Give Kristen's Family a Fresh Start and Hope

WE need a change desperately. I have 3 little ones, ages 2, 7, and 8. I also take care of my mother. I have been struggling for a few years now. I have no family to ask for help. I have been working, but it's not enough. My hours were cut and then I was let go. I've been looking for work ever since, but I cannot find an employer that is willing to work with me regarding the hours I need for my children and doctor's appointments for my mother. I am applying to be a paid home caregiver for my mother. I have been wanting to enroll in school to better our lives. My only vehicle is a minivan. The first week that I got the van, the engine blew. The mechanic I was told to bring it to by the person who sold me the car was paid ahead of time and did none of the work he was supposed to do. I'm supposed to pass emissions on the 14th, and I'm having a code for the O2 sensor. The mechanic said he put a brand new one in. I went to a different mechanic, and he told me that it was an old part, not a new O2 sensor, and I needed to buy a new one in order to pass emissions and be able to drive my vehicle. I need my vehicle for transportation for all of my three children and my mother. When I picked my vehicle up after 4 months of the mechanic working on it, it was completely trashed and had beer cans and drug paraphernalia all over my family van. if anyone would like to see the video I can't post it on this because it's too big. He never gave me any receipts, and when I asked again, I won't repeat the words that were spoken to me. I've been waiting for the rental assistance to go through. I got help two years ago, and it took them a year to pay the landlord. I reapplied again last year and have heard nothing. Also, the agency I was going through changed their department, so everything was switched to a completely different county agency. When I called to check on it, as I was at the top of the list before they moved it, I was told that they had lost all of my information and I'd have to start all over again. I have been trying to get ahold of these people since last year. They tell me to just wait and they'll call me; it shouldn't take more than 2 weeks. That was August of last year. I emailed the landlord. The person that was handling my rent and lease, I was just told, no longer works there. That is why none of my emails were answered. The company that owns the land my house is on bought it to build subdivisions. They plan on tearing the house down, and the lease leaves them no responsibility to fix or maintain the house properly. e have had to do it. I have worked so hard and have nothing to show for it.At this point, I feel like a complete idiot. so many memories made here. It's amazing how many years just flew right by. Their dad has been doing much better but is in no position to help financially. He's working on himself. thank God. I've lost jobs due to sick kids and no one to help me.

I've lost one job because I chose to take my mom to see her specialist. There was a last-minute cancellation, and they said they could get her in. If I didn't take her to that appointment, she wasn't going to see the doctor until 7 months later. She's in pain most of the time from neuropathy as well as degenerative disc disease, and they think she might have multiple sclerosis. We've also been waiting over a year and multiple tests, but they still can't tell my mom what's wrong. And all the testing they did had nothing to do with multiple sclerosis. So she's still waiting for them to do that test. I'm just exhausted mentally, physically, and soulfully. I need help to have a reliable vehicle and a home and money to help me have a fresh start. I have been wanting to go back to school, but with everything going on, I didn't want to enroll and get the grants and then not be able to complete my education. I have been building this life and making this house a home for my babies. Now I have to move. I feel so stupid for taking this long to admit to myself that the fairy tale dream life I was trying to build while there dad was lost and struggling. I couldn't do it alone. I need help. It's heartbreaking it has come to this. I can't afford to live anywhere else in this area. The kids, my mother, and I have been through so much. I want my mother to see me succeed and be happy before she dies. I want the kids to be able to flourish

think everyone should shine bright.. I went from 165 lb to 95 lb I had bleeding ulcers in my throat stomach and colon. my body wouldn't let me eat but a few bites and then my body wasn't even absorbing the nutrients. by the time I went to the hospital I was extremely dehydrated and malnourished even though I was still eating.I cannot I don't really know what to ask for; I just need help. I just want to show my kids it's never too late. To have faith in God to know that they are my world. I just want to do better. I do everything I can for my kids. Their dad is a great dad and they love him. the healing has began and I support that. it's been a long hurtful road and I'm trying to look at him with love and forgiveness but it's going to take time. God kept me off that road and gave me strength to say not me. my addiction was taking care of everybody and forgetting about me. I'm stepping out from underneath those shade tree people. IT'S TIME FOR US TO SHINE AND GET STRONG!! I need to focus on myself and the kids and my mom. I need to put myself first so that I can be the mother daughter and woman my family needs me to be. But right now I need the support, help, kindness, guidance and generosity of strangers to help me. Thank you for your time.

God bless.

Sincerely, my family and I