Dominic, 10 years old, VA

Cooking has become one of the few things that still connects Dominic to home. He can recite his grandmother's cornbread recipe from memory, even though he hasn't lived with her in years, and he loves helping in the kitchen, watching cooking shows, and experimenting with simple recipes whenever his foster family lets him take the lead. Since entering care, Dominic has moved through three placements, and that instability has made him quick to brace for the worst, often asking caregivers early on how long he'll be staying this time. He's remarkably responsible for his age, sometimes to a fault, often stepping into a caretaker role with younger kids in his placements. He does well in school and has a solid group of friends, but trusting that a good situation will actually last remains hard for him. Dominic has had to grow up faster than most kids his age, and he deserves the security of a lasting home where he can finally just be a kid again.

Wishes submitted by:

The Friends of Foster Care