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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 4, 2006 Medford teenager living on her own needs basics By Sarah Lemon Mail Tribune EDITOR'S NOTE: "Light One Candle" is an annual Mail Tribune feature that focuses on the single need of an individual, family or agency during the holidays. At 18, the Medford girl hasn't finished high school but is well-schooled in the foster care system. Severely neglected by parents who abused drugs and alcohol, the girl entered foster care at age 4. After years of moving between foster homes and group homes, she "aged out" of the system this year and struck out on her own, said Lené Garrett, program administrator for Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Jackson County. "I guess this is the tragedy of kids that are never adopted and never have a permanent home," Garrett said. Weekly visits from her CASA have brought the only stability to the girl's life. The local nonprofit organization promotes the well-being of children designated wards of the court. Advertisement "She has her share of baggage," Garrett said. The girl, a high school senior, receives a state subsidy of approximately $500 a month and is pursuing part-time work. But her meager budget will have to extend even further this month when her roommate vacates their Medford apartment. Child welfare workers are attempting to get a reduction in the girl's rent, now about $300 a month, Garrett said. Gift cards to buy food and toiletries, school supplies and bus vouchers would help stretch the girl's slim income. She also wishes for shirts and sweaters in juniors medium sizes. Towels, twin-sized sheet sets and dishes would help set up her new household. Donations can be delivered to CASA of Jackson County, 613 Market St., Medford. For more information, call Garrett at 734-2272. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487 or at [email protected] Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com