Penland School of crafts tuition

My name is Brandon Allen I am 37 years old. My story, is not a story  for sympathy. I am asking for a hand up not a hand out.

 August 06,2013 is the day I made the decision to change my life. I decided to live. I am a recovering drug addict who has used drugs for the better part of my life. For the  past two + years I have had many challenges sober/clean. I have loved and lost, I have had my car stolen and because my car was my bread and butter, I also lost my home and most of my things including one of my cats.  That same morning my car was stolen I was given the diagnoses of  AIDS after being HIV positive for 10 years. But those situations did not break me because i have a great network of incredible  friends and family along with an even stronger desire to live, with their support and my hard work.  I now  have an apartment for me and my little girl (Nevaeh Grace, my service dog) who keeps me complaint with my Bipolar and HIV medication. 

 I can't tell you how long it's been since I have been so at peace.

 So I have decided it's time to pursue my dreams of becoming a wood worker. I dream to design and create my own furniture.  I have so many ideas but lack the know how to produce. I crave to creating desirable pieces. So here I am asking for help. So that I can go to school and develop the skills to make my dream a reality.  

    I have gotten this far by learning how to ask and receive help. And by pushing forward even when I felt hopeless. I will use what I have learned in the past two years moving forward. I will need support in many ways. I am setting up a go fund me account because I can't financially on my own afford the type of schooling that I need. I am applying for a work study scholarship but I will still be responsible for almost $6,000. Registration ends November 28th and enrollment is in March when I need the money. I am working however my money goes towards my bills, with very little leftover. I will be putting what ever I can aside but it will not be enough. so please I am asking for a hand up not a hand out. the amount that i am trying to reach will fund the remainder of the work study program at Penland school of crafts and the amount to keep my apartment while I am gone. I have given up on so many things in my life because of fear and not feeling worthy. But all that I have gone thru, has been teaching me that. I am worthy and that I will be ok no matter what as long as I don’t use drugs and I have faith that God is looking after me.

 Thank you so much for your donations.

Please leave me your contact info so that I can thank you personally, if you feel comfortable doing so. And so I can keep you updated on how thing are going.