Shelby, 19 years old, AZ

Wish submitted by:

Shelby's life has been marked by constant change and loss. She went through more than fifteen group homes and, after being adopted and returned to DCS custody at age 13. Even so, she never stopped hoping someone else would choose her, but that opportunity never came. Her attempts to reconnect with her birth mother were painful experiences, and after returning to her adoptive mother, she was once again asked to leave after just a month. Each rejection left deep wounds, but they also highlighted her incredible strength. Today, Shelby is starting an independent life that she didn't choose, but she faces it with courage. Despite the loneliness, uncertainty, and the weight of an unexpected transition, she keeps going. What truly sets her apart is her unwavering resilience, generous heart, and the hope she carries within; she embodies strength in the face of adversity, showing that even when life takes more than it gives, it is still possible to keep moving forward.

Shelby is requesting a grocery gift card as she has recently moved into her first apartment and currently lacks food and essential household items. This unexpected transition to independent living has left her unable to gather the resources needed to settle in comfortably. The gift card would enable her to purchase crucial food items like meat, milk, and seasonings, as well as basic kitchen supplies such as water and juice jugs, and cleaning products like detergent, a broom, and a mop. This support would help her start this new chapter with dignity, significantly reducing the stress she faces while navigating this journey on her own.