Support Jake James: Help Sustain His Journey

You probably know my son, Jake James. We hope he brings a smile when you think of him. If you're meeting Jake for the first time, we hope you'll be compelled by his story. I adore my 46 year old son and hope you'll embrace his story.

Jake was diagnosed on the autism spectrum eight years ago after a lifetime of struggle and wonder about "what makes me so different from others?". Of course, when he was school-aged, no one knew about the autism spectrum and many professionals over the years took a stab at trying to diagnose Jake. He suffered humiliation, repeated job failure, academic failure, homelessness, relationship failure, before we finally tracked it down.

Once he received his diagnosis, the psychologist suggested he apply for SSI Disability, which we have been struggling with ever since. Jake has been turned down five times as of February 2025--this last round even with a wonderful lawyer who specializes in autism. And our lawyer is currently appealing Jake's case, but it will not be heard by the federal appeals judge until next winter.

Jake was not gifted a wealthy family. Instead he was gifted his single-mom and his dear brother, who low-income as we are, have been his anchors. Jorgen, especially, who shares a house with Jake and is his conduit to the world, has sacrificed much to always be there, day in, day out, for Jake. Cousins and his auntie and my husband Ben round out his small circle of support. Jake has also been gifted an older couple, also parents of a son on the spectrum and who "get" Jake, who have him in their employ as yard guy and general beast of burden two days a week. Jake helps his "Aunt 2T" (Linda) do the heavy lifting in her yard and garden.

After twelve years in retirement, I took a one-year contract at the local museum to enable me to financially assist Jake to make ends meet until Disability kicks in. We were all banking on this being the year that he would finally be granted his Disability, but unfortunately, the fight continues at least for another year.

After July of this year, I will no longer have the extra income to be of much financial support while we're waiting for his next hearing. And that's where you all come in. We are hoping that if you know and appreciate Jake and our family (some reading this are meeting us for the first time), you will contribute to this fund from which we'll dole out minimally $250/month to keep him sustained at least until his next hearing. Whatever you are able to contribute is deeply appreciated by Jake and all of his family.