Hello friends and community,

I am reaching out during a challenging but hopeful period in my life.

Over the past year, I’ve been working to rebuild after a significant health setback that required me to step away from work. With the support of treatment, therapy, and my spiritual practice, I’ve made steady progress and am now actively seeking to return to full-time employment.

Since October of last year, I’ve been applying for positions in training, instructional design, and related roles, and have been fortunate to move forward in several competitive hiring processes. While I am encouraged by this progress, the timing of securing a new position has been uncertain. I am also actively seeking temporary and/or part-time gigs. My car died and was sold for scrap last summer, so that has also added to the difficulty. But of course, there are ways to be mobile without a car, even in suburbia USA, though it is not as easy or convenient as it is in big cities with a good public transportation system.

In the meantime, I have been relying on limited benefits and the generous support of close family and friends to cover basic living expenses. I am deeply grateful for that help, and I am now hoping to broaden that support so that the burden does not fall on just a few people.

I am creating this fundraiser to help cover essential expenses — including rent, utilities, and food — over the next few months as I continue my job search and work toward stable employment.

If you are able to contribute, I would be sincerely grateful. If not, your encouragement, goodwill, or simply sharing this with others is equally appreciated.

I remain committed to moving forward, continuing my recovery, and returning to work in a meaningful and sustainable way, with kindness and support.

With gratitude, love, and prayers,

Shawn