Wednesday’s Child: Stoneay Hopes To Find Her Forever Family
Sep 30, 2020, 1:02 PM | Updated: 1:46 pm
BOUNTIFUL, Utah – Nearly five years ago, Stoneay was featured as a Wednesday’s Child with The Adoption Exchange on KSL TV.
At just 13 years old, she was hoping someone would see her story and want to make her part of their forever family.
That didn’t happen.
Now, at age 18, Stoneay fears she will age out of foster care with no place to call home.
“Everyone needs a family,” she said.
KSL TV and The Adoption Exchange celebrated Stoneay’s 18th birthday with a visit to Pintsize Picassos in Bountiful. Stoneay loves art – especially drawing.
“I like drawing dragons and mystical creatures,” she said.
In 2019, a total of 130 youth aged out of foster care, according to the annual report from Utah Child and Family Services. While some may fear 18 is too old to be adopted, Stoneay doesn’t feel that way.
“When they were 18, didn’t they need help?” she said. “When they were down on cash or didn’t have someone to go to and they had their family … having someone help you when you need help isn’t a bad thing.”
Stoneay is in the critical years of life, trying to plan what’s next. She would like someone there to guide her.
“I’m trying to get a job, I’m trying to get my driver license,” she said. “I want to be a CNA because a lot of people I know are CNAs, and one in my life has been a big influence.”
For Stoneay, facing these big life moments alone is scary.
“It’s just nervousness, and like, ‘Oh, I won’t be able to have the support that I need,'” she said.
Stoneay was adopted when she was three only to be returned to state custody. She said she’s hopeful a family will give her a second chance.
“I would like a family to support me instead of just being like, ‘Oh, I mess up one time and they just give up on me,'” she said.
For more information, contact The Adoption Exchange at 801-265-0444 or go to adoptex.org.
