SALT LAKE CITY – It only takes a few moments with Jade to know that he is one of the happiest kids around.

“I don’t know how you talk to him and don’t smile, you have to smile,” Lisa Miller said, Jade’s Youth Connection’s Advocate with Raise the Future.

Jade is 12 years old; he’s lived in foster care in Utah for about five years.

“Developmentally, he’s probably between six-and-eight years old. He gets along with younger kids, he’s in a contained classroom at school, and he qualifies for disability services which he’ll have his whole life, which is awesome because it’s extra support for his family too,” Miller said.

Jade loves adventure, and during our visit to the Discovery Gateway Museum, he could hardly contain his excitement. He loved visiting each activity and sharing the moments with those in his group.

“He wants to be your best friend, he wants to connect, and he does best when he’s staying busy doing activities,” Miller said.

One of his favorite activities at the museum was the earthquake simulator, Jade loved building with blocks and seeing the simulator shake and knock them down. Jade’s life is similar to the simulator, but he’s been resilient through it all.

“He definitely has had some hard life circumstances, obviously anyone in foster care has had some hard life circumstances,” Miller said, “he’s also had some medical things that have been hard, but he just doesn’t see them as a struggle, he doesn’t see his life as a struggle, he just finds joy in everything.”

Jade loves gymnastics, and he loves school, in fact, he loves school so much that he wants to be a principal when he grows up!

Jade is ready for a forever family, one that will show him love and patience. And in return, he will fill their life with joy.

“He has so much love to give, and he’s just waiting to find his forever family that will love him and accept him for who he is,” Miller said.

To learn more about Jade, please contact Raise the Future at 801-265-0444, or visit Raisethefuture.org.