Leianah Bennett, 18 years old, NM | NEEDED BY 08/29

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Leianah has been in foster care since she was seven years old due to her traumatic childhood, which resulted in some behavioral issues. As a consequence, she has lived in various foster homes and treatment centers. For the past two years, she was in juvenile detention after escaping from custody and encountering legal troubles. She was released from detention a week ago and is now in a Transitional Living Program for Young Adults. So far, Leianah is doing well and is working hard to turn her life around in order to regain custody of her son. She is enrolled in a GED program and plans to find a job once she settles into a routine. Additionally, she is participating in an early childhood development program to help her learn effective parenting skills. In her spare time, Leianah enjoys drawing and writing in her journal. She also likes to play sports and work with animals. Despite everything she has been through, she is learning from her mistakes and has expressed a desire to be a better parent than her mother was to her.

Leianah needs a phone to check in on her son and to have a reliable contact number for job applications. This device will also help her maintain communication with her providers and supports. Having a smartphone is particularly useful, as it allows her to download transportation apps for easier travel. Overall, staying connected is essential for her daily routine and responsibilities. A phone would significantly enhance her ability to manage various aspects of her life effectively.