First, thank you from both Sheena and her fundraising team for taking the time to view this page. We understand that everyone is going through a struggle these days. Please know you are not alone and as Sheena has said about her situation, “You are not doing yourself any favors suffering alone, asking for help is a super-power all in itself.”

 

Our incredible friend, Sheena Marie Garcia, born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, is experiencing hardships, multiple hardships. She is homeless and in a state of poor health. Sheena was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 17 but she doesn’t let that define her. She is living outside of the familiarity of the United States, in Alsace, France. Her career and love brought her there, but like many others, the marriage ended in divorce. The reason she is staying in France is to fight for the custody of her son. The real love of her life!

During the pandemic there was despair everywhere. Silently struggling, Sheena didn’t tell anyone what was happening to her because she felt her battles were hers and hers alone. She couldn’t find work and lost her housing and ultimately, this caused her to lose custody of her son. Her world crumbled. For the last SIXTEEN months Sheena has had to endure so much. Last winter was the hardest. After experiencing abuse and theft from the shelters, she tried to find shelter on her own, but that was no easy feat – police would fine anyone found outside during curfew, homeless or not... and it was freezing. Legal resources that should have been available to her were furloughed during the confinement. This lifestyle has taken a toll on her already weakened immune system. She has been in and out of hospitals as recently as last month due to her stressful living situations and her previous medical conditions. She needs dental care. She has anemia because she doesn’t have a way to prepare and/or store her own food. After being through so much, she realized she needed help.

 

Sheena has been my best friend and SOUL sister since 6th grade. We grew up together.

 

Sheena Marie Garcia is a mother, daughter, friend, and beautiful human being. She is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. Cooking in restaurants as a teen, she knew she wanted to be a chef.

Sheena is a recipient of a Culinary degree from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. She moved to New York starting her externship as a prep-cook through the Hyatt, gaining permanent employment. Working her way up the ranks to Banquet Sous Chef, she catered meals to the staff of the Ellen DeGeneres, Tony Danza, and Tyra Banks Shows. Sheena still worked harder and was accepted into the high-anxiety program of Corporate Management Training through the Hyatt in Chicago, IL. This provided Sheena the education to set-up and run the hotel restaurant – which she did at the Andaz West Hollywood. While in France, prior to having her son and before leaving her career to stay at home and raise him, Sheena was working at a 5–star/Palace Status, Hyatt in Paris, France.

 

Sheena does not see herself as a victim. She is a survivor. If this can happen to her, this can happen to anyone. She has experienced levels of cruelty and indifference no person should experience. Knowing this, she continues her long battle to get back on her feet. Somehow, she manages to still be thoughtful and appreciative in the process. Since the end of the confinement, Sheena has worked tirelessly with her social workers and court appointed lawyer. Sheena needs financial support – for her son, for her wellbeing, and for her safety! This is where we kindly ask for a monetary donation. All money collected will go towards expenses for housing, food, medical assistance, utilities, transportation to legal/medical appointments and any additional unforeseen costs. We look forward to updating everyone about the progress Sheena will be making and the milestones we will celebrate together, WITH Sheena, cheering her along the way!

 

- Julia Lea D'Anci