Justice for Jake: A Father's Fight for Education

The day my son was adopted is forever etched in my heart. After just three simple questions, I lost the ability to speak. I could only nod, fighting back tears with every ounce of strength, struggling not to break in front of the judge, the attorney, and the 50 people who meant the world to me. In that moment, I made a vow — a vow to protect him, advocate for him, and love him with everything I have. My son is my world. Every dream, every hope, every part of who I am is for him. He is everything.

But three and a half years later, my son still hasn’t received the special education services he’s entitled to from the North Providence School District. Not a single day of the support he deserves. Now, I find myself preparing for hearing, draining every last dollar I have, fighting to ensure a KINDERGARTEN child in Rhode Island receives trauma-informed services. Meanwhile, North Providence's Superintendent, Joseph Goho — named Superintendent of the Year — refuses to return my calls.

I love my son more deeply than words could ever capture. And while the district continues to rack up massive legal bills, I want to be clear: I will do whatever it takes. I will sell my home, empty my retirement fund, give up everything I own — everything — to make sure my son gets equal access to his education. I recently lost my job. I am a transgender service member preparing for discharge from the military. I will not stop. These are speed bumps, not a stop sign. Jake deserves the best this world has to offer and I will stop at nothing to provide it to him.

But the truth is, there are thousands of families in Rhode Island who don’t have the resources to fight this battle. Families who can’t take on a district for years, and push all the way to the highest levels of this state.

Not every parent has the time or energy to pore over data, analyze every move, and hire the best legal and educational experts when all other options have failed. Not every foster parent has the strength to sacrifice their peace, their savings, their time — their very life — to fight for basic services for a child who deserves so much more.

Children in Rhode Island — especially our foster and adoptive youth — deserve better. My son, my baby, deserves better. And I will never stop fighting. I will never rest. I will never relent for even a single moment until he receives everything he is owed from North Providence School District.

This fight is for him. And for every child who needs a voice.

Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof.

My faith commands relentless commitment to my son, to justice, and to my kehillah (community) — they will have nothing less.

Justice, justice, I shall pursue.

Please donate today to support my fight against North Providence School District.

When we win, all funds will be placed into a fund called "The Potter Project" to support families of foster and adoptive youth seeking educational advocacy services in Rhode Island.

Justice for Jake.

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