Hi, my name is Koreana. I’m a single mom of two, and we are in a very difficult place right now. Our electricity has been shut off because of a past-due bill, and without help, I can’t get it turned back on.

This isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s affecting my children’s safety and well-being. My daughter Faith has severe mental health and behavioral challenges. She requires stability, constant supervision, and a safe environment. Times are rough right now. Being a single mom to two kids is hard enough, but when one of them is battling serious mental health challenges, it’s a constant fight to keep our lives from falling apart.

My daughter Faith’s struggles go far beyond “typical teen behavior.” She requires constant supervision to keep her safe. She’s been evaluated for residential treatment, and her case manager has been pushing to get her approved because her condition. On top of the emotional toll, I’ve been told by CPS, not to leave her alone, she needs 24/7 supervision, which makes it nearly impossible to work.

Without electricity, our home has become even more stressful and unstable for her, which increases the risk of her running away or engaging in unsafe behavior. The dark, the heat, and the lack of basic comfort make it nearly impossible to manage her needs.

My son Zack has also been deeply impacted. Without power, he hasn’t been able to stay at home. He’s been staying elsewhere because we can’t keep the house comfortable or safe enough for him, which means our family is now split apart during an already hard time.

I’ve applied for LIHEAP and other assistance programs, but those take weeks to process but this is an immediate emergency

Every donation — no matter how small — will go directly toward paying this bill so Central Maine Power can turn the lights back on right away. Restoring electricity will bring stability back to our home, allow Zack to return, and give Faith the safe, structured environment she desperately needs.

If you can’t donate, please share this with others who may be able to help. From one parent to another — thank you for reading and for caring.

— Koreana