Our Story
Imagine waking up one day to find your life has been hijacked by someone else. That was our harsh reality when we discovered my wife's identity had been stolen.
The Incident:
In 2022, the IRS blindsided us by placing our tax return on hold due to alleged under-reporting. Despite our confidence in our filings, we appealed. The truth was chilling: an unknown individual had fraudulently received over $18,000 in unemployment benefits using my wife's identity.
The Fallout:
Our world collapsed overnight. We lost our business vehicles, our beloved 1987 Foxbody, and our financial standing. Our credit score tanked, leaving us to depend on the kindness of others, living a nomadic life with hopes pinned on a tax return that never came."
Realization: "During our struggle, it became evident that identity theft wasn't just our problem; it was rampant, especially in times of economic upheaval. We couldn't wait for systemic fixes.
This Isn't A Mission, It's A Lifestyle
Relocation and Renewal:
Seeking a fresh start, we moved from New Jersey to Oklahoma. Here, life is more affordable, the community is vibrant, and there's room to breathe. Oklahoma's schools and lifestyle have been a revelation, especially to someone like me, who knows the system from the ground up.
Growth in Oklahoma:
Over the past two years, Oklahoma has nurtured us back to health, providing shelter through various support mechanisms. I've gained new skills, and now I see a path to not just personal stability but community enhancement.
The Birth of 'For The Community':
Reflecting on how to give back, 'For The Community' (FTC) was conceived. Oklahoma, despite receiving significant government funding for housing and development, still faces gaps in community needs.
The Gaps
Currently, Norman Oklahoma has more vacancies than should be allowed. No, I’m not talking about the homeless, I’m talking about the businesses. Porter Ave alone can repurpose as an Educational Center for Pre Med students can study their future practice while gaining on the job experience through programs that offer all sorts of subcategories for example:
Chiropractic
Rehabilitation Therapy
With a Thriving University just minutes away, I see little reason to hesitate, but we must crawl before we walk. So, let’s begin with the enormous fracture prohibiting these connections.
Funding
How does one fund such a project? Answer: Pick up a wrench and start wrenching.
We decided to be the change we needed when our lives turned into a financial nose dive. It wasn’t that the funding wasn’t there. There weren't many people willing to do the work. If I can solve one problem, that’s one less problem the community has to worry about.
I chose brooms and my wife chose Communication.