Hi, my name is Kimi and I am a mother of two teens and 2025 was a hard year. The cliff notes version is: I was laid off from my job of 8.5 years at the beginning of February and had a very difficult time finding a new job - it wasn't until August that I found new employment, but at a major pay cut from where I was. My car was totaled in a hit and run in March. I didn't get much for it so I cashed out my retirement to by a used car (and pay bills because unemployment wasn't cutting it and go back to school for a little while to try to finish my degree). The used car I purchased broke down after 2 months. And to top it all off, my dad died in September. (My dad's death doesn't really have anything to do with the fundraiser, but further explains why 2025 was difficult.) Not long after my dad died, I realized just how toxic and awful my new job was and left that to become a paraeducator for a local school district. It pays a little less than the other job, but it is the one thing of 2025 that has been a bright light for me. I love my new career! However, it is still at a massive pay cut compared to where I was.

Which is why I am here. I've tried to figure out side hustles, second jobs, where to cut back further - trying to make things work financially. I've applied for benefits and assistance but have yet to receive anything.

So I am asking for help to pay for a bankruptcy attorney. It's not ideal, but without my credit card debts, I'll actually be able to breathe and not be constantly behind on all of my bills. The attorneys I've contacted are asking for $1,500 for their retainer. I sold my broken down car but that money, unfortunately, ended up going to keeping us afloat. So I am trying to crowd fund the whole thing. If I am somehow blessed with more than I need, it will go to bills and food. And if I am super blessed, perhaps a new TV. (Nothing fancy. Mine just broke so it would be nice to have one again.)

If you made it this far, thank you very much. If you are able to donate at all, I am amazed by your kindness and can't thank you enough.