Joanna, 19 years old, CA

Wish submitted by:

Joanna is a determined young woman who recently moved to a new area to pursue growth and new experiences. Currently thriving in a housing program, she demonstrates incredible responsibility by balancing a medical program during the week with work on the weekends. In her downtime, Joanna loves exploring new foods, relaxing at the beach, and doing her makeup to unwind. Her strong work ethic and resilience shine through as she works hard to build a bright future in the medical field.

Joanna is seeking a grocery store gift card to help buy essential food items as she works toward financial stability. She has faced significant challenges in securing employment and meeting her basic needs, including groceries. For the past two months, she has tried to obtain food assistance through EBT but has received multiple denials. Joanna is collaborating with her housing case manager to understand these denials and to reapply for benefits. Access to food remains a concern, as she has limited support in San Diego and only occasional assistance from a local food bank. Despite these challenges, Joanna is committed to improving her situation. She is working with her Independent Living Skills (ILS) case manager on a job readiness program to build employment skills and enhance her job opportunities, all aimed at creating a stable future for herself.