Jacen from Pennsylvania

Jacen who prefers to be called ?Jay? is a very sweet, soft-spoken young man who is looking for permanency with a lifelong family. He is often called a ?gentle giant? and is kindhearted. Jay takes pride in being a high school graduate and speaks confidently about what he has been doing since graduation, which is attending a local community college and working with cars and computers. He enjoys listening to country music and really wants a cowboy hat to match his cowboy boots! Jay will eat most any food, but his absolute favorite food is Chinese. He enjoys watching NASCAR and anything to do with muscle cars. He also likes Star Wars movies and video games, gladly talking about these topics any chance he gets. Jay is friendly and can carry on a conversation with just about anyone, although he can be a little shy until he gets to know you. Sometimes interacting with strangers makes him feel a little anxious, but Jay has come a long way in learning ways to manage these feelings and recognizing his own needs in certain situations. He has been known to show a playful verbal banter with those he is close to and is consistently respectful towards adults and peers. Jay has lived with multiple caregivers throughout his life which makes it hard sometimes for him to trust adults. He articulates this in a mature way demonstrating wisdom beyond his years. He has been able to develop a good relationship with a former foster father who has earned Jay's trust and respect. Jay lives independently but is open to the idea of a permanent family who could be there for him throughout his life, helping him to become an independent and successful adult. Jay would like to have a mother and a father but is also open to single parents. Jay is laid back and will need extra motivation and support from his forever family. He responds very well to verbal praise and when others recognize his accomplishments. He would also love to have pets to care for in a home. Jay is okay with having siblings, but very young children tend to be too busy for him; a more calm and laid back family might just be the type of family where Jay can grow and flourish. Jay has a strong connection with his aunts who live in Northeast PA and continuing these relationships through contact and visits is very important to him. Jay is legally free for adoption.