Help Stella rebuild her life!

 If you know, Stella A., you know she's generous, kind, caring and compassionate. When my mom was diagnosed with  brain cancer earlier this year, she asked if I needed her for anything. She was ready to pick up and rearrange her life to help.

If her friends need help with projects, she's the first one to volunteer and she does an amazing job because she's incredibly creative.  She brings pride to every job she does, whether it's for charity, activism, or wardrobing.

On Dec. 22nd, Stella was beaten by her partner in the hallway of his apartment.  Her partner threw her against a wall. Even though people could hear her crying in the hallway, one of his neighbors yelled for them to "keep it down", as if she had a choice in what was happening to her.

She was so upset that when the police finally came, she couldn't stop crying. Once they found out she was on medication for depression, they took her to a psych ward -- which victims of domestic violence shouldn't be taken to -- but often are.

 Police didn't see Stella as the victim in the dispute, even though the person who assaulted her is over 250 pounds and 6'3". Stella is about 5'6" and 150.  

Like many people in New York, she has a job, but like most of us, she wasn't planning on have to uproot her life over one event that happened near Christmas.
Now, she needs a new a new place to live, to get back into therapy, and a little breathing room. 

Please help Stella get a new apartment. Stella is a very proud person, so you can imagine how humbling it is to need others' help.  The average rent is $900 and to get a room you usually need first, last, and security deposit. Part of what you donate will cover moving costs as well. When she's needed oral surgery or medical help in the past, she's toughed it out until she saved the money for the procedures. I want her to know that she doesn't have to rebuild alone. There are people who love and care for her, maybe even people she's never met!