💔 Have Fun Helping Me Rebuild My Life!

The Postal Service broke me; they have not fixed me. 

I cannot fight this battle alone. The USPS and the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) have left me injured and completely financially destitute. What should have been a system designed to protect injured workers has instead drained me of resources, hope, and stability. The legal processes surrounding FECA and ADA claims are deliberately slow and complex. They are designed to wear down employees until they give up. For someone like me—already injured and only able to perform light duty work—the system feels less like justice and more like punishment for my hard work and five years dedicated service.

📌 Why Recovery While Homeless Is Dangerous

My doctors have explained that my injuries will most likely require surgery, and even if surgery isn’t immediately approved, the recovery process ahead of me is long and difficult. I’m dealing with shoulder tears, cervical spine issues, and chronic pain that make everyday tasks challenging. Physical therapy, medical appointments, and the possibility of future procedures mean I’m facing months — possibly years — of recovery. I’m doing everything I can to heal, but I can’t do it alone. Your support helps me stay afloat while I work toward getting my health and mobility back.

Because of my untreated left‑shoulder injury, I am facing the possibility of recovering while homeless. This would severely jeopardize my health and could lead to permanent disability, as shoulder injuries require rest, stability, and consistent medical care — none of which are possible without housing. At the same time, my injury makes it extremely difficult to find employment. I cannot safely lift, reach, carry, or perform repetitive tasks, and attempting to work before receiving proper treatment would risk worsening the injury. Without medical care and stable housing, I am trapped in a cycle where I cannot heal enough to work, and I cannot work enough to survive. This is why the lack of accommodation and the delays in treatment have had such devastating consequences.

💡 Moving Forward with Strength and Purpose

I’m choosing to pull myself up by my bootstraps and wash my hands of the parts of this situation that have held me back. I’m choosing to move forward. Even while dealing with medical setbacks and the threat of losing everything, I’ve been building a vision for something better — something that brings joy instead of pain, community instead of isolation, and hope instead of frustration.

That vision is Immersive Games and Events (or whatever name it ultimately becomes): a project designed to bring affordable, family‑friendly fun to Springfield, Illinois and surrounding areas. I want to create a space where families can connect, kids can explore, and people of all ages can enjoy experiences that feel magical without breaking the bank.

This fundraiser isn’t just about surviving my current situation — it’s about creating a foundation for a new beginning. It’s about transforming years of hardship into something positive, something that gives back to the community I live in. It’s about proving that even after everything I’ve been through, I can still build something meaningful. Your support helps me bridge the gap between where I am and where I’m determined to go. It helps me stay afloat while I continue fighting the battles I can’t walk away from, and it gives me the chance to build something that will outlast all of this. I’m not giving up. I’m moving forward — and I’m inviting you to be part of the journey and the beginning of something new.

🙌 How You Can Help

🤝 Business Sponsorships: Make a Local Impact

Local businesses can make a difference by sponsoring teams for underprivileged children to participate in:

• Population One VR tournaments

• Mixed Reality Laser Tag using Meta Quest headsets

Sponsorships cover equipment, entry fees, and mentorship opportunities—giving kids a chance to play, compete, and grow in a safe, supportive environment. Your brand will be featured at events, on team gear, and across our promotional channels. It’s a win-win: support your community and gain visibility with local families.

🎮 Pre-Purchase Gaming Memberships & Sponsorship Opportunities

Immersive Games and Events is more than just entertainment—it’s a community-driven initiative to bring affordable, inclusive fun to Springfield and surrounding areas. Whether you're a gamer, a parent, or a local business, there's a way for you to get involved.

🕹️ Gaming Memberships for All Generations

We offer pre-purchase membership packages designed for every age group and skill level:

• Youth & Teen Packages: Safe, supervised gameplay with age-appropriate challenges

• Family Bundles: Multi-player access for parents and kids to play together

• Adult & Competitive Tiers: Advanced access to tournaments, VR experiences, and exclusive events

• Senior-Friendly Options: Light-paced games and social events tailored for older adults

Pre-purchasing a membership helps us launch faster—and gives you priority access to our most exciting experiences.

🤝 Support the Mission

Help me launch Immersive Games and Events by:

• Donating equipment or supplies

• Connecting me with local venues or sponsors

• Volunteering time or skills

💸 Donate

Every contribution helps cover basic living expenses, medical costs, legal expenses, and startup funding for Immersive Games and Events.

📢 Share My Story

Spread the word on social media, in your community, or with anyone who believes in fairness, accountability, and second chances. Awareness is powerful.

