A Room of Nala's Own

This is Nala
We’d like you to meet our new daughter, Nala (name changed to protect her identity). We met Nala six years ago when we fostered her older brother, and later her younger brother. 

I’m sure you understand how important it is to nurture sibling relationships.

Throughout the years, Nala has spent weekends with us, joined us for vacation and holidays, and we’ve cheered her on at her sports games.

We grew to love Nala deeply.

When we first met Nala, we were drawn to a little ball of spunk that gave spontaneous hugs, roller skated outside, and was full of curiosity about nature.
Today, Nala is 12. Her adventurous spirit matches her born-this-way magenta-orange hair. And her resiliency is on full display as an amazing big-sister: She takes her biological brother, our adoptive son, sledding and shares jokes with him that are—apparently—absolutely hilarious.

When Your Heart Knows the Answer 
Nala spent her youngest years in and out of foster care because the home of her biological family wasn’t safe. Eventually, at age 6, she landed in a loving home and was adopted at age 10. However, the family recently relinquished their parental rights due to difficult circumstances.

It was a devastating blow to Nala, who endured maternal separation for a second time. Nala’s adopted family immediately turned to us because:
1. We had become the legal, forever parents of Nala’s younger brother in 2019. 
2. We had demonstrated our ability to give Nala the structure, consistency, and 1:1 support she needs to heal her trauma.

Though the expansion of our family was unexpected, we full-heartedly said yes! Though we had closed our door to foster care and even downsized our home, we said yes. Without hesitation. Yes. Yes. Yes!

On the weekend before New Year’s 2021, our family welcomed Nala to our home.

Wait, How Will This Work?
Since Nala’s arrival, she’s become more centered, relaxed, and self-confident. With time, love, and stability, we know she’ll continue to mature and soar to new heights.

But, as you know, when your heart and intuition guide you (as it did when we said yes to Nala), it doesn’t mean the road will be smooth.

Though Nala and her brother have a loving sibling connection, it doesn’t mean they want to share a room forever. This is why we need help.

Help Us Convert Attic Space For Our Teen
Over our seven years as foster parents, our community has supported our journey emotionally, logistically, and by providing material donations. We never needed direct financial assistance.

We need it now.

The expansion of our family was completely unexpected. Four months ago, we moved to be closer to family. Our new three-bedroom house was just big enough for two adults and two children.

But a bigger house isn’t necessary. Nala simply needs a room of her own.

She needs a sanctuary to think, dream, laugh, and cry. A space that is hers, and hers alone: to cover the walls with inspiration and celebrate all she is and all she will become.

How will we do it? Luckily, our 16-year-old  is eager to make a bedroom in our attic.

Here’s the Plan
We currently access our attic through a stairway in our home. To become a bedroom, we need to: 
1. Finish framing, hang insulation and sheetrock
2. Run electricity and heat
3. Put down stable flooring
4. Install skylights that will dually serve as emergency exits
5. Paint it the teen’s favorite wall color



It’s a lot of work, but Nala would get her own room. The quote for the project is $22,000, plus whatever the cost will be for the electrician. We are able to contribute $10,000 and are asking for your help with the remaining $12,000.

If you’ve gotten this far, thank you. You probably understand the ways of supporting others because you feel you must. You don’t know another way to operate.

That’s why we are foster parents.

Thank you for your donation. We appreciate you and we will keep you all updated as the project progresses.