Story

If I am admitted to the hospital, my children go-to foster care* We need to move.

My name is Tiffany Russell, but many know me as Sistatiph from TikTok. I’ve been trying to move my family independently, but I’ve faced countless hurdles along the way. It’s hard to understand what God has planned for me, especially since I keep running into roadblocks. Just when I think I’m making headway, I find myself facing yet another obstacle. These ongoing challenges have pushed me to seek help from others, which is a difficult position for me, as I’m usually the one offering support.

Before I explain why I’m reaching out, let me share a bit about my situation. I’m a mother of five, three of whom have Autism and ADHD and require my full-time care. Living in Montgomery, Alabama, I’ve struggled to find adequate resources and support for my children with special needs. Since 2022, I’ve been fighting with the school district to ensure my 7-year-old son receives the education he deserves, as he still struggles with basic reading. In February, my 5-year-old daughter faced mistreatment from her ABA therapist, which forced me to involve the authorities. Sadly, this resulted in the facility abandoning us, leaving us without the crucial support we need. I’ve reached out to various organizations, including ADAP of Alabama, they offer very little help I’m currently on my second attorney for my son’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and feel emotionally exhausted from this ongoing battle. Financially, I’m in a tough spot and don’t qualify for housing or food assistance due to my income being slightly above the guidelines. Each month, I struggle to pay bills and provide for my family. I’ve applied for disability benefits for my children and sought legal help to navigate this complicated process. Right now, I’m unable to work outside the home because I lack the necessary support for my children.

am determined to relocate to a city that offers essential support resources and quality medical care for my children. Currently, every waiting list in Montgomery is completely full. I find myself driving 90 minutes to see a psychiatrist and two hours to reach a specialist, which takes an emotional toll on my children. Even when I offer to pay for sitters, they often cancel at the last minute. This lack of childcare also prevents me from receiving the proper medical attention I need for my own health issues, including a recent diagnosis of melanoma and a growth in my ankle. Finding and scheduling appointments with specialists has proven to be a significant challenge. While moving is neither cheap nor easy, I lack friends or family in my area who can assist me, as I haven’t had the chance to build a support network since arriving here. I will need to hire someone to help with packing, disassembling furniture, loading and unloading, and reassembling everything at the new place. Most moving companies charge between $12,000 and $13,000, but I recently found someone who can handle a three-bedroom move for $8,000. I also need to budget for first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, gas money (I’m Indigenous, so I won’t incur tolls), and deposits for utilities. Additionally, I may need to stay in a hotel overnight during the transition. At the moment, I am exploring three potential areas, and once I have the necessary funds, I will be ready to make a swift decision and move. I am doing my utmost in Montgomery, but without a supportive community, my children’s well-being is at risk. If this move comes to fruition, I promise to pay it forward in the future. With Spot Fund, there are no platform fees, and even a $1 donation can make a difference! I remain hopeful and continue to pray for a positive outcome.