In early 2025, two young brothers came to live at A Kid’s Place. AKP staff members remember that night clearly because both boys had birthdays coming up fast! The youngest brother, Joshua, was turning 10 in just eight days. His older brother, Jamal, was turning 12 three days later.
Our Program Director jumped into action right away to learn what the boys wanted for their special days. A group of caring House Parents joined a top-secret mission to get the gifts and make wishes come! Joshua wished for fidget spinners, a chain necklace, a tablet, and a soccer ball. Jamal asked for a tablet, a remote-controlled car, and a drone. When their birthdays arrived, both boys were amazed to get everything on their lists. Joshua smiled big and shouted, “There’s no way!”
Along with celebrating birthdays, the boys got right to work in school. Our education team creates customized learning plans to help every child succeed. Joshua went to our on-site classroom for one-on-one help. Thanks to that personal attention, he jumped up to reading right at his grade level and earned high scores on his math and science state tests! Jamal also worked hard with our staff tutors after school and did great in his middle school classes, even earning awards for excellent Citizenship.
At Christmas time that year, the kids decorated the tree and made paper chains with their holiday wishes written on them. Joshua wrote down one big wish: “I want to be adopted, and I hope my sister can come.”
Finding the right home for this sibling group was tricky. Several families wanted to adopt Jamal and Joshua, but it was hard to find parents who could also accommodate their little sister’s medical needs. Finally, in early 2026, a family stepped up wanting to adopt all three kids!
The brothers met the family for the first time at Chili’s, and they came back beaming with excitement! Jamal kept saying he couldn’t believe how well they all got along. After months of getting to know each other and fun visits together, this month the siblings officially moved in with their new forever family!
Jamal and Joshua’s story is a wonderful reminder of why our work matters. At A Kid’s Place we provide a safe and loving environment where children can heal, learn, grow, and simply be kids with big dreams! We are so proud of how far these brothers have come, and we wish them and their sister endless joy in their loving forever home!