My name is Kaylee Jimenez, and my life has been marked by hardship, but also by resilience. I grew up with five siblings in a home without a father and with a mother who struggled with drug addiction. When I was six years old, my two younger siblings and I were placed into the foster care system and separated. Over the next two years, I moved through five different placements, each one reinforcing a sense of instability and loss. The moment that made me most proud of my resilience occurred during my fourth foster placement. I was only seven years old, yet I was living in an environment filled with anger and chaos. From the very first night, I knew I was not safe or wanted. I cried myself to sleep most nights, hoping my mother would get better so I could return home. During this time, I attended court-mandated therapy. Out of fear, I stayed quiet and did not share what was truly happening in the home. After several weeks, I slowly began to realize that the therapist’s office was a safe place. Around the same time, the court announced that my mother was doing better and could have one child returned to her care. As her only daughter, I believed she would choose me. When she chose my younger brother instead, I was devastated. That moment felt like the final confirmation of a belief I had carried for years—that I was unwanted and unloved. Rather than allowing that moment to break me, it became the point where I found my voice. I asked to be moved and, for the first time, told my therapist the truth about how unsafe and unwanted I felt. What was meant to be a one-hour session turned into three hours. That same night, I was removed from the placement and moved two hours away from the only city I had ever known to live with a woman I had never met. At the time, I felt hopeless and assumed this would simply be another temporary stop. Instead, it became the turning point of my life. From the first week, she took me to church, where I learned about Jesus. For the first time, I felt hope—wondering if there truly was a God who loved me and wanted to know me. Week by week, my faith grew. Months later, my brother joined us, and one year after that, the woman adopted both of us. I finally had a mother who loved me, chose me, and made me feel safe. Looking back, I am proud that I found the courage to speak up for myself, even as a child. That moment taught me that I am not powerless and that my voice matters. It has shaped how I face challenges today by reminding me that I can advocate for myself, seek help, and trust that change is possible. This resilience continues to guide me as I pursue higher education. This scholarship would mean so much to me. My mom is a single mom and she has worked hard to provide for my brother and I. I am paying for college on my own and any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for this opportunity and your generosity!

My name is Kaylee Jimenez, and my journey is one shaped by hardship, redemption, and unwavering faith. From a young age, I experienced instability that no child should have to endure. I grew up without a father in the home and with a mother who struggled with drug addiction. At six years old, I entered the foster care system, where I spent two years moving through five different placements. During that time, I faced neglect and verbal and physical abuse, and I rarely felt safe or wanted. With every move, I believed it was my fault—that I was not good enough to be loved or chosen. By my fifth placement, I had lost hope and accepted what I believed would be a life of constant displacement. Everything changed when I was placed in a home two hours away from the only city I had ever known. I was welcomed by a woman I had never met, who showed me consistency and care. From my very first week with her, she took me to church, where I was introduced to Jesus Christ. Through weekly services and Sunday School, I began learning about God and His love. That summer, I attended a church camp where I gave my life to Jesus! In Him, I found what I had been searching for all along—a family where I felt loved, safe, and wanted. One year later, that same woman adopted me and became my mom! As I have grown older, I have come to see God’s hand clearly woven throughout every part of my story. Although my childhood was filled with trials, I now understand that God used each one for a purpose. If I had not moved through five different homes, I may never have learned who God is or discovered that He deeply cares for a little girl from a broken family and lovingly calls her His daughter. God has given me this testimony not only for my own healing, but so that I can encourage others—especially children who feel unwanted or alone—to find hope and belonging in Christ, just as I did. Because of this journey, I feel a strong calling to pursue a degree in Theology at a Bible college in Portland. My goal is to become a youth leader or youth pastor so I can walk alongside young people during some of the most formative and challenging seasons of their lives. Whether their stories resemble mine or not, I believe God can use my experiences to help them feel seen, understood, and guided toward His love. This scholarship opportunity is deeply meaningful to me. My mom is a single mom of two kids and she has worked so hard to provide for our family. I am paying for Bible College on my own, and receiving this scholarship would help cover tuition costs and allow me to focus fully on my academic and spiritual preparation. Thank you for your time, generosity, and commitment to investing in students who desire to serve God faithfully and wholeheartedly!