Hi everyone,

We are reaching out to ask for your help in supporting a wonderful person, West, who has demonstrated incredible strength and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances. West wears many hats, and it would be impossible to mention them all, as they are constantly committed to improving whatever environment they are in. To name a few: West served on the board of the nonprofit music organization Ithaca Underground, is the founder of a music project called “Reclaim the Dance Floor,” which aims to make DJing accessible to QTBIPOC artists, is a sponsored hoop dancer with MoodHoops, is a gifted tarot reader, and is a certified meditation teacher. West recently experienced a life-altering event and now urgently needs $5,000 to pay restitution by December. This amount is required to fulfill the terms of a plea deal that will prevent a bench warrant and two felony charges from being filed. Our goal is to help West complete their recovery with a clean slate, free from the burden of debt and legal penalties.

West’s journey has been challenging. After stepping up at the nonprofit where they worked as Deputy Director—replacing a three-person team that suddenly and simultaneously quit—in order to keep the organization’s new 10-bed youth transitional housing project afloat, burnout set in, leaving them mentally and emotionally exhausted. While struggling to cope, West endured a terrifying event during a return from a vacation they treated themselves to in Toronto when a gun was pulled on them—a trauma that further impacted their mental health. Unfortunately, this led to a psychotic episode, a consequence of prolonged stress and unresolved trauma. During this period, amidst active psychosis, West, fearing for their life, caused damage to a Goodwill store 90 miles from their home, resulting in financial and legal repercussions. West is currently in treatment, working hard to heal, and is deeply committed to building a brighter future (even applying to graduate school). They are addressing their mental health, gaining support, and rediscovering their strengths.

West is making remarkable progress in treatment, and we are incredibly proud of them for their dedication to improving their life. This restitution payment is the last major barrier standing between West and a fresh start. Without this financial assistance, West’s recovery process could be disrupted, burdening them with a debt they cannot currently afford. Our hope is for them to complete their treatment free from the obligation of restitution so they can fully focus on rebuilding their life with confidence.

We are asking for your kindness and generosity to help raise the $5,000 needed by December. With your support, West can put this challenging chapter behind them, secure in the knowledge that a compassionate community has their back. Your contributions, no matter the size, will help West move forward without the shadow of debt, allowing them to embrace the new beginnings they have worked so hard to achieve.

Thank you for taking the time to read West’s story and for any support you can provide.