share is my only means of income other than my very minimal social security that I receive that comes nowhere near paying my rent let alone my everyday expenses and now a car loan I never wanted in the first place but had no choice if my only real means to bring in some type of income would be driving for a ride-share company.

No one, let alone me, wants to be put into a situation that I find myself in, but as hard as I tried to recover, here I am, only one step away from ending up sleeping on the streets of Los Angeles and why I would greatly appreciate any donation that you can spare since I do not want you to end up like me especially in what they call your golden years. Trust me, it is no fun.

I want to thank anyone and everyone who donates to my situation for understanding and appreciating the situation I find myself in. It means so much to me, and I will always be grateful for your financial support.

Thank you so much...Steve