Alexis, 28 years old, NJ | 3289 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

Alexis is a 19 year old young woman who has been in the Division’s custody since her mother overdosed. She and her brother (who is now in the military) were witness to the event. The family has a long history with the Division due to Mother’s substance use. For a while Alexis too struggled with substances, but she does not any longer. This is a young woman who does not want to experience the life her mother did of not having enough money to support herself or her family. Alexis wants to pursue a higher education one day – not sure what she wants to study – but her main goal is to be as financially independent as possible. She currently works 2 part-time jobs – about 60 hours/week (delivering pizza and babysitting). When she is not working she enjoys spending time with friends.

Alexis uses her car for work every day, but it is unreliable. She borrowed $1200 from her godmother to get some work done, but it is not enough to keep the lemon going without constant concern. Alexis feels that if she is able to have a functioning vehicle she is able to get a job further from home that will allow her to make more money and feel comfortable enough to dedicate some of her time to education as well. She is a hard worker who is scared of what her future will turn out to be. She is trying so hard not to have to relive her mother’s life of dead end jobs and a life of poverty.