A Child is Waiting: Jayden hopes for a happy home – and a hamster

By Honey Murray for MediaNews Group

At nine years old, Jayden knows what he likes.

Wearing a bright, multi-striped shirt with some of his favorite colors (blue, green, purple), he shares some of those preferences on his M.A.R.E. (mare.org) video.

“I like best to be outside,” he says, “chasing bugs in the summer or playing sports, anytime.”

“I love basketball, especially. And I love animals,” he says. “I’d like to have a hamster, and I’d like to have a brown horse. But,” he shares, “my favorite animal is a rhino.”

“Jayden is a great kid,” his worker says. “He is very active and enjoys all sports. He loves being surrounded by animals, especially dogs and farm animal: horses, cows, chickens. He was thrilled, on a recent outing, to go to a pet store – even though there were no dogs -- or horses -- there!”

“And,” she continues, “he is ‘a man of few words,’ though he enjoys being with friends, makes good connections, and has a great sense of humor.”

“He’s empathetic, generous, imaginative, creative,” she adds. “When he is given treats, he always makes sure he shares with others, even those friends who might not be his favorites! And he generally does well academically.”

“My favorite school subjects are math and gym,” says Jayden. “When I’m not in school and not outside, I also like to read and color and draw and build things and play video games.”

“He likes to take things apart and put them back together,” his worker says. “He’s interested in how things work. His confidence and skills in so many areas are really growing!”

“Jayden would do best in an experienced, two-parent home. If there are siblings, it would be best if Jayden is the youngest,” says his worker. “And his family would need to continue to support the services that are helping him achieve his current growth and successes.”

“I’d like an active family,” Jayden says. “I’d like a mom and dad. I want them both. I’d like to go to the beach, and the Y.M.C.A.”

“In a family,” he continues, “I’d be talked to and given attention.”

“He’s a good kid,” says his worker. “He’s happy. He just wants to find a forever home. I hope he finds a forever family. He told me, ‘I want to have a happy family – and a happy life!’”

For more information about adoption or mentoring, please contact Orchard’s Children’s Services of Southfield at 855-694-7301 or visit www.orchards.org.