Jahnia is an outgoing, intelligent 15-year-old with a quick wit and infectious sense of humor. Lensa, her child-specific recruiter says, “Jahnia is down to earth, funny, gets along with everyone, and tells it like it is.”
The two recently went out to dinner at Jahnia’s favorite Thai restaurant where they spent time talking, laughing, and enjoying one of her favorite foods: shrimp fried rice. While Lensa was driving to the restaurant, Jahnia was excited to turn the music way up, sing-along, and have a good time. She loves listening to Selena and Brandy, but her all-time favorite singer is Beyoncé, because, “she’s a Queen and can sing!”
Jahnia dreams of one day becoming a professional R&B or pop singer like her idols, but also has a talent for math and solving problems. Outside of school, she enjoys watching sports like gymnastics, volleyball, and track, and says, “music, books, and family make me happy.” She also enjoys attending church because of the sense of community it brings to her life and hopes her adoptive family that shares this interest.
Although Jahnia has a gregarious personality, she is very aware that she’s been through a lot. Because of the challenges she’s experienced in life, it is very important for her to feel heard and listened to. She wants to know that her opinion, thoughts, and feelings are being considered. “Jahnia would do really well with an individual or couple who can have open, honest, and judgment-free conversations with her and also provide mentorship, guidance, and encouragement,” says Lensa.
Jahnia identifies as African American and it is important that her adoptive family is knowledgeable about her heritage and culture. Additionally, it will be important for her adoptive family to help her navigate and maintain her birth family relationships. Jahnia would do best as the only or youngest child in the home and prefers to live in the Twin Cities metro area.
Details to Note
Due to contracts with the Minnesota Department of Human Services, the cost of adopting a child from Minnesota foster care is virtually free to families.
Learn More About Jahnia
If you would like to know more about Jahnia, please contact Lensa Ahmed at [email protected] or 651-255-2355. Families may have to provide certain documentation to receive full- information.
