As Zakyriah stirs and sprinkles her way toward a brighter future, the icing on the cake will be a forever family ready to welcome her home.
FORT WORTH, Texas — She’s bright, bubbly, and beautiful.
Today’s Wednesday’s Child is 13-year-old Zakyriah, who is sweeter than the cupcakes she made at Eduardo’s Pastry Kitchen in Fort Worth.
“10 out of 10. I think I might need another one,” said the happy teen as she took a big bite out of her homemade cupcake.
Zakyriah is a sweet soul with a passion for baking and a recipe for happiness she’s more than willing to share.
“Please try one of my cupcakes,” she said happily as she passed around the treats to her friends.
She may be young, but Zakyriah already knows how to bring smiles with just a little sugar, flour, and a whole lot of love.
“It was so much fun,” she said about working alongside award-winning baker Eduardo Chavarin-Arreola. During an afternoon of mixing, measuring, and creating, Eduardo helped Zakyriah feel comfortable.
“When I start baking, it calms my nerves down,” said Zakyriah.
She admits it’s no piece of cake to calm herself in a world where she feels alone, which is why she stays focused on the forever family she hopes will find her.
“A nice home that does not judge me by my clothes and hair. I want a family that is nice to me, cooks for me, loves me,” she said.
Zakyriah has been in foster care on and off since 2017. She wants love, stability and to feel safe.
“So, I don’t have to move from home to home. Yeah. I’m about to cry,” she said sadly.
Her journey has been long, but Zakyriah’s spirit is so strong!
“I want a family that has love in their heart to adopt me and give me what I need for school.”
Zakyriah wants to improve her grades this upcoming school year and keep sharing her love for baking with the world.
“What makes me happy is making cupcakes that can be fed to homeless people,” she said about her desire to help the homeless.
Zachariah’s Court Appointed Special Advocate says what she needs the most is stability.
“Once she gets comfortable and feels that she’s safe, she likes to talk. Very talkative,” said Shunnay Gilmore. She wants someone to see the light Zakyriah carries and to treasure her.
“She needs somebody who is going to make her feel safe and loved and supported.”
As Zakyriah stirs and sprinkles her way toward a brighter future, the icing on the cake will be a forever family out there ready to welcome her in.
“I pray that she finds what her heart desires,” Gilmore said.
If you would like to learn more about adopting Zakyriah, please Call EMPOWER at (833) 7FOSTER and press * or email wednesdayschild@3empower.org. Don’t forget to include Zakyriah’s name within the subject line.
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