Wednesday’s Child: 18-year-old Gloria makes a new life for herself & her daughter after aging out of the foster care system

As part of our Wednesday’s Child segment, we introduce you to a child in the state’s foster care system who is waiting to be adopted, but what happens if that moment never comes? It’s a reality for teens in the system, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the road.

KARK 4 News first introduced you to Gloria and her daughter Aleah in 2022. Gloria was 16 at the time and her daughter was two. KARK’s Laura Monteverdi spent the day at the hair salon with Gloria who is an inspiring beautician. She had recently decided she wanted a family to adopt the two of them, but the closer she got to turning 18, she decided it was time to make a decision, not only for her future but for her daughter’s.

It’s a fresh start for 18-year-old Gloria and her 4-year-old daughter, Aleah. Her first apartment is slowly on its way to becoming a home.

It’s a big change for both. Up until a few weeks ago, the two were in the state’s foster care system. However, instead of continuing to wait for a family to adopt them , Gloria decided they would start a new chapter in life, together, on their own .

“I feel like there was a moment, a moment in my life where I was like I have my own little family, I have to start figuring out how I’m going to take care of her and how I want to raise her,” Gloria said.

With the help of the DHS and Project Zero, Gloria secured an apartment, found daycare for Aleah and got a job, all while preparing for her senior year of high school.

“I’m not going to say it’s easy and all this, but it’s all about your mindset and the people you have in your life,” Gloria said.

For Gloria, it’s important to show her daughter that your past does not define your future.

“There have been a couple bumps in the road here and there that have tried to stop me from becoming who I am or getting to the places I need to be, but I never lost faith and I feel like that plays a really big role in my life,” Gloria said.

While her adoption story may have a different ending than she initially imagined, her focus is on this next chapter.

“I’m doing it, it’s kind of still hard to believe,” Gloria said.

She’s encouraging other foster kids to take a page from her book and never lose hope.

“You’re gonna get there,” Gloria said. “You’re gonna make it and it’s going to be okay.”

Those who would like to help Gloria and her daughter on their new journey can give online at TheProjectZero.org/How-To-Help and note “Gloria” when donating. Project Zero will use the funds to buy gift cards for her.

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