Kiyomi, 27 years old, CA |

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Kiyomi is a transitional-age foster youth born in Los Angeles but moved around at a young age due to the system. She currently works for the Boys and Girls Club of the West Valley and has previously worked with other organizations such as TRiO/Upward Bound EOP for college students and college-bound youth at CSUN. She is also a 4-year counselor of Happy Trails for Kids, an organization that provides camp experiences for youth in the foster care system. Kiyomi is also an active community member as a Chatsworth Kiwanis member. One of Kiyomi’s most significant accomplishments is graduating with her Bachelors's in Sociology and a Minor in Africana Studies from CSUN. She is choosing a Masters's Program (making her part of the 4% of foster youth to earn a college degree). One of Kiyomi’s biggest goals is to give back to her community and create a program to help guide BIPOC AND LGBTQIA+ youth in foster care to provide them with the resources they deserve.

Kiyomi’s heartfelt wish this Christmas is for a new purse—one that she can open with excitement and hope on that special morning. This past year has been incredibly challenging for her, filled with significant changes and struggles as she juggles multiple jobs while trying to find her footing in the midst of transitioning career paths. She has bravely navigated the complexities of public systems and unemployment, all while stepping into the daunting role of caretaker for her two young nieces following the heartbreaking loss of her sister. For Kiyomi, this purse represents so much more than just a stylish accessory; it symbolizes an investment in her own self-worth and confidence. It stands as a powerful reminder that she is deserving of beautiful things and the joys of life, despite the hardships she has faced. Receiving this gift would not only bring her a sense of joy and uplift her spirits but also serve as an emblem of resilience and hope for a brighter future.