Fresh Start for Gina & Storm Team
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Fresh Start for Gina & Storm Team
Our Story
It is very hard for me to ask for help. I am known as strong, independent, and usually the one raising money and serving/helping others. After much prayer and a family meeting with my 4 children (affectionately called the Storm Team), we decided together that now is the right time to tell our story and ask for help.
After making the difficult decision to leave my marriage (16 years) and receiving the "green light" from God, I packed up my children (22, 15, 14, 11) and relocated to Metro Atlanta in April 2018 from the Syracuse, NY area. I have no regrets!
My oldest daughter was able to transfer with her job, my younger 3 children adjusted very well academically, socially, and spiritually. I am VERY proud that they are all excellent students, never in trouble, and faithfully serve at our church Word of Faith. My entire life has been a life of service and I've spent many years working with thousands of youth. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Finding a professional position in my field(s), {non-profit management, fund-development, community engagement, or corporate training} was extremely difficult. So, I worked as a retail manager for several months while I continued my search. At minimum wage I was not making enough money to pay rent, buy groceries, pay utilities, or get medical insurance. As a result I fell WAY behind in rent and the other obligations. Some family and friends have given or loaned money to help us.
I finally was offered and accepted a position at a national nonprofit organization with salary lower than I'd normally make. I actually declined 2 offers to accept that position. But, I knew I had to work and was confident that I'd be able to catch up on all my bills. With Georgia being an "at-will" state, after working only 11 days, I no longer had a job. The only reason I was giving was "You are not a good fit". I literally felt like the rug had been pulled from underneath me!
I have some medical challenges and I've spent some time in the hospital. Because I don't have health insurance I owe $3500 in medical bills. I am now eligible for affordable insurance for my oldest daughter and I, but don't have the money to pay the $334/mo. premium which is due Dec. 31, 2018. My 2009 Dodge Caravan (Stella) is on it's last leg. Right before Christmas I was served with a Summons and facing eviction as I owe 3 months of rent plus late fees. January rent will be due soon. I have to be current on rent ($6,000) by my court date Jan. 7, 2019 or my children and I will possibly be evicted. (I have 3 months of security deposit holding with the property management company). An eviction in Georgia will make it extremely difficult to rent anywhere else. {My lease is up March 2019 and we will need to move at that time}
Praise God! I am finally working full-time! The job is not in my field, and is less money, but it's not far from the house and the money is decent. I'm actually receiving a raise in January! I'm also looking for a less expensive home to rent. Things will be tight but I can pay our living expenses. I also have other ways that I can earn money (booking travel, teaching coupon classes, grant writing, business development, and public speaking), but it's challenging to focus and be consistent since I am sooooo far behind financially. Getting caught up will give me peace and empower me.
Our Need
In 2019 I need a FRESH START! The ONLY thing I want is a fresh start! I believe in working hard and giving back, and I will continue to do so. Anyone that knows me will confirm this. Anything you can give to help me and the Storm Team will be a blessing!
I am raising money to become current on rent to avoid eviction, buy groceries, clothes/sneakers for the children, bring utilities current, pay my medical bills, medical insurance monthly premium, and to get to Syracuse, NY in January for a court case for my 11 yr. old son.
I am also seeking a life coach, financial planner, attorney, real estate professional, internist/family medicine physician, gynecologist, dentist, and a trusted car dealer in Metro Atlanta to assist me with putting some pieces of my life back together. I already have a mental health counselor who has been with me through this transition.
Our Outlook
Being a single mother of 4 with no child support is not easy. However, walking away from my marriage and moving out of state is the BEST thing I have EVER done for myself and children. It most certainly took a lot of courage. If you've never had to fight for your peace and start over you may not relate. I'm not sure why bad things happen to good people, but I know God has the best plan. I also know that I must control my response and stay positive. I believe the BEST is yet to come! While 2018 was a Transition year for my family, we believe 2019 is our Fresh Start year!
Thank you for reading our story and considering helping us. God bless everyone!
Love and blessings!
