Foster Child

I have always wanted family.  Unfortunately, I was born an only child and lost both my parents by the time I was 24yrs old.  I guess my issues kept the thought of a husband out of the picture but I always wanted children...really an only girl, like me.
I tried to have my own but it was difficult and I suffered a miscarriage or two.  I no longer have the money to do that, much less the eggs.  

I then decided to become a foster parent, with the hopes to adopt.  I started the process and got some information that stopped me in my tracks.  I need a two bedroom apartment.  Foster kids (over the age of two) cannot share with parents and parents cannot take up the majority of the common areas with a bedroom.

I do not have the money to move or furnish a kid's room.  

I have been working on it...I eliminated my debt and got my credit score up, I went back to therapy to make sure I was prepared and I have been interviewing for a new job as to increase my salary.

The city does provide financial assistance for foster kids but it starts a month after placement and does not provide any money for preparation (bed, first month of food, etc).

This process started a long time ago and, with no end in sight, people have encouraged me to do this.  

The budget I put together is this; at $2100 (for rent of a two-bed, one bath in manhattan) x 3 (first, last and security), $2500 (moving) and $1200 (for children's bed, dresser, etc and first month expenses).

I just believe there is too much opportunity for love and learning for both of us to not do this....I always said "if you don't ask, you don't get", so why not ask?  It's definitely not the craziest thing asked for in this world.  And who knows, once I have the two bedroom, maybe there will be room for more :)

I just turned 50 and have been a social worker for 20 years.  It's time.  It's time for me to start a family.  It's time to share my world with someone who is also seeking love and acceptance.

Please let me know if I can answer any questions.  Please follow the adventure in my blog!  I am writing about all the who, what, when, where's and why's...I want to document where every dollar is going, everything that has to be changed about the system and provide support for others going through the process

https://laurenzee.wixsite.com/fosterflower