Monica, 17 years old, CT | 1 DAY WAITING | NEEDED BY 02/06

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Monica's time in foster care has been a journey of discovering her voice and learning that she has the right to take up space and be celebrated. She's a confident, outspoken young woman who's worked hard to overcome feelings of invisibility and claim her place in the world. At her residential program, Monica is known for her leadership and her willingness to advocate for herself and others. She's learning that self-advocacy extends to self-care and that celebrating herself isn't vanity; it's honoring her worth. What makes Monica special is her journey from feeling overlooked to standing firmly in her power, and her dream is to build a life where she never doubts her right to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Monica's request for Valentine's-themed pajamas beautifully reflects her commitment to self-celebration and her belief that she truly deserves special things. By choosing to wear these pajamas, she's not only honoring herself but also embracing a holiday dedicated to love and appreciation. The pajamas will be worn to a Galentine's party, where the focus is on celebrating friendships among women and reminding them that they are deserving of love, honor, and dignity. This gathering holds particular significance for young women who have endured the trauma of sex trafficking, often feeling invisible or valued only for what others could take from them. The party serves as a powerful statement: you matter, you deserve to be celebrated, and your worth is inherent. For someone who has worked hard to overcome a sense of invisibility, donning special sleepwear that makes her feel good becomes an affirmation of her worth and her right to experience joy.