Elijah, 21 years old

Wish submitted by:

Elijah is a calm and courageous young man who has spent much of this year learning how to navigate life as an emerging adult. He recently aged out of the foster care system in New York City. While in care, Elijah faced many traumas and hardships that can make social interactions challenging for him. Despite these difficulties, Elijah is a natural nurturer and has recently become a young father. Becoming a father has motivated Elijah to work harder toward achieving independence, setting goals, and maintaining his emotional well-being, all in an effort to maintain a healthy and strong bond with his small, precious family. Elijah loves listening to music and enjoys attending the Bravehearts support group, where he finds peers who bring out the best in him.

Elija's wish for this holiday season is a new laptop. Elijah shared that he had never owned his own laptop before, outside of the standardized school device used by students during the pandemic. Elijah wishes for a laptop so he can take virtual certification courses which will help him increase his employment prospects. Elijah often uses computer devices at local community centers and libraries, but during the cold months, it would be nice for him to finally have his own device to use in the comfort of his own bedroom. Elijah also would love to have a laptop so he can watch Cocomelon with his child on the days where he can just unwind and be a dad.