Freedom Fund

Hi friends.

Short and sweet: I need to get my child and myself out of an emotionally abusive, toxic environment and into a safe home.

Over the past year I have been making great strides in accepting the reality of my situation and working toward financial independence. I have spoken with therapists and lawyers, educated myself about covert narcissism, codependency, and healing from complex trauma.

Meanwhile, I have been working only part time in order to support my son as he started public school. Advocating for a child with a disability is all-consuming, righteous, grief-filled work and I am grateful I have been able to take the time needed for all the research, emails, phone calls, doc appts, ASL lessons, and teacher meetings necessary to continue supporting him in school.

As such, saving money has been a slow process. At my current rate I will need 12 more months of saving in order to move us out, and I’m not sure I can handle that much more time living with my son’s father.

What’s going on is more than “poor communication”—it is emotional neglect and abuse and it affects my son just as much as myself. I have asked for couples therapy many times over our 15-year relationship and it has been denied.

It has taken me a long time to believe, but we deserve better.

I have $4k in my savings.

I am starting a full-time job later this Spring which will help me save at a quicker rate, but I am also facing continual financial abuse from the father.

My goal is to save $11k total, which would cover the cost of first/last/deposit on a small rental (most of which are priced around $2k/month in our area), plus moving costs such as application fees, hiring movers for large furniture, and a cushion for emergencies.

Any contributions will be received with my extremely humble gratitude. If you are unable to contribute, I understand. We are all walking our own walks.

Many of you know me as Rachel Joy, I chose that name because Joy is a choice, something I have battled for in my life, again and again. Thank you for the ways you’ve already contributed my Joy, just by being my friends. I will continue to learn and fight for myself and for my son, no matter how long it takes for us to achieve independence and peace.

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider. Thank you for your discretion.

We need help and I am learning how to ask.

All my gratitude.