Hello, everyone! My name is La'Nita Winfield. I am an only child, a mom of 2, a neighbor, friend, colleague, forever student, and a social worker here in DC. I created this campaign to help cover legal costs in a competing adoption with the goal of getting my daughter back.

I’ve spent my life showing up for others. In my community, I’ve been the one people call when they need help navigating hard situations… when families are in crisis… when a child needs stability… when someone just needs to know they’re not alone. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it because that’s who I am. A Change Agent!

A helper. A protector. A woman who believes that every child deserves a safe, loving home. And for 10 beautiful months, I was blessed to give that home to a little girl we lovingly call Little Ms. Sunshine.

She didn’t just live in my home—she became part of my heart. Our routines, our laughter, the way she would run into my arms… it was real. It was love. It was family. The kind of bond you don’t question—you just know.

Then one day, everything changed.

She was removed from my home and placed somewhere else. And just like that, a child who knew consistency, love, and belonging was gone. Our home grew quiet. Her absence is something you feel in every room, every moment.

But I refuse to let her story end like this. I am fighting—for her, for what we built, for what I know in my heart is her forever home. Many people assume agencies like DC CFSA cover legal costs in situations like mine. I wish that were true. But the reality is, I am standing in this fight largely on my own.

I reached out to over 100 attorneys. I called universities, legal clinics—anywhere that might help. The answer was the same: no availability, retired, no capacity, or no willingness to take on a competing adoption case.

So I made a choice. I hired a private attorney.

Not because it was easy. Not because it was affordable. But because she is worth it. Little Ms. Sunshine is worth every call, every dollar, every ounce of fight in me. And now, for the first time in a long time, I’m the one asking for help.

If I’ve ever shown up for you… if you believe in standing up for children… if you believe that love, consistency, and attachment matter—then I’m asking you to stand with me now.

No amount is too small. Every donation helps me continue this fight to bring her back home. Because this isn’t just about legal fees.

This is about love.

This is about stability.

This is about a little girl who deserves to come back to the place where she is deeply known, deeply loved, and truly belongs.

Thank you for standing with me. I love you.