Help Send Fern to College

Hi Friends!

I'm asking for your loving and generous help for a young person who's heading off to college in a couple weeks.

We met Fern (formerly Bella) when they were a classmate of Penelope's at Bryant Montessori. Penelope and them quickly became very very close and I quickly grew to love this fierce, smart, loving, funny person. They are smart as a whip and funny and so much fun.

Sadly, their home life and parenting was not what this (and all children) deserve. As they grew older, they were relocated to Las Vegas with a parent, but that situation was extremely unstable (they were left alone for weeks at a time when they were 10 years old). Addiction and absenteeism led them back to Tacoma to the care of other family members. Unfortunately, they ended up homeless and landed in a friend's home (before you ask, they know our house is always there for them).

Through all of this, they stayed in school and graduated in the Class of 2022 from Silas High School with distinction. There were many challenges they faced during the pandemic to navigate staying engaged and they did all of it and blew my mind with the resources they were able to find for help. And they stayed working practically full time at a variety of serving jobs just to be able to afford a basic rent. They're an incredible inspiration and I am beyond proud of their grit.

We helped them navigate the collection application and financial aid process (which is INSANELY complicated), especially when the school didn't really do the best job supporting them. Also, their mother who is very unreliable is still claiming them as a dependent on taxes which complicates things.

Side note: if you think there's a TON of resources out there for unparented, homeless youth, you'd be incorrect.

They are starting at Western Washington University in Bellingham this month and while scholarships and financial aid mostly cover their tuition and housing, there's a LOT not covered.

Dorm room furniture, Computer, Bedding, Supplies, Clothing, Trash bags, Organizers, etc.

I know there is much need in our world right now and I am hoping that you can donate like $5 or $10 so we can ease their transition to University. Let's all try and hold this incredible young person who's been a very bad hand from a young age. Please, if you can, let's help give them the support and tools they need to create a better life for themself!

Thank you so much