Story of Hope: Kimberly Sims
Kimberly Sims sworn in as an Advocate on March 10, 2017. She signed onto her second case February of 2020. This case had 5 children and only recently closed out. One child, John, aged out of care and 3 of the children were adopted by relatives. That left Adrianna. Adrianna entered care at the age of 15 and was placed with her older brother John and a relative. Adrianna expressed from the moment she entered care that she had dreams of going to college and study marine biology. Kim vowed to ensure that Adrianna would get everything she needed to for that dream to come true.
Adrianna was referred to the college docket at the age of 16. The plan was for her to be adopted by her Aunt and Uncle. They became licensed and started the process. Adrianna completed PALS and had a circle of support. Kimberly questioned what benefits she would receive with adoption versus aging out. The department only provided what benefits she would qualify for if adopted. Kim went to work researching and meeting with her Advocate Supervisor. If Adrianna wanted to be adopted, she was in full support but because she wanted to attend college and that college would be out of town, she wanted to ensure Adrianna would be able attend school without major cost like housing.
Kimberly and her supervisor met with the placement and Olivia and discussed adoption benefits, extended care, and aging out benefits. After about a week, Adrianna decided that she wanted to enter extended care and go to college. With the help of college docket staff, Kimberly advocated fiercely at every hearing to ensure that Adrianna would remain care. The department continually asked to dismiss but the Judge agreed with Kimberly and the Ad Litem.
Adrianna stayed focused on her studies and working. Adrianna soon turned 18 and still was in high school. Kimberly remain a support to her and the family. She checked in often and ensured that Adrianna was staying on top of her studies. Adrianna graduated high school May of 2022. Adrianna applied to several schools and got into all of them.
Adrianna was so excited because she was accepted into her dream school. Kimberly started to collect items that Adrianna would need for her dorm and helped prepare her for graduation and moving off to college. Kimberly was the person that Adrianna asked to take her and her Uncle to the school to help her move in. She also asked Kimberly to be the person who attend the parent portion of the freshman orientation.
Kimberly never gave up and pushed to ensure that Adrianna received all of her benefits so she could pursue her dreams. Kimberly is a true example of an amazing Advocate and Adrianna is successfully completing her first semester of college!
