We are excited to share with you a fundraiser we have started to raise money for a cause that means a lot to us: Rosey and her baby Julius need our help to raise funds for a reliable car. As some of you may know, Rosey is a foster teen who entered the system when she was about 10 weeks pregnant. She is currently living in a maternity home completing an Independent Living Program. She is an outstanding student, and her goal is to become a nurse, but she can't do it alone.

This fundraiser is an opportunity for us to come together to support this young mom. Having a car will allow Rosey to take Julius to his appointments, find a job, and go to college, all while being able to visit her grandmother, who has raised her and is currently in a long-term residential care facility. A car will allow Rosey to take control of her life and pave the way for a bright future for her and Julius. She will be facing many challenges in her life, but this is one we can help her with right now.

Even though Rosey is in foster care, she has been able to keep Julius out of the system, and he is not considered a foster child. This is a testament to how much of a wonderful mom she has become at such a young age. While this is great news, it also means that Rosey does not receive the same benefits for Julius that a typical foster parent with a baby in their care would. She also does not qualify for welfare programs (besides WIC) since she is considered a dependent in the maternity home. Her state stipends for foster care go directly to the maternity home to pay for her boarding and basic necessity items. Out of these funds, she is given about $100 per month to spend. This is definitely a challenge when trying to raise a baby.

She does not have any additional funds to save for a car and would like to start working to help support herself and Julius. When Rosey turns 18, she will transition to independent living in her own apartment, which makes a car even more crucial to her success. The money raised will go towards a reliable used car for Rosey, and hopefully a little more to cover insurance for the first few months until she is able to start a new job and receive paychecks.

We know that Rosey and Julius hold a special place in our hearts, and we believe that together we can make a difference in their lives. Any donation, big or small, will help us to reach our goal and make an impact—$1 or $5, Rosey would appreciate it. We hope you can join us on this journey to support Rosey and Julius in achieving their dreams and breaking the cycle.

Thank you for your support and generosity.