Hi friends,

I’m Alena — a queer woman, a K-12 cooking, science, and tech educator, and someone who’s deeply committed to creating opportunities for others, especially youth who don’t always get the support they deserve.

Recently, I was accepted as a volunteer Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters. I even had a match: a queer kid who was excited to be paired with a Big who gets it.

But I lost the match — and for one reason only:

I don’t have a car.

Right now, I’m ready and willing to give my time, my care, and my heart. But I’m being held back from showing up for queer kids who need support, simply because I don’t have reliable transportation.

And it’s not just one match.

There are many queer Littles waiting to be matched with queer Bigs — and not enough of us to go around. That hit me hard. I’m here. I’m ready. I want to serve. But I can’t do that without a car.

So I’m asking for help.

Not just so I can get to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment.

But so I can drive across town and be the person I wish I had when I was a queer kid.

Your support will go directly toward a safe, reliable used car and the basics to get it legal: registration, insurance, and repairs if needed. Any extra will go toward gas and maintenance while I get back on my feet.

If you’ve ever wished for more kindness in the world…

If you’ve ever had a mentor who changed your life…

If you’ve ever been the person someone needed…

I hope you’ll help me become that for someone else.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. Thank you for believing in queer joy and connection.

With all my heart,

Alena