Yesterday my entire life changed.

I’m a momma who just escaped a very dangerous domestic violence situation with my children. I never imagined I would be writing something like this, but I’m asking for help because we are in survival mode right now.

Yesterday, during what became a terrifying episode of extreme mania and instability, my partner put my children and me in real danger while driving on the freeway. What happened was not just an argument — it was a moment where I truly believed we might not survive. I had to get my kids and myself out to protect our lives. If you would like me to go in into more detail, I will explain to you in a private message.

He was the person who helped pay the bills. He was our financial support. Because of him staying with us we are so behind on bills, And now, overnight, that support is gone — but leaving was not a choice… it was a necessity to keep us alive.

Right now, we are safe, he is out and staying across the street and I’ve been hearing words that he will come over here . but we don’t yet have a stable place to stay as of right now What we urgently need is something very simple: a safe hotel or short-term place for about a week where we can rest, breathe, and be close to our church and support system while we figure out next steps. We don’t need anything fancy — just somewhere safe for my kids to sleep and feel protected. Somewhere close to Mattoon.

At the same time, I am facing everything at once:

• No income

• No childcare

• Rent and utilities due

• Groceries, diapers, and basic needs

• Legal and safety-related expenses

• Trauma recovery for me and my kids

I am a mom who just went from “trying to hold it together” to suddenly being the only provider, protector, and planner for my children — with nothing lined up yet.

I want people to understand something important:

Leaving an abusive relationship is one of the most dangerous and financially devastating moments in a woman’s life. It is not just emotional .. it is practical, terrifying, and overwhelming. When you leave, you don’t just leave a person… you leave stability, income, and everything that was holding the roof over your head.

I am not asking for luxury. I am asking for time to breathe.

Time to secure childcare.

Time to find work.

Time to stabilize after trauma.

Time to keep my kids safe and fed.

Every dollar donated will go toward:

• A safe hotel or short-term housing near our church

• Rent and utilities

• Food and essentials for my children

• Childcare so I can work

• Transportation

• Safety, stability, and rebuilding our life

If you’ve ever known someone in an abusive relationship, please know this: the hardest part isn’t staying — it’s leaving. And the moment you do, you often lose everything at once.

If you can give, we are beyond grateful.

If you can share, that also helps more than you know.

If you can pray, we need that too desperately

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me keep my children safe and giving us a chance to rebuild until we feel safe again.

— Krystin