GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – FOX 17 continues our Forever Home series with Jacob, a teen in the Michigan foster care system who needs a family to help him carry out his dreams.
Jacob is a resilient teen who’s spent the majority of his life in and out of foster care, though this has not broken his spirits. Jake is a sweet-natured teen who needs a family now more than ever.
He started gymnastics when he was just five, now 16-years-old, Jake is an all-around athlete.
Jake showed off his skills at Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Grand Rapids: between back flips and slam dunks, Jake is an active caring teen who cheers on others.
“I’m very honest,” said Jake. “I like to try new things and get outside of my comfort zone and do more things.”
Jake is an avid skateboarder and told FOX 17 that he wants a family and maybe even siblings of his own to grow up with.
“I can’t be the only skateboarder around,” Jake said smiling.
Since he was only two-years-old, Jake has been in and out of foster care, now living in a group placement.
“The thought of having a future, somewhere better; I just motivate myself on that and know that it’s going to be better on the other side,” said Jake.
Thoughts of a bright future motivating him, Jake said he is dedicated to becoming a U.S. Navy Seal.
“I try to stay fit as much as possible, and that’s something that’s going to be able to keep me in shape,” said Jake.
“Plus, I’ll be able to go around the world and stuff, and do more things, go to different countries. America: the home of the free and the brave.”
Staying strong, Jake said all he wants is a family to help him make his dreams a reality.
“Really what I want is just to find a family and you know, some people that care about me to support me and my ideas and for what I have going for the future,” said Jake.
If anyone would like to adopt Jake, or learn more about him and the adoption process, please call Orchards Children’s Services at 1 (855) 694-7301.