ZS, 12 years old, NE | 26 DAYS WAITING

Wish submitted by:

ZS is a sweet kid who has seen a lot of violence. He is adjusting to being a foster child and is placed with his grandmother while his mom completes drug and domestic violence therapy. His father is in federal prison. Violence has been normalized for him, and he is having to work through a lot of pent-up anger and resentment as a result. He is doing well in therapy and embracing his fresh start at a new school. He has joined the football team and is looking forward to trying out for show choir. He is blossoming and coming out of his shell now that he is in a stable home providing consistent care. He is learning that his needs matter and that the adults in his life are responsible for keeping him safe and loved.

ZS is working towards becoming involved in prosocial activities. Since moving in with his grandmother, ZS hasn't been able to do some things he used to enjoy, like going fishing with his friends, because they live too far away now. His grandmother mentioned that he could fish with his cousins nearby, but they don't have an extra pole for him to use. ZS would be so excited and happy to finally have a fishing pole of his own, giving him the chance to join his cousins and get back to something he genuinely loves and has missed. ZS is working to overcome a lifetime of exposure to violence and drugs, and having time to relax, be outdoors, and reconnect with something that brings him joy would help him tremendously.