Most teenagers have had difficulties of one kind or another — a bad grade, trouble with peers, arguing with siblings or parents, not making a sports team or not landing a role in a play. Sometimes the hardships suffered by teenagers are more serious, like facing a serious illness or the loss of a loved one.

At 17 years old, Anna has had some hard times. She has experienced the hardship of growing up without a permanent family. Anna lives in foster care. As a teenager awaiting adoption, she is in a critical period. Teenagers are the hardest children to place into adoptive homes because of their age, and if Anna is not adopted soon, she will age out of the foster care system.

If Anna ages out of the foster care system, she will face a new set of difficulties in living on her own and supporting herself. With any luck, Anna will be adopted soon and not have to worry so much about facing her future on her own.

Amber Brown, a social worker with Lutheran Family Services, describes Anna as "a loving and caring young lady with a bright smile and big blue eyes." Anna enjoys school and is eager to learn.

Spending time with animals is one of Anna’s favorite activities, and she is happy and proud to volunteer her time at the local SPCA. While she loves to spend time with animals, she also likes taking care of babies.

Anna is busy developing many life skills. In learning these new independent living skills, she discovered that she likes to cook and enjoys preparing new meals. Cooking has become one of her favorite new pastimes.

Having a permanent home and family is something that Anna dreams about all the time. She longs for a family to provide a warm and loving home where she can know she will belong forever. Anna deserves a family to be dedicated to her and to give her the love, structure and support she needs. For more information regarding Anna, contact Amber Brown at adbrown@lfsva.org. RPM