As many of you know, over the course of the last three and a half years I have been an advocate for Makayla, a teen who has now emancipated from foster care. Makayla is currently taking college level courses and lives in independent housing through the support of Fostering Youth Independence, an organization based in Santa Clarita that helps disadvantaged youth live independently.

Makayla has experienced many hardships including the recent loss of her grandmother and mother to cancer, as well as her grandfather and two aunts to COVID. Despite all her struggles, Makayla remains determined to achieve her goal to be the first one in her family to graduate from college.

In January, Makayla will have her drivers license, giving her the autonomy to get to and from school and work, and also visit her family in Lancaster. Unfortunately, Makayla’s small monthly budget does not include gas money. This holiday season I am seeking donations which will be provided to her in the form of gas cards. Your generosity will make a huge difference in her ability function independently; and, knowing Makayla, it will mean the world to her.

Thank you in advance for making a contribution of any size to support Makayla, I know all of you love to help those in need during the holidays.

Finally, in case anyone is interested in volunteering or learning more about the two organizations I volunteer for, below are links to their websites:

CASA of Los Angeles (Court Appointed Special Advocate):https://Casala.org

FYI (Fostering Youth Independence) based in Santa Clarita https://www.fyifosteryouth.org

Thank for your generosity

Marilyn