🧠 Offer Expertise

If you’re a legal professional, medical provider, or business mentor familiar with federal workers’ compensation, your guidance could be invaluable.

For non-monetary donations or legal expertise, please email me at: rothenberg.jerry@gmail.com

⭐ USPS mismanagement directly contributed to multiple injuries

I dedicated five years to the United States Postal Service, meeting the demanding physical requirements of the job. I overcompensated for various underperforming employees during my entire short career, while management staff seemed to turn a blind eye. Management repeatedly claimed they ‘couldn’t force employees to work,’ and used that excuse to allow large groups of employees to stand around on the clock while I was overworked to the point of injury. Then I would get blamed because they would then claim, 'we never asked or expected you to overcompensate for them'. This selective enforcement of rules, combined with management's refusal to address misconduct or unsafe conditions, resulted in fraud, waste, and abuse of government resources — and directly contributed to my multiple injuries. This is just one of the reasons why you keep paying more to mail letters and packages every year.

Repetitive lifting, bending, twisting, pushing heavy mail carts took a toll on my health. I suffered multiple workplace injuries over the course of five years. Beginning in March 2025, my medical providers issued restrictions. USPS refused to honor them claiming they were "too vague", forcing me to continue full‑duty work that aggravated my injuries and accelerated the progression of damage. Management refuses to take accountability for the unsafe conditions and decisions that contributed to my injuries, yet they selectively demand accountability from employees like me when my injuries reached a point, I was having trouble maintaining a regular work schedule. Honoring my restrictions and accommodating light duty assignment could have helped me maintain annual attendance requirements. 

I was terminated a few weeks after filing worker's compensation claim. My OWCP claim got denied in November despite having plenty of medical documentation on file, a causation letter, injury narrative, three injury/recovery update narratives. I am fighting my first appeal which can be a lengthy process. USPS and OWCP has left me broken in more ways than one. I've been left penniless with limited future job prospects, facing homelessness, losing my vehicle, credit rating ruined, and in debt to just about everyone. I'm trying to raise funds for VR gaming events as a way to support myself financially for the long-term future. It will be a difficult battle to get covered under an employer's workers compensation insurance, making finding another job a very difficult task. I'm currently a liability risk to employers and their insurers. 

Medical Findings

• Shoulder: Labral tear, tear of the long head of the biceps tendon, osteoarthritis with bursitis.

• Cervical Spine: Mild to moderate kyphosis at C5–6, facet arthropathy C2-C5, foraminal stenosis, prior fusion at C6–7.

• Lumbar Spine: Disc bulges, three herniations, and degenerative changes contributing to nerve irritation and lower extremity symptoms.

📖 Takeaway

This isn’t just a personal hardship — it’s a case of wrongful termination, denial of medical rights, and disregard for federal protections. By refusing to accept medical restrictions, failing to provide required evaluations, and terminating me while I was under treatment, USPS violated its own handbook, FECA obligations, and ADA accommodation requirements.

🏗️ Systematic Problems Facing Injured USPS Workers

• Delay & Deny Tactics: Workers’ compensation systems (including OWCP) often stall or deny claims, forcing injured employees to fight for months or years to get basic medical care approved.

• Pressure to Return Too Soon: Management frequently disregards medical restrictions, insisting employees resume “full duty” before doctors clear them. This can worsen injuries and create liability.

• Cost Barriers: Essential evaluations like Functional Capacity Exams (FCEs) are expensive, and employers/insurers often refuse to cover them, leaving workers stuck between unsafe work and unaffordable testing.

• Retaliation & Discipline: Absences tied to medical treatment are sometimes misclassified as “AWOL” or misconduct, leading to wrongful terminations.

• Dismissal of Injuries: Injuries are minimized or mocked (“just a bump on the head”), undermining both medical reality and employee dignity.

• Failure to Accommodate: Under the Rehabilitation Act/ADA, employers must provide reasonable accommodations. Yet many injured workers are denied light duty or reassignment, even when medically necessary.

For thousands of dedicated USPS employees, the fight for justice is not just about their jobs—it’s about their rights, dignity, and livelihoods. When workers face violations of the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or suffer wrongful terminations, they are thrust into a legal maze that can take years, sometimes decades, to navigate.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has faced multiple lawsuits and rulings related to both FECA (Federal Employees’ Compensation Act) and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) rights. Courts and the Department of Labor have found USPS liable in several cases where employees alleged retaliation after workplace injuries or disability discrimination. USPS have a history of failing injured employees. They protect underperforming staff while retaliating against those who get hurt picking up the slack. When someone gets injured, they try to silence us—through intimidation, delays, denials, and long legal battles. 

