Jayden from Pennsylvania

Jayden is a kind and respectful teen who sees his greatest strengths as his adaptability, resilience and being "a good person and the best version of me possible." If Jayden had $1,000,000, he would buy a home and save the remaining money. And if he had three wishes, he would wish to be "an adult, get my life together and be genuinely happy." Jayden absolutely loves to cook and would like to attend culinary arts school after he graduates from high school. He reports that cooking is something that is a part of his life that brings him joy. Jayden's favorite food is Spanish rice. He tries to limit his sugar intake, so he does not have a favorite candy, but he'll always make a concession for his favorite drink: Dr. Pepper! He has many interests and hobbies. Jayden enjoys staying active and enjoys participating in track, as well as playing basketball and football just for fun. When he wants to relax, he can often be found playing video games and building with LEGO. His favorite television show is the animated series "Big City Greens" and he also likes to watch movies like "Godzilla" and "X-Com" as well as any film with his favorite actor - Ryan Reynolds. He also enjoys reading, building with his hands, and listening to just about any type of music, with the exception of country and rap, as he'd rather listen to rock. He eagerly anticipates the fall season because "I like spooky things, Halloween and the color of the leaves." And he looks forward to Christmas because "you receive gifts from people, and I like Christmas music." Jayden attends high school in the 12th grade for the 2025-2026 school year and his teachers report he is a pleasure in class, always trying his best and asking appropriate questions to ensure he understands what is expected of him. Jayden is most proud of the fact that he is "not giving up" in school, nor anywhere else. Jayden has contact with extended family members and the hope is for him to continue with these relationships in the future. Parental rights have not been terminated for Jayden. Once a permanent resource is identified for Jayden, the agency will enact steps to terminate parental rights. For more information, families can call the SWAN Helpline at 1-800-585-SWAN or have their family worker contact recruiter Elisa Esh, at eesh@pachild.org.