Erika, 19 years old, OR | 33 DAYS WAITING

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Erika is the kind of young woman who carries both history and hope in the same breath. She entered foster care at just four years old after her mother went to prison, and she grew up navigating a system that often asks children to grow up far too fast. Aging out of care meant stepping into adulthood without the safety net many of her peers take for granted. But instead of letting that define her limits, Erika let it shape her resilience. Today, she is living in her own apartment, raising her child as a single mom, and building a life rooted in stability and intention. Erika has always found comfort and confidence in math and numbers. While so much of her childhood felt unpredictable, numbers made sense. They followed the rules. They balanced. They told the truth. That love has turned into a clear career path—one that reflects both her talent and her desire for financial security and independence. Every late-night study session after putting her child to bed is an act of determination. Erika isn’t just earning a degree; she’s rewriting her story—proving that aging out of foster care does not mean aging out of possibility.

Erika is seeking support for a multifunctional home gym. As a full-time college student studying accounting and a single mom, her life is incredibly busy. Juggling classes, homework, and parenting leaves her with barely any time to make it to a gym. With so many responsibilities, finding a moment for self-care often seems impossible. Having a workout machine at home could be a game-changer for her. It would give her the chance to focus on her physical and mental health during the small windows of time she has available. Exercise has always been a powerful outlet for Erika, helping her to relieve stress and maintain emotional balance. Being able to work out at home would greatly enhance her mental well-being, boost her resilience, and contribute to the stability she needs as she strives to create a better future for both herself and her child.