Jonathan R., 18 years old, NJ | 6 DAYS WAITING

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Jonathan has spent much of his life in foster care. He is living in a residential program and working to figure out what adulthood will look like for him. His path has not been easy, being in foster care a good part of his life and battling a chronic health condition, but Jonathan continues to show up each day and try. Jonathan is a thoughtful and introspective young man. He tends to observe the world around him before speaking, but when he feels comfortable, you begin to see his personality come through. He has a reflective side to him and often thinks deeply about life and the future he hopes to build for himself. Music is one of the things that helps him most. It allows him to process emotions and express what he sometimes struggles to put into words. For Jonathan, music is both calming and inspiring. It gives him space to think and imagine possibilities beyond his current situation. He is someone who carries a quiet resilience. Jonathan does not expect much from others and has learned to manage many things on his own. At the same time, he still has the same hopes most young people do — to feel connected, to enjoy simple things, and to believe that his future can look different from his past.

Jonathan doesn't have much family support or close friends, so when the day ends and his programs finish, he often finds himself alone in his room. He loves music; it's his way of dealing with life, escaping, and dreaming about a better future. Despite being on medication, he strives to stay focused and steady, determined to improve his situation. One thing he'd love to have is a Nintendo Switch. It's not just about playing games; it's something to look forward to at the end of the day. It would give him a healthy distraction when his mind gets overwhelming. More than anything, it would help him feel like a regular 18-year-old, even if just for a little while. Getting a Switch would show him that there are people out there who care, even if they don’t know him. It would remind him that there are those who support him, want him to be happy, and believe he can grow and make a difference in the world.