Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.icwrtc.org/wednesdays-child-1.

Maria

Age: 17

"I want to know what it feels like to have a family or somebody that would be there for somebody…I've never had that. I've never had a mom and a dad. It would be really cool for me to have that and start a fresh life."

Maria is a delightful young lady who is talented, engaging, and wise. This is evident right when you meet her, particularly if you talk about her favorite subject - animals. Maria loves animals and knows a lot about them…more than the average person. She says her favorite animal is the tiger, but her face lights up at the mention of any. She has saved baby kittens, a baby squirrel and is kind-hearted toward living creatures in general. In fact, her favorite holiday is Easter because of the baby animals it represents.

She would love her chores to be the care of animals and she hopes to have her own pets someday. She would love to do volunteer work at the zoo, the aquarium or an animal shelter. When asked what she would like to do for a career as an adult she says, "Work with animals!"

Maria donated her hair to Locks of Love and feels good about doing something positive and caring for someone else. She has worked hard at overcoming some of the obstacles in her life and she is proud of that too. She desires a family that will accept her for who she is while continuing to support her progress, engaging with her, communicating with her, and just plain having fun with her.

Maria loves to have fun and laugh. She likes jokes and little pranks or tricks to make others laugh with her. Maria would like to fish, camp, explore, hike, or participate in other outdoor activities, especially if they have to do with nature or being in the mountains, which she loves. She likes to try new things.

Maria hopes to have a job someday soon, and participate in other activities common to teens her age - hanging out with friends, going to the YMCA, attending dances or the prom. She is looking forward to planning her Quincianera.

What Maria likes about school is meeting new people. She is accepting of people and shows this by talking to them. She is also an avid reader. Her favorite books are the "Warrior Cat" series. Her favorite subject is choir. She not only loves to sing, but is incredibly gifted and talented in this area. She can sing any genre very well. Hearing Maria sing will give you goose bumps or bring tears to your eyes. Maria needs to be supported in her singing endeavor. She needs someone that will stop what they are doing to listen to her new song, go to her choir concerts, and find and support new avenues for her to grow in her talent.

Maria states that the most important qualities in a family are "…that they're understanding…that they know how you feel…they listen to what you have to say…I want to be accepted in a family." She also feels she would do best if she were an only child or the oldest.

Maria's caseworker describes Maria as having a very unique, fun personality with a great sense of humor and quick wit. She is playful, truly inspirational, very smart, passionate, and has a big heart. She is a very sweet girl that is made of something indescribably special, with a lot of thrive, and resiliency. Maria needs energetic, understanding parents that will allow her to explore more, try new things, and that will learn and grow with her. Because she is so smart, she may ask difficult questions and needs a family willing to handle them. Maria needs a family that is patient, quick to forgive, and continues to see her strengths, with the ability to model appropriate coping skills. It would benefit Maria if a family is willing to become trauma-informed. Children that benefit from trauma-informed parents have so much potential! Maria needs a family willing to start fresh each day, moving into it with positivity. Maria has a lot of love and is willing and ready to give it to a family.

For more information on the Wednesday s Child Program in Idaho please visit, http://idahowednesdayschild.org/ or contact Shannon Foust via email, sfoust@ewu.edu, or cell 208.488.8989 if you have specific questions.

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