Every year, around 20,000 American teenagers age out of foster care (寄养) at 18, and have to start their lives by themselves.
Ella first became aware of foster care when her parents were considering adopting a child. Although the ___1___ didn’t work out, Ella often found herself thinking about that child. “I’m really close with my family, and just couldn’t imagine being ___2___ on my own at 18,” she says.
Later, Ella visited Children Services, with a list of questions, trying to ___3___ what aging out looked like. One question was “What’s not being ___4___ for these young people?”. Near the top of the list was furniture. “The idea of moving into an apartment and not having a bed to sleep on pulled at my heartstrings,” says Ella.
Ella contacted her parents’ friends
asking if they had spare furniture to ___5___. And a local furniture store offered free space and delivery truck. Then she formed Chair-ity, a nonprofit providing furniture for young adults who have ___6___ foster care.
Watching those in need receive a bed, a table—whatever—was transformational. Ella remembers Hannah, a former foster care girl who couldn’t afford any furniture. When Hannah ___7___ to Chair-ity, Ella asked what she needed. “Everything,” she replied. When she found her once ___8___ apartment stood a full kitchen set, a bed, and a table, she said, “It really relieved my pressure.”
“To think what hadn’t been thought about in years could bring so much happiness to somebody was ___9___,” Ella says.
Today, Chair-ity has given furniture to nearly 200 young adults. As word has got out, Ella has received donations from more and more people. She’s convinced these contributions give those young people _____10_____ and confidence.
1. A. plan B. job C. way D. task
2. A. occasionally B. completely C. frequently D. slightly
3. A. explain B. understand C. expect D. recall
4. A. met B. built C. meant D. kept
5. A. arrange B. sell C. fix D. donate
6. A. left B. found C. improved D. thanked
7. A. looked up B. reached out C. held on D. gave in
8. A. quiet B. cold C. small D. empty
9. A. promising B. puzzling C. amazing D. pressing
10. A. purpose B. freedom C. hope D. guidance
