Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — It only takes a few moments with Jade to know he’s one of the happiest kids around. “I don’t know how you talk to him and don’t smile — you have to smile,” said Lisa Miller, Jade’s Youth Connections Advocate with Raise the Future. We first met Jade in 2022 at the Discovery Gateway Museum. Back then, he was 12 years old, bursting with energy and excitement. He loved every activity, especially the earthquake simulator, where he built towers of blocks and watched them tumble with delight. His life, in many ways, has mirrored that simulator — shaken by challenges, but never without joy. “He definitely 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 just finds joy in everything.”
Cooking, Laughing, Growing
Fast forward to 2025, and Jade is 15, heading into high school and preparing to celebrate his 16th birthday. At The Home Lab in Draper, he learned how to make mac and cheese bites with owner and artist Stephanie Paulson. The Home Lab is a space filled with warmth and creativity — perfect for Jade, who thrives on connection and activity. "I'm so excited, I like being in the kitchen," said Jade as he entered the cooking area of the lab. Jade loves to cook, and he loves to eat (though he prefers his food not to touch), and he still has that infectious smile. He’s matured in many ways from KSL TV's last visit — he's more calm, and more thoughtful — but his generous spirit remains unchanged. Whether he’s inviting others to taste his cheese sauce or opening the oven door for Paulson, Jade radiates kindness.
Eight Years in Foster Care — and Still Waiting
Jade has lived in foster care for eight years, and during that time, he's been supported by some wonderful foster families. He qualifies for lifelong disability services, which provide extra support to him, and he will do best in a structured environment, where he can enjoy staying busy. Jade also gets along well with younger kids. “He wants to be your best friend,” Miller said. “He wants to connect.” When asked what he hopes for in a forever family, Jade’s answers are simple and heartfelt:
- “Like, get love.”
- “Like say goodnight.”
- “It would be perfect — with a mom and dad.”
- “They could teach me how to swim because I don’t know how to swim.”
Jade dreams of love, patience, and belonging. In return, he offers joy, resilience, and a heart full of affection. “He has so much love to give,” Miller said. “And he’s just waiting to find his forever family that will love him and accept him for who he is.”
Happy Birthday, Jade!
As Jade enters a new chapter — high school and his 16th birthday — we celebrate the incredible young man he’s becoming. He loves gymnastics, loves school (so much that he wants to be a principal someday!), and loves making people laugh. If you’d like to learn more about Jade or explore adoption through Raise the Future, visit Raise the Future or call 801-265-0444.
