Emilio, 23 years old, CO | 1 DAY WAITING | NEEDED BY 02/27

Wish submitted by:

ALL IN Empowering Futures

Emilio entered foster care when he was just two years old. At six, he lived with a relative but ended up back in care. By the time he turned 21, he had lived in over 15 different placements. Despite witnessing a lot of violence in his childhood, he has shown amazing resilience. He's currently working on getting his GED, but like many who have been in foster care, he struggles with self-confidence. Nevertheless, Emilio has a big heart and is incredibly caring and reliable. He regularly goes to group meetings, keeps in touch with his former caseworker, and is always there for others. Emilio helps organize and distribute supplies for youth in foster care and volunteers for events, even delivering leftover meals to people experiencing homelessness. Helping others brings him joy, and he gives his all to everything he does. He loves technology, enjoys gaming and being around friends, and expresses himself through art and music. Whenever there's an opportunity to help, Emilio is the first one to step up.

When Emilio turned 21, his Medicaid coverage no longer included eyeglass lenses and frames. While Medicaid covered the eye surgery he needed to restore his vision, the new prescription required after surgery must now be paid for entirely out of pocket. Providing Emilio with updated lenses and durable frames will allow him to see clearly again—something many of us take for granted. Clear vision is essential for him to read, continue working toward his GED, complete job applications, and successfully meet workplace expectations once employed. Beyond the practical impact, new glasses will help restore Emilio’s self-confidence. His current glasses are broken, with tape holding the lens in place, a daily reminder of a need he cannot meet on his own.