Gina & The Storm Team
[email redacted]
Our Story
It is very hard for me to ask for help. I am known as strong, independent, and usually the one raising money and serving/helping others. After much prayer and a family meeting with my 4 children (affectionately called the Storm Team), we decided together that now is the right time to tell our story and ask for help.
After making the difficult decision to leave my marriage (16 years) and receiving the "green light" from God, I packed up my children (22, 15, 14, 11) and relocated to Metro Atlanta in April 2018 from the Syracuse, NY area. I have no regrets!
My oldest daughter was able to transfer with her job, my younger 3 children adjusted very well academically, socially, and spiritually. I am VERY proud that they are all excellent students, never in trouble, and faithfully serve at our church Word of Faith. My entire life has been a life of service and I've spent many years working with thousands of youth. I am also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Finding a professional position in my field(s), {non-profit management, fund-development, community engagement, or corporate training} was extremely difficult. So, I worked as a retail manager for several months while I continued my search. At minimum wage I was not making enough money to pay rent, buy groceries, pay utilities, or get medical insurance. As a result I fell WAY behind in rent and the other obligations. Some family and friends have given or loaned money to help us.
I finally was offered and accepted a position at a national nonprofit organization with salary lower than I'd normally make. I actually declined 2 offers to accept that position. But, I knew I had to work and was confident that I'd be able to catch up on all my bills. With Georgia being an "at-will" state, after working only 11 days, I no longer had a job. The only reason I was giving was "You are not a good fit". I literally felt like the rug had been pulled from underneath me!
I have some medical challenges and I've spent some time in the hospital. Because I don't have health insurance I owe $3500 in medical bills. I am now eligible for affordable insurance for my oldest daughter and I, but don't have the money to pay the $334/mo. premium which is due Dec. 31, 2018. My 2009 Dodge Caravan (Stella) is on it's last leg. Right before Christmas I was served with a Summons and facing eviction as I owe 3 months of rent plus late fees. January rent will be due soon. I have to be current on rent ($6,000) by my court date Jan. 7, 2019 or my children and I will possibly be evicted. (I have 3 months of security deposit holding with the property management company). An eviction in Georgia will make it extremely difficult to rent anywhere else. {My lease is up March 2019 and we will need to move at that time}
Praise God! I am finally working full-time! The job is not in my field, and is less money, but it's not far from the house and the money is decent. I'm actually receiving a raise in January! I'm also looking for a less expensive home to rent. Things will be tight but I can pay our living expenses. I also have other ways that I can earn money (booking travel, teaching coupon classes, grant writing, business development, and public speaking), but it's challenging to focus and be consistent since I am sooooo far behind financially. Getting caught up will give me peace and empower me.
Our Need
In 2019 I need a FRESH START! The ONLY thing I want is a fresh start! I believe in working hard and giving back, and I will continue to do so. Anyone that knows me will confirm this. Anything you can give to help me and the Storm Team will be a blessing!
I am raising money to become current on rent to avoid eviction, buy groceries, clothes/sneakers for the children, bring utilities current, pay my medical bills, medical insurance monthly premium, and to get to Syracuse, NY in January for a court case for my 11 yr. old son.
I am also seeking a life coach, financial planner, attorney, real estate professional, internist/family medicine physician, gynecologist, dentist, and a trusted car dealer in Metro Atlanta to assist me with putting some pieces of my life back together. I already have a mental health counselor who has been with me through this transition.
Our Outlook
Being a single mother of 4 with no child support is not easy. However, walking away from my marriage and moving out of state is the BEST thing I have EVER done for myself and children. It most certainly took a lot of courage. If you've never had to fight for your peace and start over you may not relate. I'm not sure why bad things happen to good people, but I know God has the best plan. I also know that I must control my response and stay positive. I believe the BEST is yet to come! While 2018 was a Transition year for my family, we believe 2019 is our Fresh Start year!
Thank you for reading our story and considering helping us. God bless everyone!
Love and blessings!
Gina & The Storm Team
[email redacted]
Organizer
Gina White Rivers
Organizer
Lithia Springs, GA
