Lelia Almaraz-Romo, 19, Tennessee’s Foster Care System
Lelia entered care at 14 and aged out at 18. She experienced 3 foster homes and 2 congregate care homes.
In 2014-2015, she volunteered with a soup kitchen and assisted with organizing food at a church greeting people at the door when they came in for a Christmas meal. She also volunteered at a nursing home making Christmas cards and spending time with the elders there. In 2016, she volunteered at Fighting For The Bullies (A pit-bull organization) where she helped to take care of and socialize the dogs.
Lelia is in college and enjoys studying Islamic studies, the Spanish language, cooking, and helping the community.