Dahlia, 5 years old, OR |

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Dahlia is a bright, young girl who has truly loved kindergarten this year. She has faced a challenging season of transition and turmoil. In July, her great-grandmother’s house—the only home she had ever known—burned down, leaving Dahlia, her grandmother, great-grandmother, uncle, and older sister without possessions or permanent lodging. Since then, the family has been staying in hotels while working to secure stable housing. Although Dahlia is not formally in care, she has always been raised by her grandparents, who also care for her two older sisters, both of whom are part of the foster system. Through all of this strife, Dahlia has remained remarkably resilient and adaptable—kicking a soccer ball in motel parking lots rather than in her own backyard and beginning her first school year with ease and enthusiasm. She is a bright, shining light who loves dolls, playing make-believe, art, and slime.

Dahlia and her family have faced a challenging season of transition and turmoil. In July, her great-grandmother’s house—the only home she had ever known—burned down, leaving Dahlia, her grandmother, great-grandmother, uncle, and older sister without possessions or permanent lodging. Since then, the family has been staying in hotels while working to secure stable housing. Due to this event, the family is struggling to afford Christmas presents. She loves dolls, make-believe, art, and slime.