Keanna Carbajal is a speaker, a poet, and a pianist, who has to work as a caregiver in order to survive.
She was forced to quit due to a lack of transportation and the impact of coronavirus on bus schedules.
“This car means so much to me. I can’t even like stress how many opportunities that it’s opened up for me,” said Carbajal. “Now I’m going to be able to work, doesn’t matter how far it is or what time it starts at because I’m not going to have to worry about when the buses aren’t running.”
At the age of 19, Carbajal has had more foster homes than birthdays – 32 to be precise. She’s currently in the Homes with Heart Ventura County Independent Living Program.
“I think we need to do better with our youth that has been in care for a long time that really doesn’t have family contact, a lot of family support,” said Jaci Johnson, Human Services Agency, Ventura County, California.
Surprising Carbajal took a team effort, beginning with Tara Weber, who donated the SUV.
“My dad gave me the vehicle that he took meticulous care of. And my three boys have been able to drive it. We really wanted to return the blessing,” stated Weber.
Weber donated to James Storehouse, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children in foster care and those like Carbajal who are now adults.
James Storehouse worked together with Homes with Heart, and the rest is history.
“It worked out so much for me. I would not be here where I’m at with the things that I have if it weren’t for them. Not because they gave it to me but because they motivated me to work harder to earn these,” said Carbajal.
Carbajal wants to become a lawyer one day but says she first wants to serve as a probation officer so she can use her voice to help other others who are facing hardships.
