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another date with me?”
    Impressed Sinclair simply replied , “I would love to.”
    “And if that didn’t work then yes, that was my way of asking you out again.”  Kingston said as they both started laughing hysterically.
     
                 
       

MISS MADISON
     
    “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?” Asked the officer swearing her in.
    “I do,” Sinclair replied,
    “State your name and where you work,” The heavy set officer asked.
    “My name is Sinclair Madison and I am the owner and director of Aged Out Foster Care , Inc.”   Sinclair replied.
    The walls of the courtro om were covered with dark wood panels and had the American flags on either end of the judge’s bench. They were several officers that guarded the prisoners and guarded the door as many attorneys, families and friends came in and out of the courtroom.
    Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, Ronald sat with his hands handcuffed in front of him looking very competent that he would soon be released.  His attorney sat next to him at the defense table ready with all her documents to support Ronald’s case. 
    Sinclair sat on the witness stand in the courtroom for the second time in three months .  Although she hated taking the stand, she had to convince the court not to send Ronald to jail.  
    “M s. Madison, can you please tell us what your agency does?” the young attorney asked.
    “My agency is for former foster children now turned adults that have aged out of the system and no longer qualify for assistance.  My agency picks up where the system left off.  We provide housing, food, clothing and educational resources to them.”  Whenever Sinclair took the stand she got knots in her stomach.
    “This is a two part question.  First, how do you provide such services as not being a state agency?  Second, why can’t these people get these services on their own?” The woman asked while pacing the floor in front of Sinclair.
    “ I give them contact information for agencies that deal specifically with their needs.  To answer your second question, coming right out of the system is a very scary thing and not having anyone there to guide you through is even worse.  I show them where to go and how to ask the right questions.”
    “I have a question for you?” the judge turned to Sinclair.
    “Besides giving out information , is there anything else you do? “
    Si nclair answered the judge while remembering everything she puts into the bags. “I give all my clients a backpack filled with clothes, personal hygiene items and something to eat and drink.  During the winter months they are also given a coat or told where to go get one for free.”
    The judge took notes while listening to Sinclair’s response.  “And how is your agency funded, Ms. Madison?”
    “We are a non-profit agency.  W e rely solely on grants and donations.”  Sinclair hopped Ronald would not be sent to jail.
    Ronald sat with his attorney paying very close attention to everything that wa s being said.   Aged Out had given him something he had never had before and that was hope.  If only the judge would see the same thing, he would be released.
    “One last question,” the judge asked.  “Where do these donations come from?”
    “Basically everywhere.  Churches, charities and my neighbors donate.  I also get donations from stores and various different vendors.  A sandwich truck owner delivers fresh sandwiches to us weekly to feed my clients.  I even donate my personal clothing sometimes.”  Sinclair explained with great detail.
    “M s. Madison, is there anything else you would like to add?” The attorney asked in hopes this would better help the case.
    “ Most people don’t know what it’s like to be a former foster kid.  While you’re in the system you are being cared for, but when you age out that is when things become extremely difficult.  That means there is no one to take of care of you but