At 19 I was made to spend my earnings that was intended for my tuition on rent for my family. I left after learning my Guardian was asking more from me to support her gambling. My trauma is I was adopted into a family that could not support me. I landed a job with the state and secured an apartment two weeks after leaving home. For the last two years I’ve been figuring out life without family. In three years that passed, I learned that have level one autism spectrum disorder. I became suicidal after realizing my abuse at home was due to this disability. I . After working for the state of New York for going on two years I was terminated. I was terminated three days after I spoke with my union. I spoke with my union regarding mistreatment I’ve received after informing my job about my disability. I know I could have fought this but I no longer have the strength in me. My boyfriend’s mom is a case worker so thankfully she is guiding me on the steps I need to take. It’s all confusing and the stress of being behind rent scares me. I made just a few hundred over to qualify for any assistance. Now I have no income besides unemployment which has a cap to my income. I have no shame going to food pantries and asking for direction. I do feel shame for asking for support when I’ve crossed paths with others who need it more than me. I realize now that if anyone truly needs the assistance, they would be doing similar. I’m growing to accept my disabilities but the fear of losing my apartment and being 21 year old woman on the street scares me so. You just taking the time to read my story I accept as a blessing. Thank you for your generosity.