Support Stefan's Journey to a New Life in NYC

Who is Stefan?

Hi, I’m Stefan Van Sant, 39, and I need urgent financial support to move for a new job. As a therapist dedicated to helping others, I never thought I’d be in this position asking for help, and being this transparent and vulnerable is difficult for me. But after a long period of struggle, I’ve realized I can’t do this alone.

Backstory

Since 2017, I’ve experienced profound change, loss and mental health issues. I’ve battled severe depression and substance abuse (alcohol, amphetamines) since I left a career as a professional musician behind—a cornerstone of my life. After my mom’s passing in 2024, I’ve also experienced grief and isolation where I live in Georgia, and lack a community to lean on. Furthermore, I made a difficult choice for my mental health to distance myself from a psychologically abusive and homophobic family, which left me without a safety net.

Two months ago, things became much worse. I lost my job in Georgia and health insurance. Therefore, I’m unable to afford my medication for depression, anxiety and ADHD as well as therapy to help manage my situation and grief. As such, I’ve also faced suicidal ideation. Unfortunately, I don’t qualify for disability or SSI and I’ve depleted my savings for survival. Plus, the weight of student loan debt also makes it impossible to take out a personal loan, and despite my best efforts to secure freelance work, I have not been able to cover basic needs, such as housing, food and transportation. I’ve exhausted state rental assistance and other local community resources, therefore I’m left with few options.

Charting a New Course

Despite these setbacks, I’ve been applying to jobs nonstop and recently accepted a job offer in New York City that starts June 23rd, and it’s everything I’ve been working towards—a chance to build a life I can be proud of and fulfill a promise I made to my mom the night before she passed: to live a better, fuller life. It is my responsibility to realize my potential that she believed in. In NYC, I have connections in the LGBTQIA+ community, friends, extended family, and opportunities in my field to pursue my goals to help musicians as a therapist, coach artists, and return to my first love: music.

How Will the Funds Be Used?

The funds raised will help me cover current costs of living, such as June’s prorated rent, medication needs, an overdue internet bill, and food for myself and my cat Charlie. The funds will also go directly towards my move from Georgia to NYC, paying for tire repairs and gas for the move, plus first month’s rent in NYC to set me up for my new job.

If you’re able to help and can spare $1, $5 or anything else, it would mean the world to me. Every bit counts and will help cover moving costs and getting me settled in my new home and job. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my fundraiser with others would help me tremendously.

This is my chance to start over. I must move into the next phase of my life in a meaningful way. I’ve been stuck and stagnant for years, and I don’t want to continue down this path any longer. This is my chance to take responsibility for my happiness and live a better life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

With gratitude,

Stefan