Support Redhawk with bills and their farm school journey

Hi, my name is John "Redhawk" Gutierrez.

I am a land steward, educator and current student in a farmer training program based in Austin, Texas. This is my first time asking for community support in this way....but I am learning to separate myself from pride, shame and humbly lean on my community for support during a time of need and transition in my life.

I left my job at the end of January working in food access to begin a 20 week training program in Organic Farming + Regenerative Ag-- that I have deeply desired to take for a 2+ years. I have received countless messages and affirmations to walk toward the path of farming. For me this desire is deeply rooted in the realities of our rapidly shifting world, food system and a desire to grow food for community, educate others on farming and mobilize for the future accordingly. I was also a stakeholder in the Austin/Travis County Food Plan from January 2023-Summer 2024---and hope to align my farming work with community-focused programs to support working class people.

I have been working part-time, while also going to Farm school Tuesday-Friday. It's been an amazing time of learning, growth and also a very challenging time in my life. I saved up some money to support myself through the transition, but I have run into a series of unexpected financial challenges since beginning Farm school in February.

1. My plan was to become a sub for AISD (I was a teacher for 3 yrs prior to working in food access + farming). This would have worked great with my schedule.....BUT after applying in February, it has literally taken 3 MONTHS FOR THE HIRING PROCESS...and I am barely getting to do orientation at the end of the month (April 30th).

2. April has been a particularly hard month financially...I had some unexpected car issues come up. $1500+ in mechanical work that needed to be done on my 12 year old (still in decent condition car).

+Had to get my starter ignition and keys replaced ~$750+ in total costs

+I ended up having to pay ~$400 in taxes this month

I am humbly asking for support this month with a few bills, rent money (due May 1st) + life expenses. I would deeply appreciate the support.

I am in week 13/20 of farm school....

I believe May will be a positive month + I will finish farm school mid June~

Thank you for reading, thank you for your support :)