I am a United States Army veteran, resource parent, and kinship care parent. Here’s the short story: I haven’t had foster kids for three years now, maybe even five because I was taking care of my own mother. I decided to take in a 16-year-old who has never been in foster care. The reason she went into care is because her father was about to pass away. She is now an unexpected orphan. He finally passed.

Although the amount requested is low, we’re hoping to use the funds for items loss, first year college, and financial support for resources. Please take time to read.

The reason I’m writing is because, number one, her father, was a Vietnam Veteran who passed away after having completely arranged plans for his daughter’s care. Secondly, as a veteran who served on funeral detail, Funeral Detail and Military Honors burials hold a special place in my heart because of the importance and significance of veterans who served. Lastly, the order of events to follow frankly has pissed me off. Nothing for her went as planned.

Her story with me begins here. Jade’s father had set a plan, which did not go the way he instructed. The person that he had selected to care for his daughter was not prepared to meet Jade’s custodial needs. Jade became homeless, because she got abandoned at a police station by the person he trusted her future with.

On or about September 2024, Jade became a ward of the state. This resilient 16-year-old is now grieving the tragic loss of her father, her home, friends, and her 2 pets. In addition, her life is turned upside down, as she also lost her valued treasures, books, clothing, sewing machines, laptop computer, cellphone/accessories, clothing, shoes, makeup, intellectual property and more.

These traumatic loss had her come to me with literally the clothes on her back. She’s loss her home, her caregiver, her father, her normalcy; free access to her friends, family, and relatives, to go on ahead and live with strangers. Her life is now and forever turned upside down at 16.

Now a guardian of the state, and by no fault of her own, as a minor, there are things she cannot do. She was not afforded the opportunity to assist with burial plans and the wishes of her father. Interment at Riverside National Cemetery in California, we await the closure of this chapter in her life.

Right now, Jade has no possessions nor adequate financial resources for rebuilding her life now. Everything she knew is gone. Jade needs help from as many people as possible to help contribute to rebuild hope in her life. The cost to rebuild and replace her life is significant. And some things are irreplaceable.

The emotional hendrances and other health-related issues need to be taken care of before she is 18. She is a teenager with bright future and plans for her life. In addition, she is performing better than expected in school under the circumstances. We, excitedly took a tour of Otis College in Los Angeles, where she plans to attend the fashion school. She cannot afford to go. She’s still in high school and would love to go to their summer camp. She graduates in 2026 with high hopes of going to Otis College. After touring the college, I see that she fits right in.

Her father was a Vietnam Vet who did not ask for help from anyone, not even the VA. He raised her to be independent and asked that she not depend on anyone. She’s a great kid who offers her assistance and helps out when needed.

Although she thought she was prepared for his passing, nothing could prepare her for abandonment, loss of home, her personal belongings, intellectual property, memories, changes in her environment and lifestyle, loss of her pets, the place she grew up, and other losses.

She has been a great addition to my family and others she comes in contact with. She is being resilient and continues to put her emotions aside. She enjoys clowns, juggling, sewing, and dressing others.

She has great plans and options through the C.H.O.I.C.E.S Life Plan program to be very successful. However, finances will hinder her ability to succeed. With your help and assistance, she will stay on track with the motivation to graduate.

Yes there’s a lot more to this story, yet, I would like to end here. Thank you in advance for assisting two United States Army Veterans.

Funds will be used for housing cost, college, replacement items and funeral detail Military Honors for 16 year old’s loss. The college tuition by itself is 200k.