Naeim, 15 years old

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Naeim is a remarkable young man. He is a kind soul with a beautiful smile. He is focused on working hard in school and has recently made the honor roll for the first time! His love of watching sports and playing basketball and baseball has been an outlet for him to deal with the struggles of being separated from his family. He is appreciative of the little things and is genuinely well-mannered.

Naeim is an incredibly determined and resilient young man who's been through more challenges in his life than many of us can imagine. After a journey through multiple foster placements and a heart-wrenching separation from his adoptive mom due to her illness, he’s finally found stability in a forever home. This new environment offers him the security he desperately needed, but there's still one hurdle that’s keeping him from fully embracing his greatest passion: football. Naeim plays junior varsity football for his home team, all while attending a specialized school that meets his unique learning needs. The only downside is that he doesn’t have reliable transportation to get to practices. Since his resource parent doesn’t drive and there’s no bus service available, Naeim is in a bit of a bind. Starting in June, summer football practices will be held 4 to 6 days a week, and he’s looking for some help to cover the cost of daily Uber rides to make sure he can stay involved with his team. Football means so much more to Naeim than just a game. It’s truly a lifeline for him, where he finds connection, discipline, and a sense of healing. The camaraderie with his teammates, the guidance from his coach, and the structure that the sport provides give him something that no therapy session can replicate: a feeling of belonging, purpose, and hope. With every play, he’s not just honing his skills; he’s also rebuilding trust in himself and in the world around him. This wish will help cover rides to and from practice for one week, ensuring that Naeim can keep pursuing his passion for football.