Posted 9:46 pm Sunday, December 16, 2012
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Inquisitive teen needs a loving forever family
By GILLIAN SHARIDAN
gsheridan@cbs19.tv
If it involves playing a game, Joshua is usually first in line.
gsheridan@cbs19.tv
If it involves playing a game, Joshua is usually first in line.
“I like to play soccer, basketball, skating, riding my bike,” he said. “I like video games a lot.”
He also likes going to church and being involved in a youth group.
Ashley Gipson, his caseworker with Child Protective Services, said, “He is one of the sweetest teenagers I’ve met in a long time.”
Joshua and I played The First Tee of Greater Tyler Wee Links Golf Course at the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas. The course teaches nine core values.
“Those are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment,” explained Christian Sarran, the program director.
Joshua caught on right away to the game and the concept it teaches.
“You have to behave, be caring and be nice,” he said.
This teenager has a bright smile, an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor.
I asked him what he wants for Christmas. He immediately looked down and with a big smile said, “Some new shoes, ’cause these are too tight!”
Joshua has a great memory for detail and is inquisitive. With help and encouragement he is capable of much success.
“I like all my classes. My favorite subject is science.”
Ashley Gipson, his caseworker with Child Protective Services, said, “He is one of the sweetest teenagers I’ve met in a long time.”
Joshua and I played The First Tee of Greater Tyler Wee Links Golf Course at the Boys and Girls Clubs of East Texas. The course teaches nine core values.
“Those are honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment,” explained Christian Sarran, the program director.
Joshua caught on right away to the game and the concept it teaches.
“You have to behave, be caring and be nice,” he said.
This teenager has a bright smile, an infectious laugh and a great sense of humor.
I asked him what he wants for Christmas. He immediately looked down and with a big smile said, “Some new shoes, ’cause these are too tight!”
Joshua has a great memory for detail and is inquisitive. With help and encouragement he is capable of much success.
“I like all my classes. My favorite subject is science.”
He’s described as having an upbeat personality despite some challenges in his life. “I’m special needs,” he said.
“Joshua is 15, but he’s not functioning at a 15-year-old level. Developmentally Josh is probably at a 10- to 12-year-old level,” said Gipson.
He needs patient parents who will spent a lot of one-on-one time with him.
“The type of family that I want is someone who understands me. Someone who takes good care of me,” Joshua said. “I’ve been waiting a long time.”
Gipson said, “He’s ready and that was one of his wishes, to be adopted.”
As Joshua made his way around the golf course he gained new skills that will help him as he waits for a forever family.
Sarran said, “What I hope he takes away and what I saw was him developing more confidence in himself. He can learn new activities and that he’s able to carry out certain skills that he can take into college and even the rest of his life.”
To learn more about Joshua, join Gillian Sheridan for her “Children are a Gift” report, Tuesday night on CBS 19 ten @ 10. You can also find information by going to CBS19.tv or tylerpaper.com., or by calling 903-533-4109.
“Joshua is 15, but he’s not functioning at a 15-year-old level. Developmentally Josh is probably at a 10- to 12-year-old level,” said Gipson.
He needs patient parents who will spent a lot of one-on-one time with him.
“The type of family that I want is someone who understands me. Someone who takes good care of me,” Joshua said. “I’ve been waiting a long time.”
Gipson said, “He’s ready and that was one of his wishes, to be adopted.”
As Joshua made his way around the golf course he gained new skills that will help him as he waits for a forever family.
Sarran said, “What I hope he takes away and what I saw was him developing more confidence in himself. He can learn new activities and that he’s able to carry out certain skills that he can take into college and even the rest of his life.”
To learn more about Joshua, join Gillian Sheridan for her “Children are a Gift” report, Tuesday night on CBS 19 ten @ 10. You can also find information by going to CBS19.tv or tylerpaper.com., or by calling 903-533-4109.
