Hi, my name is Paula, and I NEVER thought I would find myself in this position. As a healthcare billing expert, caregiver, an advocate for worker rights, and advocate for canines, I have spent years helping others stay afloat in a system that often fails them. Now, I’m the one trying to stay afloat.

Despite delivering exceptional performance across two behavioral health employers, I was terminated—not for poor work, but for asking to be paid for wages that were rightfully earned. One withheld $3,720, the other $9,600. Together, they owe me $13,320 in unpaid wages.

Both misclassified me as a 1099 contractor, even though they set my hours, demanded timesheets, and treated me as a full employee. According to IRS guidelines, I should have been classified as a W-2 employee—with unemployment insurance coverage. Because that coverage was never paid, I’ve been fighting an uphill battle for basic unemployment benefits—a bureaucracy stacked against me.

Since April 27, 2025, I’ve searched tirelessly for work. But age discrimination has become another barrier. Despite my MBA, years of experience, and 4.0 PhD coursework in management, opportunities remain out of reach—and time is running out.

️ Here’s what’s on the line:

• Eviction risk

• Impending utility shutoffs

• Loss of my only vehicle

• Ongoing caregiving for my 93-year-old mother with Stage 3 cancer

I’m asking for $25,000 to:

• Recover earned wages ($13,320)

• Cover rent, utilities, phone services, internet, and vehicle retention and repairs while I secure new work ($5,680)

• Pay legal and administrative costs to challenge misclassification and wage theft, as well as Advocate for change and help protect others from employer abuse ($6,000)

And in gratitude: I’ll donate $1 from every donation to Dollars for Doxies/Kash for K9, an amazing group that once helped me care for my beloved pet during challenging times. Their kindness matters—and I want to echo it.

If you believe in fair pay, dignity, and standing up for those who’ve been wronged by an employer, I ask you to support, share, or leave a message. Every act helps make it harder for employers to exploit those who serve them well. I cannot do it without your support. Every donation no matter how big or small, share, and kind message truly matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story--and thank you for believing in the power of resilience and new beginnings. I can sit around and watch it happen, or I can make it happen--I would rather make it happen.

Thank you for caring!