Why These Battles Are So Difficult

• Complex legal processes: The systems in place are often slow, bureaucratic, and stacked against employees, requiring endless paperwork, hearings, and appeals.

• Financial strain: Legal fees, lost wages, and medical costs can drain families of their savings, forcing many to abandon their claims simply because they cannot afford to continue.

• Emotional toll: Prolonged battles wear down morale, leaving employees feeling isolated, powerless, and pressured to give up.

• Institutional resistance: Agencies and employers often have vast resources to delay or deny claims, creating a system that feels designed to exhaust workers rather than protect them.

⚖️ Common Problems Workers Face with OWCP

The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor. Injured federal employees often struggle with the OWCP (Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs) process because it is bureaucratic, slow, and prone to denials. Delays in approving medical care, complex paperwork requirements, and inconsistent claim handling can leave workers waiting years for bills to be paid, which damages their credit and prolongs recovery.

OWCP is obligated under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) to ensure injured workers receive medically necessary treatment. But when access to care is blocked, the burden shifts to the employee—often with devastating consequences. There have been multiple lawsuits against the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for violating both the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), often involving retaliation, failure to accommodate, and disability discrimination.

There have been widespread complaints about OWCP delaying and denying workers’ compensation claims, with many injured federal employees frustrated by the lack of accountability due to sovereign immunity protections. In short, OWCP is shielded from lawsuits, and your only recourse as an injured employee is through the administrative appeals process—which can be slow, expensive, and frustrating.

🕊️ Why the OWCP Process Is So Challenging

• Complex paperwork: Employees must file the correct forms (CA-1 for traumatic injury, CA-2 for occupational illness) and provide detailed medical evidence. Any mistake or missing detail can stall or deny a claim.

• Communication Gaps: Employees struggle to get timely responses from claims examiners, leaving them in limbo about medical approvals or wage replacement.

• Delayed reporting: If an injury isn’t reported immediately, OWCP may question its legitimacy, leading to denial.

• Backlogs and staffing shortages: OWCP offices often face staffing gaps and rising claim volumes, creating long wait times for approvals.

• Medical treatment delays: Injured workers report waiting weeks, months, or even years for scans, surgeries, or therapy to be approved. This can turn treatable injuries into permanent disabilities.

• Delay & Deny Tactics: Claims often sit for months without decisions or are denied for technical reasons even when medical evidence is strong. Necessary tests (like MRIs or FCEs) and therapies are frequently delayed or denied, forcing workers to pay out of pocket or go without care.

• Appeals Process: First‑level appeals can take months, and many workers feel the system is stacked against them, requiring persistence and legal support to succeed. Federal attorneys do not generally work on contingency leaving the burden on the injured employee.

• Lost paperwork and miscommunication: Claims can be overlooked or delayed due to administrative errors, leaving employees without coverage.

• Financial impact: Because OWCP can take years to pay medical bills, employees often face collections, damaged credit scores, and financial stress. 

• Employer Pressure: While OWCP is slow to approve restrictions, employers sometimes treat absences as misconduct, punishing workers for following medical advice.

The OWCP system is meant to protect injured federal employees, but its complexity and inefficiency often harm them instead. Workers face delayed care, financial hardship, emotional stress, and even termination of employment while navigating a process that can feel adversarial. Many rely on union support, legal counsel, or specialized OWCP doctors to push claims forward.

🏛️🛡️OWCP is protected by sovereign immunity, which means:

• You cannot sue OWCP for denying or mishandling a case unless Congress has explicitly waived immunity.

• The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act (FECA) is the exclusive remedy for federal workers injured on the job. It bars lawsuits against the government for work-related injuries—even if OWCP mishandles the case.

• Courts have consistently ruled that OWCP decisions are final and not subject to judicial review, except in very narrow circumstances (e.g., constitutional violations).

Please help me in any way possible. Thank You for your assistance and attention to this matter. 

Become a Season Sponsor for the 5×5 Meta Quest Mission X League + 2026 iRacing League Sponsorship

Step into the future of competitive gaming and community impact. The 5×5 Meta Quest Mission X Tournament Series is launching its next season — and we’re inviting 50 Exclusive to join us at the ground level.

As a Season Sponsor, your company will:

1. Host Two Official Mission X Teams

• Build your own in‑house team of five players to compete in our Meta Quest Mission X league.

• Sponsor a second team of underprivileged youth, giving kids access to cutting‑edge VR esports, mentorship, and a chance to compete on a national stage.

