Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Author's Note: Each week, KSL brings you the stories of children living in foster care right here in our own communities. These kids need our help, and the opportunity to find a permanent home.SALT LAKE CITY — There are hundreds of children living in foster care in our community. Gabe is one of them, and he hopes for placement in a permanent home.
It doesn't take much to make him happy. The gentle-natured 12-year-old loves life, but the way into this little boy's heart is with a little ice cream and some Legos.
“Ta-da!” Gabe said as he dumped out his Legos. “See they’re toys, and I like to play with them.”
Gabe is autistic and thrives at the school he attends, but he's missing a very important part of his life. It’s one that he longs for.
“Because I like mom and dads,” he said.
"He's waiting for a home, and he'll make people happy,” said Gabe’s caseworker, Stacie Smith. “It will be work, and it will be hard, but he's just such a cute kid that it will be worth it.”
Gabe has lived in foster care for four years. He’s very much aware of the uncertainty that comes without having a permanent home.
“I don’t know their name either,” he said.
He would love to live in a home where he can interact with other children.
"He loves being with, playing with little kids and having fun,” said Smith.
Gabe has a lot to offer an adoptive family.
“Oh, just happiness, joy, smiles and laughter,” said Smith.
As long as there are plenty of Legos and ice cream.
