Help Claudia Get on Her Feet! Account Recovered

Help Claudia Get Back on Her Feet!

My name is Claudia and I’ve spent my life always putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes that has been a challenge – especially after the brain surgery and then while recovering from ankle surgery. This time it’s a financial difficulty. While rare for me, in the last couple of years some totally unexpected things occurred that never could have been predicted and have caused an emergency financial hardship.

I prefer to be the one helping others. There is nothing like helping others in need. Friends have often told me that I “suck” at asking for help for myself. I’m running short of time and facing the risk being evicted from my apartment and/or having utilities cut off. So, circumstances have forced me to ask for help. I am asking for help and praying for temporary assistance primarily for rent & utilities.

I’ve shared more details below to help you learn about me, what I’ve done to help myself as well as other steps that are still in process. (Some take a few days/weeks/months to wrap up).

A BIT ABOUT MY HISTORY & HOW I GOT TO WHERE I AM TODAY...........

For the past 17 years, I’ve run my own business - CSR Virtual Solutions, LLC. We specialize in back-office support for small to medium sized businesses with Accounting, Graphic Design and other Virtual Assistant services. See more about my company services at http://csrvirtual.net along with client testimonials.

Once it occurred to me that I had rescued him, and for the last 8 years, his heartbeat has always been in the same room with me, he has provided many laughs, great comfort and unconditional companionship - I had to give treatment a shot. Even after negotiating with the vets and receiving support from others I still owed $4200. I paid just under $1,500 and am making installment payments on the balance.

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Even though I have gained new clients & projects to

replace a good portion of the business that I lost;

due to 2 years of shortages, I’ve depleted my

savings account and maxed out my credit.

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WHAT I'VE DONE TO HELP MYSELF ..........

• When COVID hit, I like most, modified the budget to only include necessities. I don’t eat out, I don’t order in, haven’t bought new clothing or furnishings in over 2 years – except for physical therapy equipment and medical supplies recommended by my physical therapists.

• Business & work related: I have improved my website, gained another new certification in accounting software (still studying for the 2nd exam/certification) extended my jobs searches to include both full-time positions with a traditional employer, and expanded my portfolios on freelance websites like, Upwork, Guru, FlexJobs, Freelancer and others. (A continual process.)

• Reached out to the State agency “Texas-211” (clearing house which identifies local programs to assist with support of housing, utilities and other needs. (In process.)

• Got rid of my storage unit & everything in it, and let my car go so I wouldn’t have to get it repaired or pay for my carport rental. We have great ride-share here.

• Listed everything I own that can be sold on Nextdoor, FaceBook Marketplace and Craig’s list.

• Negotiated with my creditors to temporarily reduce my APR and/or balances.

• I arranged for a “Personal” Line of credit, and when the person found out I had paid for Boo Boo’s treatment, he disappeared on me.

He finally had to come by to pick up some of his accounting documents and I asked him why he quit answering my calls & emails. He then pointed to Boo Boo.

Our written and executed agreement said nothing about any limitations or exclusions on how funds could be used, and I desperately wanted to say to him, “I never imagined you as being this punitive” – I knew it would fall on deaf ears, so I remained silent.

• I discovered at age 62 + 1 month I can submit a claim for EARLY SOCIAL SECURITY RETIREMENT BENEFITS. I turn age 62 + 1 month on Christmas day - 2023! - Woo Hoo!!!I

I have put together all my documents and application for early benefits and have my telephone appointment with them next Tuesday, December 12th to ensure that I have everything as it should be before I submit my final application. I’m unsure how long this takes to process.

I am confident that through my perseverance and some help from others I'll get back on my feet both literally and figuratively .........

After all, I have a proven track record of doing it before.

• In 1999, I went on disability with a brain anomaly known as Arnold-Chiari malformation. After brain surgery in October 1999, it took me 2 years to learn how to walk and talk again.

• Was just getting everything back together when on June 21, 2001, Steve my beloved husband of 10 years was. killed in a home invasion.

• The home we had built was foreclosed on in 2006 and my 5-year-old son and I relocated just north of Dallas, to McKinney TX.

• During the financial & emotional healing process, I became an avid volunteer at ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship which provides equine therapy for disabled children & adults.

I was named Volunteer of the year in 2009 and my youngest son was named Junior volunteer of the year shortly after-wards. In 2011, I was one of the first 2 to win a 2,000 hours award.

I’d also like to offer another option – a trade of sorts .....

If you need any services offered by CSR Virtual Solutions, LLC - I’d love to see if we might be a good fit for your project needs. If so, I’ll happily post your donation as a retainer for future services.

Learn more about CSR Virtual Solutions, LLC here http://csrvirtual.net or contact me through GoFundMe.

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My current immediate need is $3,500 by December 15th + a maximum of $4000 to get me caught up through January. It could be way less than that depending upon when the SSA benefits begin, what I sell, and what other community assistance I may qualify for.

Funds will only be used for Rent, Utilities, CSR Virtual software used in the business and minimal groceries.

And/or , if you know of any other agencies that might be able to help, please share contact information. Currently I know of Community Lifeline Center, Assistance Center of Collin County and Texoma Council of Governments.

If you know of any services offering temporary shelter please let me know. I've already made arrangements to relocate Boo Boo. ___________________________________________________

For years I've collected Quotes for inspiration and this has always been a favorite of mine.

I you or someone you know is able to help or may know of additional resources let me know. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I promise that when I'm back on solid ground ..... I'll pay it forward.

Sincerely,

Claudia S. Russell

To forward this post please use this link: GoFundMe Link

UPDATE at 12/12/2023.

While I haven't received any donations yet, I have received many well wishes and I thank all who have put me in your prayers! :)

Update 12/13/2023

Social Security Application completed! Required original documents to be delivered to local SSA office tomorrow.