This is very difficult for me to do. I pride myself on being self-sufficient and independent. I have been a professional editor with a successful career in film and television for 20 years. I am a single mother of two teenagers who do well in school and are loving young humans. My son is special needs, and that provides its own unique challenges as I try to be the best mother I can for them. I have given back to the post-production community through volunteering for non-profit organizations like Los Angeles Creative Pro User Group and Blue Collar Post Collective. I have moderated and been a speaker on panels, taught seminars, mentored many up-and-coming editors, and produced a filmmaking edu-tainment podcast for the filmmaking community.

When the strikes hit a couple of years ago, I had just finished working on the finale of a television show. And I have not worked since then. I needed to continue to provide for my children while I tried to find work. I have drained my savings and have managed to extend it as long as I can by accumulating extremely high credit card debt. I have had to pay thousands for water damage to my home in that time and have delayed repairs in my home because I cannot afford it. There have been medical bills and car repairs. I've gone to food banks and ran out of food stamp benefits.

I need help as I am trying to find sources of income and get back on my feet and figure out my career path. I am too young to retire and too old to be considered for many other types of jobs. Thank you for reading.