Greetings-
My name is Marcus, father of 2 boys (16 & 9). My life has been a struggle from day one. I was born into a family of alcoholism, abuse, absentee parents, and spent a good portion of my adolescence in group homes, foster care, and homeless on the street.
I was able to get on a better track and finished HS and some college. I began working at the YMCA as a camp counselor & director. I went were life lead me and took positions at various Community, Recreation and P.A.L. centers. My priority was to be there for the kids and always help to achieve their goals and to NEVER have them go thru the trials and tribulations that I endured.
As I started my family, I carried that same thought process into to the upbringing of my own. Even though my marriage fell apart (due to trauma from my upbringing), I have ALAYS been a vital part in my boys lives (and other family and youth).
I have volunteered countless hours coaching/mentoring to continue to uplift and teach the youth that they have many positive options and the world is theirs. All during this time, I cumulated debt from the divorce, medical bills, child support, and other hardships. I pushed forward, working 3 jobs at one point, but could never catch up and get a grip on life.
As I carried the weight of everything on my shoulders along with deep depression, I stood tall and kept a smile on my face and continued to build character and positivity in everyone that I encountered (Tears of a Clown theory).
There are many success stories in the lives of students that I have worked with throughout the years. I see them often in the city or on social media and it makes me very proud! The odds were against a lot of them, but they made it.
Now I want to make it. Not for just me, but for my boys. It is so hard not being able to provide for them. But I continue to instill positive values in their soul. It is so difficult as I continue to fall apart mentally, physically, and financially . Not knowing where the next meal is going to come from…how will I get the utilities paid.
I put a smile on thru the struggle and continue to push to make it to solid ground. I am at my wits end right now. Covid hit the boys and I recently. My landlord (who has been a Godsend and worked with me on rent payments) just informed that she will be selling the house soon and I will need to find a new home. I have electric & water bills that are overdue w/ cut off notices. I will not be receiving a stimulus check (right now) because of previous taxes that I could not pay and are due. I am in a serious bind, with no end insight.
I am working tirelessly to get all of the aforementioned issues corrected. I am just asking for a hand right now, anything that will help me feel my feet on some type of stable ground. I truly believe in paying it forward and will do so when I have the opportunity. I have gave back a good part of my life and I am begging and pleading to anyone that reads this to PLEASE help me out!
Thank you for your time and consideration and listening to my story. I wish peace and continued blessings to all!
paypal.me/tryingtofeedmyfamily