I met Valerie over food, compost, and farming in Washington, DC, around 2017/2018. I feel blessed we have remained friends over the years, sharing recipes, books, and gardening time. I was excited (and a little sad) when she decided to move to Philly about three/four years ago!

Since that time, Valerie suffered two head injuries at the same workplace which have left her with lasting cognitive impairment.

She quit that job because it was a consistent battle to get the accommodations she needs to continue recovery. With the continual stress of post-traumatic brain injury changes (just walking down a noisy street became exhausting), dealing with the medical industrial complex as a dark-skinned Black femme, and just daily life, that battle was too much to continue to endure.

After a short period of resting and caring for herself, she is looking for a new job and needs help with rent/utilities while she settles into her home in Albany, NY. The funds are being used to cover her most essential needs. Please give what you can to help cover more than just her essential needs!