Askanio, 18 years old, FL |

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This resilient young adult has already demonstrated remarkable responsibility, kindness, and patience as he works to build a stable future on his own. He entered foster care less than six months before his 18th birthday after his parents forced him out of the home, leaving him without a place to go. Despite these challenges, he graduated from high school and took the courageous step of enrolling in college. Today, he lives independently in a small studio apartment through the Extended Foster Care program and is pursuing a nursing degree, driven by a strong desire to create a better life for himself. He continues to actively apply for employment but has not yet secured a job and does not have permanent adult connections to rely on for support. For the past eight months, he has been living without even the bare minimum—lacking many essential household and personal items that most young adults depend on to live with dignity and stability. In addition to meeting these basic needs, he hopes to eventually return to boxing classes, a healthy outlet that supports both his physical and mental well-being. He has a good head on his shoulders and is doing everything he can to move forward. With your support, he can receive the essential assistance he needs to focus on school, maintain his independence, and continue building a hopeful future.

Living on his own for the first time, this youth is learning how to create a sense of comfort and safety in a space that is entirely his own. LED lights would allow him to soften his environment and make his small apartment feel warmer and more welcoming after long days of school and job searching. While not a basic necessity, this small personal touch offers something many young adults take for granted—the chance to feel at home, grounded, and proud of the space where they are building their future.