Transitional Support

INTRODUCTION

Hello, my name is Tim, I am 45 years old and have been married to my high school sweetheart for nearly 25 years. We don't have children, but have helped raised many children both within our own extended family and within our congregation. I never imagined that I would be posting for personal crowdfunding since I used to look at these sites all the time and donate when I could. I understood that even $5 could make a difference to a person.

WHAT HAPPENED

In March 2012, I was wrongfully terminated from my job at the University of Miami School of Medicine where I had worked for 15 years without incident. I won't get into the reasons as it will just seem like sour grapes, but a month later the division I worked in was dissolved and within another month over 1,000 people were laid off from the School. I later learned that many employees with tenure were terminated in the months leading up to the great lay off. The state of Florida, like many states, is a 'work at-will' state and therefore terminated employees have little to no recourse. I did not apply for unemployment because it's such a paltry amount. I just went out and pounded the pavement and found temporary employment. It didn't pay much, but it was at least twice what unemployment is.

WHAT IS HAPPENING

Over the past three years I have worked a number of temp jobs, but nothing permanent has panned out. Apparently, being terminated from the U of M can work against you because everytime I've gotten far enough along in the interview process, I suddently receive a 'no, thank you.' What little savings we had was gone quickly. I took a lump sum payment of my UM retirement fund (which was only about six months' salary) and that is now gone. I've tapped out my family and friends for money and have no where else to turn. My wife does work full-time, but it covers about half of our monthly expenses. She makes too much to qualify for any kind of public assistance. Been "robbing Peter to pay Paul" for months, but I'm now so far behind on everything that unless I come up with some income, we will be evicted, will lose our only vehicle and probably what little we have left. I haven't even paid my vehicle registration renewal (due this past November). We, fortunately, have only $10,000 in revolving debt and $20,000 on our vehicle loan. We have sold most of our gold jewelry, and all other non-essentials. Have reduced or eliminated any unnecessary expenses like Netflix and even cable TV (just kept Internet for the job searching). I suffer from depression and PTSD and sometimes don't have enough for my meds, but I never go more than a few days without. It just makes me so sick during "withdrawal."

WHAT WILL HAPPEN

But, there's good news. I just accepted a position as a sales agent with a very large, well-known insurance company. I already have my insurance license, and hope to be appointed in the next week or so. As you may know, most sales of this type is straight commission. I don't mind, because I know what I'm capable of. I don't have a choice but to make this happen for my family. Yet, I know it will take 60 to 90 days to generate enough business to have a "steady" income.

MY REQUEST

After considering our family's situation we need about $500 per week to get through the next 2 to 3 months. That amount should not only help us pay our bills, but even get some bills caught up to the point where collections isn't calling me 20 times a day (you may know what I'm talking about, they're relentless).

MY PLEDGE

As soon as I see that my sales are at a point (or will be at a point) where I can support my family, this request will end. If there is any money remaining, you can bet that it will be paid forward through this very site, or refunded, if possible. I know that it may be hard to believe my story. I know you're probably wondering why I can't get help from anywhere else (I have been thinking about panhandling on the corner). I probably know everything that is going through your mind because I have thought the same things when reading these types of requests. All I can say is that I appreciate your time in reading this. I'm already grateful for your interest. If you can help us, great, thank you. If you can't, great, thank you. Pray for us or send positive energy or whatever you believe might be able to help us get out of this situation, whether material or spiritual. I hope for many blessings upon each and every one of you.