Support My Journey to a New Life

Hi friends... this is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to write. I've always been the one who helps others, but right now, I really need some support to get back on my feet.

This August, I finally found the courage to leave my abusive relationship after nearly four years. It was such a toxic situation—the cheating, addiction issues, daily verbal abuse, financial exploitation, even an arrest for domestic assault. The list goes on, but I was so proud of myself for finally breaking free and starting to rebuild.

Then, just days later, I was suddenly iced out if the studio I'd worked at for 10 years, with no explanation.

Since I'd been covering most of our bills, my ex immediately saw his opportunity. He made it clear that without my income, I had no choice but to stay and follow his rules completely, or as he put it, "sleep in a tent with my pets and hope I get r*ped." The threats and screaming got so much worse—I don't even want to repeat some of the things he said. I was terrified but tried to quietly search for another job while keeping my head down.

He made even that nearly impossible by controlling our phone and internet, cutting off my service for weeks whenever he felt like it. How do you interview for jobs when you suddenly disappear on potential employers? And who wants to hear about domestic problems when job listings always specify "no drama"? He also moved us away from the town where I knew people, and being an immigrant with family thousands of miles away, I felt completely isolated.

In what felt like a last-ditch effort before giving up entirely, I emailed some dream studios I never thought would consider me—and somehow landed my ABSOLUTE DREAM JOB! I still can't believe it happened. ✨

But now I'm facing the challenge of actually getting there. This past year drained everything I had—my savings, my credit (now below 600), and I've sold anything of value just to survive. My mom, though she doesn'thave much herself, has scraped together a little to help me escape, and my new employer has offered some assistance too. But I'm still about $5,000 short of what I need to make this move happen.

Right now, I have just enough saved to ship some belongings. I've found some private landlords who might overlook my credit situation, but I still need money for the rental deposit and other moving expenses. I can't drive (immigration-related issue that I finally resolved right before losing my job - so I will finally be able to soon! Ohmygosh), so that adds another layer of complexity.

I know times are tough for everyone, and it feels so vulnerable sharing this. But if you can help in any way toward my $5,000 goal for moving expenses and securing housing, I would be eternally grateful. This is my chance to escape a dangerous situation and start over with a job I've always dreamed of.

Thank you so much for reading this. Your support means the world to me. ❤️

I'm fundraising because I need $5000 to cover moving expenses and secure a new place to live.

This fundraiser is for me, to help me escape my abusive past and start a new life with my dream job.