Alayiah, 20 years old, MO | 3 DAYS WAITING | NEEDED BY 11/14

Wish submitted by:

MO DSS Children's Division - Shannon County

Alayiah is a determined young woman who has spent most of her life in foster care. She was separated from her siblings and parents when she was just 12 years old and no longer has a relationship with them. Essentially, she is on her own. She chose to remain in care to complete her education and to benefit from the financial assistance our state offers for housing. Alayiah is learning independent living skills through several specialized programs. She is a strong-willed hard worker who makes a diligent effort to take care of her own needs. Art is her favorite pastime and serves as her therapy. Recently, she has taken great care to create a beautiful dream catcher to hang over her baby's crib. Her mantra for her baby's sleeping area is, "Bad dreams, bad dreams, go away. Good dreams, good dreams, here to stay."

Alayiah has managed to gather most of the essentials for her baby boy, but one crucial item remains out of reach: a car seat that can grow with him. As her due date in December approaches, she finds herself in a bind—affording the car seat is stretching her budget too thin, and she won’t have enough time to save up for it on her own. The need for a safe car seat is her top priority, especially since the few friends who attended her baby shower—just three in total—were unable to contribute towards this important item. Alayiah knows that without an approved car seat, the hospital won’t allow her to take her baby home. The car seat she needs isn't just any option; it’s one that will adapt as her little one grows, aligning perfectly with her desire for practicality given her financial situation. Time is running out, and she feels the weight of this pressing need more than ever.