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Age 13 · Featured Profile
Ariana
A Spark of Color in the Foster System
Ariana is 13 and electric. She paints how she feels, speaks her mind, and isn't afraid to stand out. She's spent years in and out of placements, but what she really wants is one place to call home — where art is encouraged, emotions are heard, and love doesn't come with conditions.
Ariana's Experience
"A Spark of Color in the Foster System"
Meet Ariana · Video
Background
- 01Entered care at age 11 due to physical abuse and truancy concerns
- 02Two younger siblings in separate placements
- 03History of parent incarceration and housing instability
- 04Currently placed in a therapeutic foster home
Personality & Traits
- 01Strong-willed and fiercely independent
- 02Very protective of her siblings
- 03Expressive and creative — uses journaling and music as outlets
- 04Trust issues with adults, but very loyal once trust is built
- 05Can be defiant when feeling misunderstood, but craves connection
Likes
- +Drawing — especially fashion and anime-style art
- +Listening to music (pop and reggaeton)
- +Excels in creative writing
- +Dreams of becoming a designer or social worker
- +Loves animals — volunteers at a local shelter
Dislikes
- —Being talked down to or ignored
- —Authority figures who are overly strict or dismissive
- —School environments with bullying or lack of cultural representation
- —Being separated from siblings
Current Needs
How a family or community can show up for Ariana.
01
Foster placement that values cultural identity and personal expression
02
Trauma-informed therapy with a focus on empowerment
03
Opportunities to build leadership and artistic skills
04
Advocacy for sibling contact or potential reunification
05
Female mentor or role model from a similar background
Bonus Story