I’m a 42-year-old single mother of two, and for the past two years, I have fought every single day to rebuild our lives from the ground up. Choosing sobriety was the hardest decision I’ve ever made—but it was also the most important, because my children deserve a mother who is present, strong, and fighting for them. Even before I chose sobriety, I never stopped being an active, devoted parent and provider for my kids—they have always been my reason to keep going.

Every step forward has taken everything I have. Today, I work helping other mothers who are just beginning their recovery, walking alongside them as they try to hold onto their children and their hope at the same time. It’s deeply meaningful work, but the truth is—it doesn’t pay enough to keep a stable roof over my own kids’ heads.

Right now, the three of us are living in a single room in a friend’s home. One room. Three people. Everything we own fits into that space. My children don’t have a place to just be kids—to stretch out, to breathe, to feel like they have a home. I watch them try to make the best of it, and it breaks my heart because I know they deserve so much more.

I lie awake at night wondering how I’m going to change this for them. I work, I budget, I try to save—but living paycheck to paycheck means there’s never enough left. And every time I get close, the reality hits again: first month’s rent, last month’s rent, deposits for utilities… costs that feel impossible to reach no matter how hard I try.

I’m not asking for luxury. I’m asking for a chance—a real chance—to give my children a safe, stable home. A place where they can sleep in their own space, do their homework at a table, and feel secure. A place where we can finally exhale.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help. I’ve always tried to carry everything on my own. But I can’t do this part alone, and my children are worth setting my pride aside.

If you can help in any way—whether it’s donating or simply sharing our story—you are helping a mother give her children the stability and peace they deserve.

Thank you for seeing us, for believing in us, and for helping us hold onto hope.