Year of Growth

Hi, my name is Milana Kalinava and I am a senior at Valley Torah High School. I was born in Belarus and grew up in a non-religious alcoholic home. I was in the foster care system in Belarus before I came to Los Angeles in 10th grade to attend Valley Torah. I have become part of the Valley Torah family that took me in with open arms as well as the family that I stay by, but in reality, I am on my own in the world and don't have parents looking out for me. I grew so much in my learning of Torah and my connection with Hashem while in Los Angeles that I now want to move onto the next step. Seminary is a year filled with opportunities to grow and a time for every Bat Yisrael to be able to strengthen herself when it comes to serving Hashem. It's the most important year and gives every girl the proper tools and foundation for building a Jewish home.  Even though I come from a not religious background, I want to grow and be a better person. My dream is to go to Sharfmans Seminary in Israel and continue my journey. Unfortunately, I don't have the amount of money to pay for my dream and I have no other choice but to turn to the Jewish community and ask for help. Any size donation will help me bring my dream closer. If you can't donate, it is absolutely okay, but please share with others. Thank you so much!
-Milana