This is more than sponsorship — it’s community transformation through immersive technology.

2. Unlock a 50% Discount on a 2026 iRacing Season Sponsorship on our Elite 2026 Partner Business Sponsorship Package. Limited Time Only. Order before January 15th, 2026. $500. Act Fast!

50 Season Sponsors receive an exclusive 50% savings on a 2026 iRacing sponsorship package — a high‑visibility opportunity in one of the fastest‑growing motorsport esports communities. 

3. Get Your Logo on Our Upcoming iRacing Merchandise

Your brand will be featured on our next wave of iRacing merch, putting your company in front of thousands of fans, racers, and esports enthusiasts.

4. Align Your Brand With Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact

By sponsoring a youth team, you’re not just funding gameplay — you’re opening doors for kids who rarely get access to VR technology, competitive gaming, or STEM‑aligned opportunities.

Your company becomes part of a story that blends:

• Esports innovation

• Corporate team‑building

• Youth empowerment

• Community engagement

All under one powerful program.

Why Partner with Us?

• High‑visibility branding across VR esports and iRacing communities

• Meaningful social impact through youth sponsorship

• Exclusive cross‑platform promotional opportunities

• A unique team‑building experience for your employees

• Limited availability — only 50 sponsors accepted

Secure Your Sponsorship Today

Join us in shaping the next generation of esports — and the next generation of players.

50 sponsors. 2 teams each. One unforgettable season.

🥇 Elite 2026 Partner Business Sponsorship Package – $1,000

For businesses that want full-season visibility and premium branding.

✅ Gain Maximum Exposure for Your Business:

• Entry-Level Sponsorship: A $1,000 contribution is usually considered a small or grassroots sponsorship. It may not buy naming rights or major branding, but it can secure visibility in specific areas.
• You will gain visibility by being a 2026 season long sponsor of a team of drivers in our VR and PC/Playstation Gaming iRacing Leagues
• Community Engagement: iRacing events often stream on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, so even modest sponsorships can reach a wide online audience.
• You’ll be a 2026 Season Long Team Sponsor of our 5vs5 Mission X Tournaments
• You’ll be a 2026 Season Long Team Sponsor of our 6v6v6vs6 Population One Games and Tournaments
• Community engagement: These games attract younger audiences, helping churches connect with youth and families.
• 2026 Season VR Fitness Sponsor. Step into the future of fitness with Virtual Reality! Our 2026 season brings immersive workouts, interactive challenges, and community Building events — all powered by the latest VR technology.
• Sponsoring the 2026 Season could create awareness for your business. These events will attract a diverse, multi‑generational crowd: from youth gamers to families, fitness seekers, and community groups. The mix of fun, fitness, and fundraising makes it appealing to both recreational participants and organizations looking for innovative fundraising event and engagement.

• 🎮 Co-host one major VR event at your location or branded venue

• 📣 Dedicated social media campaign featuring your business

• 🖼️ Large logo placement on all event signage and digital assets

• 🎤 Interview or promo video with your team or business rep

• 🧠 Custom activation ideas (e.g., trivia nights, themed challenges, or product demos)

🥈 1/2 2026 Season Champion Business Sponsorship Package – $500

Perfect for businesses that want to make a big splash locally.

✅ Everything in the Community Boost Package, plus:

• 🎥 Logo placement in event livestreams and highlight reels

• 🧃 Branded giveaways at select events (e.g., drink koozies, stickers, or coupons)

• 🏆 Named weekly MVP award — your business name attached to top-performing players

• 📸 Photo ops with sponsored team for social media and press

• 📰 Feature spotlight in our monthly newsletter and blog

🥈 1/4 Season Community Boost Business Sponsorship Package – $250

✅ Gain Exposure at an affordable cost:

• 🎥 Logo Featured in Livestream Overlays Your business logo will appear during Population One tournament streams and highlight reels.

• 📣 Enhanced Shout-Outs Your business will receive custom shout-outs during key matches, including a brief promo message.

• 🖼️ Upgraded Banner Placement Your logo will be featured in larger format on physical and digital event signage.

• 🎮 Patron Challenge Sponsor One weekend VR iRacing event will be branded as the "[Your Business] Patron Challenge" — with your name attached to the leaderboard and winner announcements.

• 📱 Social Media Spotlight Post A dedicated post featuring your business, your sponsored team, and your community impact.

• 📰 Mention in Monthly Newsletter Your business will be listed as a Community Boost Sponsor in our newsletter sent to players, families, and fans.

🎮 Sponsor a Student VR Team for Just $150

Not every student gets the chance to compete. But with your help, they can. Sponsor a team, Sponsor a dream.

