Hello, my name is Margie Lara. For the last 11 years, my life was dedicated to caring for a beautiful elderly client and her family. We became incredibly close, and her recent passing has left a massive void in my heart. Following her death, I continued to care for her 61-year-old disabled son until permanent arrangements were made for him to move into an amazing care home. Even though that official chapter has closed, I still visit him regularly to keep a sacred promise I made to his mother.

Because this long-term caregiving role has ended, my family is facing a sudden and severe financial crisis. I am the sole provider raising my 19-year-old autistic grandson and my 17-year-old teenager.

I am actively fighting to stay strong and am applying for new caregiving positions every single day. However, I am hitting barriers; multiple job opportunities require out-of-pocket background check fees that I simply cannot afford right now. I am facing immediate bills: my monthly rent is $3,150, my car payment is $319, utilities are $280, and providing groceries for my teenagers is becoming harder by the day. I even looked into driving for Uber, but I cannot cover the car insurance premium this month to get started.

I am not looking for a handout, just a "hand up" to keep my family safely housed and the utilities on while I secure my next caregiving position with a new elderly client who needs dedicated care.

Every dollar raised will go directly toward:

• Keeping our housing secure (Rent and utilities)
• Ensuring my grandsons have food on the table
• Covering immediate job application and background check fees so I can get back to work.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing our story. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness, prayers, and support during this difficult transition.

Sincerely, 

The Lara Family