Michelle, 17 years old, VA | NEEDED BY 09/05

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Michelle has triumphed over numerous traumatic experiences in recent years, including instances of sexual and physical abuse. Despite these challenges, she has shown remarkable strength, navigating through four different foster homes while still managing to thrive. Michelle faces anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD, but she remains focused on her goals. One of her dreams is to become a food truck owner, a passion fueled by her love of cooking and her desire to help others. To stay on a positive path, she actively volunteers at a local food pantry and engages in youth activities. In her spare time, Michelle enjoys baking and exploring local thrift stores, finding joy in both her hobbies and the community around her. With her determination and spirit, she continues to inspire those around her.

Michelle is now a senior in high school and just two classes away from graduation! With her ambitions set on owning a food trailer or truck, she has already taken significant steps toward her goal by obtaining both her Food Handler's and Food Manager's certifications. Recently, Michelle secured a permanent location to sell her food, and with her own savings, she has successfully obtained a business license and SCC. However, she now finds herself in need of assistance to purchase the necessary supplies and equipment to kickstart her venture. Aging out of foster care presents its own challenges, and Michelle is well aware of the limited funding available to her, which means she won't have access to the same luxuries as her peers. Nevertheless, she is no stranger to hard work. She hopes to get started on her goals so that she can save up some money and be ready to take on the world once she ages out. Given her traumatic past and medical conditions, the path of self-employment feels like the right fit for her, allowing her to forge her own way in life. This wish for a steam table is her first step toward starting her amazing new business! She is hoping to launch her business on her birthday!