Hey, y'all. Jen here.

Most of you seeing this know me, but writing a little more context for why I'm creating this fundraiser.

When I tell you that the last couple of years have been brutal, well... they have.

5 of the most traumatic life experiences one can have include:

The thing about all of the above is that I had to experience all of this within a 6-month period.

And yet, I'm still here. I'm still surviving. But it's getting harder and harder to keep going. I'm exhausted, drained, and my resources are limited or scarce. My finances were wiped out during the time I cared for my mom. My last full-time job was great and helped me rebuild a bit. I've updated my resume, and have been looking and applying for jobs since that ended in November. I haven't landed anything solid yet. In the meantime, I've restarted my small business and things are starting to gain traction with discovery calls and new clients. But it's not enough to call stable.

After the loss of Agapi, so soon after mom, I didn't think I could open my heart again. I wanted to shut it tight so I couldn't hurt again. But I ended up meeting Pinky, a foster dog from the shelter where Agapi was from. I don't know what I'd do without her. She helps with the loneliness and her unconditional love helps me as I grieve. As my foster, I don't have to worry about her medications and food. But I want her to be a foster fail once I can get things in my life to be more secure. So that's more motivation to keep on fighting through so much adversity. She also gives me strength when I'm scared and vulnerable. Like right now, as I'm writing this.

Listen. I'm not looking for a lazy handout. I'm in a really difficult situation. This is real talk about my life. My life that I'd like to continue living. Some folks have been asking me how they can help, and a few good friends suggest I start this GoFundMe.

I'm continually pushing and persisting through so much, constantly trying to survive. But it's a lot for one person to deal with, and there is so much that needs to be done. In addition to hustlin' for work, I am reaching out for help from any public services that are offered, journaling, reading self-help books, and trying to "be positive" and shift my thinking so I can fight off intrusive thoughts, remain hopeful, and keep persisting. I don't have insurance anymore, so I haven't had a talk therapist since November. Though I'm getting some outside help in managing my mental health. Some days, it's really hard just to get through daily tasks, and I've got all of these other things I'm trying to do with very little resources and fighting against a clock.

Life happens. I know I'm not the only one experiencing hardship. But I need help. This fundraiser is to help me get back on my feet and take the worries of making April rent and essential utilities off my back. This will allow me to put even more concentrated effort on the job hunting/rebuilding my small business.

It's imperative that I be able to put all of my physical and mental energy there without fear of phone/internet/power/gas getting shut off. I already went through that this past month and had to jump through lots of hoops and have difficult conversations to extend deadlines or create payment plans. Thankfully, I had landed a couple of clients that got my March rent covered and paid the past dues for February.

If you have the means to help me get through this financially, I would be so greatly thankful. You'd be investing in someone who does so much to give back to others and help communities in need. The difference is that this time, I'm the one who needs the help.

If you want to help, and money is not an option, there are other ways you still can. Help me get this GoFundMe out for increased visibility. If you are in Atlanta, maybe you can come by and visit. Go on a walk with me and Pinky. If you're not, maybe we can set up a Zoom or time on the phone to catch up.

You can also refer any creative jobs for me to check out and apply to. Also, share my name and my small business (JDR-Creative) if you or anyone you know have any creative needs. If you'd rather support me financially and want something for it, you can commission me for some artwork.

Anyways, I'm just trying to rebuild myself so I can rise like a phoenix from the ashes... (So Atlanta. IYKNYK)

Thanks for taking the time to read all of this. I really hope you'll consider helping me with this fundraiser.