My name is Lynnae, and I am a 29-year-old single mother of two beautiful children, Lilliana and Decklyn. I never imagined I would find myself in a position where I needed to ask for help, but after escaping an abusive relationship and spending months fighting to protect my children and build a safe future for them, I have learned that sometimes strength also means accepting support.
I work full-time in healthcare and do everything I can to provide for my family. I pay my rent, utilities, car payment, insurance, gas, and all of the necessities required to keep a roof over our heads. I am not looking for a handout—I am simply asking for a little help carrying a burden that has become overwhelming.
Since leaving my abuser, I have been involved in an ongoing custody battle. What I believed would be resolved months ago has turned into a lengthy and emotionally exhausting court process. I have had to retain attorneys, pay for legal representation, and cover the costs associated with protecting my children and advocating for their best interests. I am also responsible for paying for legal services related to the children throughout this process. These legal expenses have drained my savings and left very little for everyday necessities.
In addition to the overwhelming legal expenses, I receive no financial support from the father of my children. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to obtain child support, which means the responsibility for housing, food, diapers, clothing, transportation, medical needs, therapies, and all day-to-day expenses falls entirely on me.
I have also explored public assistance programs and community resources, including food assistance, but I do not meet the income requirements to qualify.
While I am grateful to have stable employment, the reality is that my income is enough to cover our major monthly obligations but leaves very little room for the extraordinary legal expenses associated with this ongoing custody case.
My daughter, Lilliana, is three years old and is autistic and nonverbal and partially wheelchair bound. She has overcome incredible challenges and recently began walking, a milestone our family celebrated with tears of joy. She requires specialized care and support and currently does not eat solid foods. My son, Decklyn, will be two years old in August and keeps me smiling through even the hardest days.
As a mother, I continue to work full-time while carrying 100% of the financial responsibility for raising my children. At the same time, I am navigating the emotional and financial challenges of family court while fighting to protect my children and create a safe, stable future for them. Some days feel overwhelming, but I remain committed to doing what is right for my family and giving my children the life they deserve.
Leaving an abusive situation was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. Staying gone and continuing to fight for my children has been even harder. I truly believed this chapter of our lives would be behind us by now, but the legal process continues, and with each passing month the financial burden grows. Despite the challenges, I remain committed to creating a peaceful, loving, and secure life for my children.
While I am able to cover my major monthly expenses, the cost of legal fees has made it difficult to keep up with groceries, diapers, clothing, therapy-related expenses for me and my children from the abuse, and other day-to-day necessities for my children. Every dollar donated will help ease that burden and allow me to focus on providing stability, safety, and consistency for my family during this difficult chapter.
If you are able to donate, no matter the amount, please know that your kindness will make a meaningful difference in our lives. If you cannot donate, sharing this fundraiser is equally appreciated.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting our journey toward healing, safety, stability, and a brighter future.
Much love,
Lynnae, Lilliana and Decklyn Juarez