We’re inviting local businesses to sponsor a 5 player MissionX team or 6-player team of underprivileged school children in our Population One VR Tournament — a high-energy, team-based competition using cutting-edge Meta Quest 3 headsets and 360° VR treadmills.

💡 What Your $150 Sponsorship Covers:

• Full entry for 1 team of 5-6 students

• Access to all training sessions, equipment, and tournament rounds

• A chance for students to compete, grow, and shine — regardless of financial barriers

🌟 Why It Matters:

• 🧠 Builds confidence, teamwork, and leadership

• 💪 Promotes physical activity through immersive VR fitness

• 🎓 Supports STEM engagement and digital literacy

• ❤️ Gives students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they might otherwise miss

🏆 Title Sponsor Package – Custom Pricing

Your brand becomes the face of the entire season.

• 🏁 Season named after your business (e.g., “The [Your Brand] VR Cup”)

• 📺 Top billing in all media, signage, and broadcasts

• 🎓 Sponsor multiple teams across different age groups or tournaments

• 🤝 Collaborate on community outreach and youth development initiatives

Sponsorship Proposal: Immersion to Service

A Military & Law Enforcement Recruiting Partnership with VR Gaming Events

“Immersion to Service” is a sponsorship and recruitment initiative that connects military branches and law enforcement agencies with highly engaged, tech‑savvy audiences through competitive VR gaming events. This program leverages immersive technology, skill‑based challenges, and interactive experiences to create meaningful recruitment conversations in a positive, high‑energy environment.

The goal is simple: Use VR gaming as a bridge between virtual skill and real‑world service.

Program Objectives

• Increase recruitment engagement among young adults aged 16–30.

• Showcase real‑world skills (teamwork, reaction time, problem‑solving) through VR challenges.

• Strengthen brand visibility for military and police agencies in a modern, tech‑forward setting.

• Create a structured pipeline from event participation to recruiter follow‑up.

• Build long‑term partnerships between agencies and the gaming community.

Target Audience

• VR gamers

• Esports competitors

• Tech‑oriented young adults

• High‑school and college‑age attendees

• Individuals interested in teamwork, strategy, and physical challenge

This demographic aligns strongly with the qualities sought in military and law enforcement candidates.

Event Integration Opportunities

1. Branded VR Challenge Zones

Agencies sponsor VR stations featuring:

• Tactical simulations

• Reaction‑time drills

• Team‑based missions

• Obstacle‑course style VR competitions

These experiences mirror real‑world training and naturally spark conversation.

2. Recruiter Engagement Areas

Each event includes:

• A staffed recruiter booth

• Career information displays

• QR codes linking to application portals

• On‑site interest forms

• Mini‑interview or screening stations

3. Digital & On‑Site Branding

Sponsors receive:

• Logo placement on event banners

• Branded tournament overlays

• Social media promotion

• Website and livestream recognition

• Branded giveaways (patches, lanyards, challenge coins)

Sponsorship Tiers

Platinum Sponsor – “Mission Partner”

• Exclusive recruitment zone

• Full event co‑branding

• Sponsored VR challenge with naming rights

• 10‑minute speaking slot during opening ceremony

• Access to attendee opt‑in contact list

• Premium booth placement

• 10 VIP passes

Gold Sponsor – “Tactical Partner”

• Co‑branded VR challenge

• Large booth space

• Logo on livestream overlays

• Social media spotlight

• 6 VIP passes

Silver Sponsor – “Support Partner”

• Standard booth

• Logo on event signage

• Mention in announcements

• 4 VIP passes

Bronze Sponsor – “Community Partner”

• Table space

• Logo on website

• 2 VIP passes

Recruitment Pipeline Structure

1. Pre‑Event Registration Attendees can opt‑in for recruiter contact when signing up.

2. On‑Site Engagement QR codes, VR challenges, and recruiter interactions capture interest.

3. Post‑Event Follow‑Up Automated email sequences and recruiter outreach.

4. Conversion Tracking Agencies receive engagement metrics and lead reports.

Why This Program Works

• VR gaming attracts individuals who already value teamwork, strategy, discipline, and competition.

• Immersive experiences reduce the intimidation factor of traditional recruiting.

• Agencies gain access to a motivated, tech‑skilled audience.

• The program positions military and police organizations as innovative and future‑focused.

Budget & Partnership Timeline

• Sponsorship fees vary by tier.

• Events can be scheduled quarterly or monthly.

• Multi‑event partnerships receive discounted rates and priority branding.