Jada, 17 years old, CT | NEEDED BY 02/06

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Jada's journey through foster care has been one of learning to trust herself and others again while building boundaries that protect her peace. She's a strong, independent young woman who's discovering that accepting comfort and care doesn't make her weak. At her residential program, Jada is known for her protective instincts toward younger girls and her emerging leadership skills. She's working on allowing herself to be cared for, not just always being the caretaker, and understanding that vulnerability is actually courage. What makes Jada special is her willingness to challenge her own defenses and explore what it means to be both powerful and tender, and her dream is to build a life where she can be fully herself, strong when needed, soft when safe, and always deserving of love and comfort.

Jada's request for Valentine's pajamas represents her brave exploration of receiving care and allowing herself moments of softness. Having special pajamas for Valentine's Day gives her permission to prioritize her comfort and practice accepting gifts and kindness. She'll wear these to a Galentines party, where they are creating a safe space for the girls in our program to experience what it means to be intentionally loved and celebrated. For young women with histories of sex trafficking who had to be hypervigilant and couldn't afford vulnerability, this party offers a revolutionary experience: safety in softness, strength in receiving, and the freedom to let down their guard. Comfortable sleepwear supports the vulnerability work she's doing in therapy, creating a private space where she can let her guard down safely. The Valentine's theme challenges her to embrace self-love and gentleness, qualities she's spent years suppressing in favor of strength and independence. These pajamas become a tool for practicing balance, maintaining her strength while allowing space for tenderness and self-care.