Lewis, 17 years old, CA |

Wish submitted by:

Lewis is a kind-hearted, resilient, and well-mannered teen who consistently shows gratitude and a strong desire to help his current caregiver. His foster placement has been a very positive experience, as Lewis has shared that this is the first time he has lived in a home where he feels genuinely cared for and supported in meeting all of his needs. Throughout his life, Lewis has experienced significant grief and instability, as he lived in three separate homes where each caregiver passed away, resulting in multiple moves caused by the loss of the adults who were caring for him. Despite this repeated loss and trauma, Lewis has remained focused, respectful, and determined. He continues to perform well academically, earning A’s and B’s, and demonstrates kindness and responsibility even though he did not grow up with consistent stability or guidance. As he adjusts to his current placement, Lewis is experiencing many firsts, including family gatherings and recently celebrating his birthday for the first time. Lewis’s strength, resilience, and goal-oriented mindset make him a truly special teenager.

Lewis would greatly benefit from receiving a Nordstrom gift card, as he is currently working on building his self-confidence while adjusting to a new high school. Lewis is naturally shy and experienced limited interaction with peers his age prior to entering foster care, which has made social adjustment more challenging. He has expressed a strong interest in wearing well-known, brand-name clothing that fits his personal style, as this would help him feel more confident and comfortable at school. Being able to shop at Nordstrom would allow Lewis to select clothing that fits properly and aligns with current trends, supporting his sense of belonging among peers. Increasing Lewis’s self-confidence is a crucial part of his case plan, and having appropriate clothing that he feels good wearing can positively impact his ability to engage socially, feel included, and form healthy friendships at school.