Debbie, 33 years old, RI | 22 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

Debbie’s journey is one of perseverance, strength, and hard-earned success. Growing up in the foster care system, she navigated group homes, foster placements, and aftercare programs, learning early on to rely on her own resourcefulness to survive. Many would have let those challenges define them—but Debbie chose a different path. She built a life on her own terms, proving that resilience, determination, and integrity can overcome even the toughest beginnings. Today, Debbie is a young business owner, a college graduate, and a dedicated parent raising her children in a stable, loving home. She works tirelessly, balancing the demands of business and family while maintaining her pride, dignity, and core values. She’s the kind of person who achieves incredible things without compromising who she is: kind, honest, and committed to excellence. Her interests are simple but powerful: her business, growth, and creating stability for her family. For Debbie, success isn’t just about what she accomplishes—it’s about showing that it’s possible to rise above a difficult start and create opportunity, security, and joy for herself and those she loves. Debbie’s life is a testament to what can happen when someone refuses to let circumstance define them. Her story embodies the hope, resilience, and determination that donors support when they invest in alumni of foster care.

Debbie is a foster care alumna who has worked hard to grow her business by 15% each year, which is pretty impressive since many small businesses don't last that long. This past year has been tough for her due to some health issues, so she's had to cut her pay to keep her small team employed while still taking care of her family. Right now, she's using an old, low-quality HP laptop that slows her down whenever she updates her website or works on multiple tasks. Getting a new, reliable laptop would help her work faster, better serve her clients, and keep growing her business, even while managing her health and supporting her team. It's not just about the technology; it’s about helping Debbie, who has overcome so much, continue to provide stability and opportunities for her children. Supporting her means helping protect jobs and showing that hard work really does pay off.