A child is waiting: adventurous B.J. loves the outdoors

A child is waiting: Adventurous B.J. loves the outdoors

by Honey Murray for Digital First Media

Twelve-year-old foster child Brian (called “B.J.”) has a favorite place: “Anywhere!”

“Brian loves going places due to his inherent curiosity,” says his care provider. “He’s very inquisitive and always up for an adventure – like a ride on a camel, shown on his M.A.R.E. (mare.org) YouTube video!”

Though B.J. is mostly nonverbal and communicates using an I-Pad, he has made extensive progress over the course of the past several years with his communication skills.

“B.J. understands everything you say,” his care provider says, “and communicates very well using his I-Pad. He’s extremely intelligent. He’s able to face situations and say, ‘O.k.! Let’s figure this thing out!’ When I first met B.J., I marveled because, at age six, he’d wanted a snack and actually typed out: ‘strawberry toaster strudel!’ He knows what he wants – especially when it comes to enjoyment of special snacks!”

B.J. has a ready smile and is warm and affectionate. “Wherever he is, he brightens the whole place! He’s very fun-loving and active,” said his care provider. “He loves horseplay and being outside.”

B.J. also likes playing with puzzles and magnetic letters and watching “Go Diego, Go!” videos.

According to B.J., who enjoys riding the bus, a perfect day would be: a day outdoors, with his favorite foods (meat, bread, popsicles, chocolate) on the menu.

As one of over 3000 Michigan children who are looking for a permanent home, B.J. hopes for a forever family of his own.

“For B.J., a two-parent family would be best,” said his care provider, “possibly with other children his own age or older. Most importantly, B.J. needs consistency and structure with a family that is willing to commit to an extended period of time developing a relationship.”

For more information, contact Orchards Childrens Services at (855) 694-7301 or visit www.orchards.org.

By Honey Murray for Digital First Media