We have opened our home to Gabe, one of our son's friends, who has faced challenges no child should endure. Gabe has never had a permanent home, bouncing between shelters, cars, and hotel rooms nearly all his life. Gabe has attended 6 different schools over the 5 years we've known him, and has dealt with food insecurity in addition to housing instability. It feels like each week I learn something new and heartbreaking about his experiences. Despite it all, Gabe has kept up with his schoolwork and wants to attend a 4-year university. He also works part-time after school.

Our family has a kinship care agreement in place, which allows him to live with us in a safe, supportive environment until he earns his diploma. We take care of all of his physical and emotional needs, but his mother retains parental rights and custody. This type of arrangement meant we could provide immediate relief when things hit a crisis point without having to use the foster care system, which could have taken months. But it also means we receive no financial support from the state or his biological parents. Every contribution — no matter the size — will go directly toward Gabe’s essential needs: healthcare, education, and the experiences that help him feel like a normal teenager.

Gabe's circumstance is all too common, especially with the rising costs of food and shelter. If you know a child or teenager in North Carolina whose family could use this kind of support, please reach out to me. I can walk you through the steps we took to alter this tragic situation. Or you can read more about Kinship Care HERE.

We are committed to giving Gabe the love and stability he deserves. Still, the costs of raising an additional teenager, including clothes, food, healthcare, and therapy, add up quickly. Right now, we're also focused on COLLEGE VISITS so he'll be inspired to keep working towards that goal.

We are asking for support from our community to help us give Gabe not just a roof over his head, but the chance to be a kid. We want to make the next two years really special for him! Thank you for supporting Gabe’s journey. Your generosity means the world to him and to us.

Sarah

Side note: We believe in transparency when it comes to fundraising. Please be aware that I’m traveling to England in 2026. Thanks to the generosity of a friend, the trip has already been booked and paid for. Funds raised will go to Gabe's needs only.