Matthew, 18 years old, CA | 6 DAYS WAITING

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Matthew is a focused and driven young man with clear goals for his future. He talks confidently about his plans and takes steps to achieve them. He has been living in extended foster care, where he is working on independent living skills and learning how to handle daily responsibilities. Right now, Matthew is aiming to earn his high school diploma, showing his dedication to this important achievement. He is also looking into a construction trade program to gain hands-on skills that will help him find stable work and build a career. He understands the importance of education and vocational training and is exploring options that match his strengths and interests. Transitioning to independent living has its challenges, but Matthew faces them with maturity and determination. Although he experiences anxiety, he has developed healthy ways to cope and knows how to manage his daily tasks. Instead of letting anxiety hold him back, he takes charge of it and keeps working on his personal growth. Matthew is surrounded by a supportive circle of friends, a caring girlfriend, and his CASA, who he turns to for advice. Having these trusted people in his life helps him stay focused and grounded. In his free time, he enjoys going to the beach, playing video games, and catching up on sleep, which help him recharge. Overall, Matthew is a motivated and thoughtful young man who is learning and growing as he builds a stable future for himself.

Matthew is an 18-year-old focused on building a successful future. As he finishes high school and learns to live independently, he is also figuring out how to manage stress and emotions in healthy ways. He has asked for a punching bag to help him release stress positively. For someone his age, finding safe ways to cope with intense emotions is really important. A punching bag would give him a way to channel frustration in a productive manner, allowing him to reset and focus better. Matthew is also involved in martial arts, which has had a great impact on his life. It teaches him discipline, control, and respect—qualities he values. Having a punching bag at home would let him practice his skills more regularly and stay fit, supporting his martial arts training. Engaging in physical activity is a key way for him to regulate his emotions, especially as he navigates adulthood. This punching bag isn’t just exercise equipment; it’s a tool for him to cope better, grow, and develop into the strong, focused young man he aspires to be.