A Family in need

I’m writing this request on behalf of my dear friend Shelli and her girls.

Shelli and I have known each other forever. We met in pre-school and have remained friends throughout our life. She’s one of those friends I can go long stretches of time without seeing or talking with, and then we pick right back up where we left off. I’ve watched her overcome so many things in her life. (Those things are hers to share, if she chooses to do so.) If you don’t already know, I can tell you: she faces life’s challenges and her own personal demons with courage, integrity, and an ever- present sense of humor. She’s never afraid to speak her truth or advocate for the rights and dignity of others. If her friends or family have a burden, she is the first one to encourage, praise, or help carry the load. If SHE has a burden, however, she’s the last person to ask for help. That’s why I am writing this request.

As you may, or may not know, Shelli’s beautiful granddaughter, Shaila, is hearing impaired. A couple of years ago, Shelli made the decision to relocate her family (Shaila, Tyesha, and herself) to the Bay Area so Shaila could attend the California School for the Deaf in Fremont- one of only two deaf schools in California. She is also committed to helping Tyesha, who attends Chabot College in Hayward, get her college degree. Shelli made these commitments knowing it would require financial sacrifice, but those sacrifices have turned out to be far greater than she ever expected. Unable to find adequate housing, she lived in a women’s shelter for a while so Shaila would not have to be alone at her school in Fremont. They finally found housing, but over the past year the monthly rent has increased far beyond what they are able to pay. The high cost of living in the Bay Area and limited housing options combined with unexpected health issues preventing her from working as planned have resulted in some serious financial difficulties.

The family has the opportunity to move to a more affordable place, but cannot do so without assistance. Shelli feels uneasy asking her family and friends for help, but I don’t. I know what kind of friend she has been to all of us.

The goal is $6500. That may be a lot for one person, but for 255 Facebook friends, it’s $25 and some change, each. So, if you have a little extra this month you’re willing to share, please, help me lift up our beautiful friend.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Julaine