Trauma Recovery for Kristen

Hi,

I’m Jean, and I am trying to help my very kind, dear, sweet friend Kristen. I met Kristen in graduate school. We attended UNCW’s School of Social Work, graduating in 2011 (Kristen) and 2012(me) and were fortunate enough to intern and get hired at the same agency following graduation.

Yesterday, I learned that Kristen and her boyfriend Tobin, were brutally attacked on March 30, by 6 strangers, as they were walking home from a local restaurant. Today, she sent me pictures, and it’s heartbreaking to see what’s been done to her. She is swollen and bruised, with no lasting physical injuries. However, the emotional trauma they have experienced, will continue for years.

Kristen has already experienced significant hardship in her life; the death of a sister, the challenge to get sober, and most recently living in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. All the while, remaining kind, loving and open hearted. Working as a social worker in various capacities in her communities over the years.

Here’s the ask: I’m hoping to provide her with a soft place to land. She just started a new job, so not much PTO. She has insurance, but deductibles and copays add up quickly. It’s also very likely that weekly therapy sessions, won’t cut it.

The money would be used to help offset the cost of treatment or self care needs in the coming months. As social workers, we often aren’t on the receiving end of “help”, we don’t like to ask, and we don’t like to take resources from those we might feel “need it more”. And in this moment, I can’t think of anyone else, I’d rather help.

On behalf of Kristen, Thank You.