Help Steve Johnson, Father and Teacher in Chile

Dear Friends and Community, 


I am reaching out to you because I need help. 

I am a father and teacher who lives in Santiago, Chile. I have worked in culture and education my whole life. I grew up in Kansas City, and lived in Brooklyn, NY and Beaufort, SC before moving to Chile. 

Three years and nine months ago, I moved to Chile so my son's mother could return to her homeland, and so my son could experience his mother's family, culture, and language of Chile. A year after we arrived, his mother and I separated and a few months after that, my contract ended at the international school where I was employed. The break up was difficult emotionally, and on many other levels. At the same time, losing my job put my life at great risk financially. And, I was in a place far from where I had friends and family. I had no choice but to keep going. 

I rented an apartment a few blocks from where my son lived with his mom. I lived there for nine months and began tutoring and teaching private classes, however, I was no longer able to afford the apartment as a tutor and private teacher. In Chile, you need to put down seven months rent in advance which was not possible, in addition to a work contract. 

Most thankfully for now, my girlfriend has shared her home with my son and I. My son lives with me half of the time. I teach everyday, and pay for 100% of my son's education. Education in Chile is expensive. The kindness and generousity of my girlfriend has enabled me to survive and remain in Chile with my child, however, her apartment is not able to accomodate us all. She has a child of her own to care for as well. 

The transmission of my car recently went out so I use the bus to go from class to class. I spend between 3 to 5 hours commuting nearly every day. I rely on my car to teach in several different locations in Santiago everyday. 

My son Andalu is now 15, is an excellent student, and enjoys school very much. His school has been the most stable thing for him since we arrived. He is a remarkable, caring, kind young man and I am doing everything I can to care for him, as an immigrant in a foriegn land with little support network here. 

We are in need of a modest place to live, my son is in need of education, my car is in need of repair, I am without health insurance, and I am doing everything I can to survive here and be with my child. I also have two small dogs that came with us from the States. 

I am asking for your help. I continue to apply for better paying work here. Although have not been able to land a higher paying job, I know there is work for me to do. I continue to teach English reading, writing, and comprehension classes and tutor students everyday. I have been doing this for two years without stop, without healthcare, without taking a break.  

One of the most difficult things to do is to ask for help. I have been working to survive and have not felt like I was able to ask. Thank you  for reading this and contributing if you are able. Please know it is going to a person who is doing everything possible to care for his son. I am also trying hard to give back and contribute to the world around me. 

For those of you who know me, you know I am a visual artist as well as a teacher. I have contributed to many efforts to help others in need over the years. I was a Student Support Services Councelor at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. I have donated my time and art work to The Lotus House, https://lotushouse.org/, a women's shelter in Miami for many years, to the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Beaufort SC, and here in Chile to Desafío, Levantamos https://www.desafiolevantemoschile.org/. These are all amazing organizations that do great work for people. 

For any contribution, I will send an original work of art. Please leave your address so I am able to send to you an artwork for contributing. Please understand, a contribution of any amount is completely appreciated. 

Thank you  so very much. 

Sincerely, 

Steve Johnson