Joseph, 16 years old, CT |

Wish submitted by:

Joseph is known for his creativity and his gentle nature. He's an artist at heart, using drawing as his primary means of communication when words feel too difficult. Joseph has a unique perspective on the world, seeing beauty and possibility where others might see only chaos. His artwork reveals depth and emotion that he struggles to express verbally. What makes Joseph exceptional is his capacity for loyalty and love despite having experienced rejection. He dreams of one day having his own "ohana", people who choose him not despite his quirks and history, but because of the beautiful, creative person he is. Joseph's path through foster care has been marked by a search for acceptance and understanding, and he's found solace in the story of Lilo and Stitch, a tale about broken things finding family. Joseph identifies deeply with Stitch's journey from feeling like an outsider to discovering that "ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind." At his residential program.

Joseph's requests for Lilo and Stitch accessories and drawing supplies address both his emotional needs and his creative talents. Lilo and Stitch merchandise provides tangible connection to a story that validates his experiences, it reminds him that being different doesn't mean being unlovable and that family is about choice and commitment, not biology. These items become touchstones of hope during difficult moments. The drawing supplies empower Joseph's primary coping mechanism and form of self-expression. Art allows him to process trauma, communicate complex feelings, and create beauty from pain. Quality supplies show him that his art, and by extension, his voice, matters and deserves to be supported. This gift would provide both emotional comfort through meaningful characters and practical tools for continued healing and self-discovery through creativity.