ZS, 12 years old, NE | 26 DAYS WAITING

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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 was recently placed with his grandmother, who didn't hesitate to open her home to him, even with limited space in her small apartment. Together, they rearranged the living room to carve out a space just for him, giving him a bed, dresser, loveseat, and partition to help him feel like this new place is truly home. One thing ZS has been hoping for is a lift-top coffee table, one that rises up to double as a desk, giving him extra storage while finally offering a real spot to do his homework, instead of working from his bed or the couch as he has been. Having just started at a new school, ZS is determined to make the most of this fresh start, especially in the subjects he loves most, math and science. A desk of his own would support his schoolwork while also giving him one more piece of a space that feels like his.