I Belong Project™ Scores a Big Win at GEODIS Park
We had an unforgettable day with the Nashville Soccer Club at a recent I Belong Project™ photo and video shoot. It is an honor to be able to share the stories of the incredible MVPs who joined us in August. Joshua, Bryan, Miranda, Thomas, Garrett, Chyna, Corin, Hunter, Desiree, Hezeki, Gregory, Zachery, and Julious had an amazing time connecting with soccer players, hanging out with the team’s mascot, and even running on the field!
Home Field Advantage
We’re so thankful to the players, staff and volunteers who joined us in this incredible space. The joy we witnessed as kids ran on the pitch was inspiring and allowed for great connections to be made. As kids participated in a host of activities, you could see them relax into the day. The backdrop mixed with meaningful time spent with NSC members, our team and volunteers prepared each child to share their story on film.
Why It Matters
This day was more than just fun; it was about showing these incredible kids that they are valued, seen, and supported. While in a safe environment, we see children start to let down walls so their personalities can shine. We hope these days and their vulnerability play a pivotal role in connecting kids with forever families.
Tennessee Kids Belong extends its deepest gratitude to Nashville Soccer Club for making this special day possible. Their generosity and commitment to the community reflect the belief that every child deserves a place to belong.
Meet the Kids
Thomas
Thomas likes to have space to roam and having friends around. He enjoys football, board games and puzzles. He enjoys being around animals and does well with them.
“I hope to find a family that is going to love me and care for me… and for me to love them back, too.”
“Once you get to know me, I’m actually a pretty nice person. I like to do things to help other people and be kind to other people.”
Julious
Julious is very focused on his education and does well in school. Education is important to him and he would love to go into law or real estate. He enjoys being with friends and hanging out.
He is seeking a family committed to demonstrating healthy relationships who can guide him toward being successful in adulthood.
“I love dad jokes… I looked at my water bill and electric bill at the same time and I was SHOCKED!”
Hezeki
Hezeki is a special and energetic young man. He is very likeable and loveable. His laugh is very contagious and heart warming. Hezeki likes to try new things.
He enjoys going to school. His favorite class is gym because he likes to run and play. He enjoys playing video games and watching videos on his tablet. Hezeki loves to listen to music and he likes trains. Hezeki needs a special family that is willing to learn how to meet his needs and willing to be his forever family. Hezeki needs a family that will be supportive of ongoing contact with his siblings.
Corin and Chyna
Corin is an intelligent young man who loves to play and watch sports – especially football and kung fu! He loves being outdoors and playing with animals. He is also into video games. Some of his favorite foods are cheeseburgers and desserts.
Chyna is a very energetic young lady who loves girlie things. She loves dressing up, putting on lip gloss, and going on outings. Chyna also likes to play sports, especially soccer.
Please note: The team is only considering families in Tennessee.
Desiree
Desiree is a sweet young lady who wants a family to call her own and shares, “I just want a home.” She knows lots of different card games and is always ready to play. Desiree likes cheerleading, dance, and soccer. She enjoys outdoor activities such as riding her bike. She likes listening to music and Nicki Minaj is her favorite musical artist. One of Desiree’s favorite movies is the Wizard of Oz.
Desiree’s most favorite food is tacos, but she also likes pizza, ice cream and broccoli. Her favorite subject in school is math. Desiree loves animals, especially dogs.
Zachery
Zachery is a creative and imaginative young man who wants to be a police officer when he grows up. Zachery loves being outdoors riding his bike, playing football and basketball, and more! Zachery has stated that he would like the opportunity to try out for a football team, a basketball team, a soccer team, a hockey team, a volleyball team, and a baseball team. He is especially hoping for a family that also enjoys sports and would be willing to help him get better at basketball.
Zachery has identified that he would love to be in a home that has at least one pet dog because he enjoys playing with dogs.
Garrett
Garrett is one of the kindest people you will ever meet! He loves playing on trampolines, swings, and doing puzzles. He is a very charismatic young man. Garrett likes to be outdoors, and he loves to swim. He also likes listening to music.
Garrett likes to go to school. He loves to watch television; he enjoys watching Scooby Doo, Smurfs and Trolls. His favorite foods include french fries and grilled cheese!
Garrett needs a family that will give him lots of love and attention.
Bryan
Bryan is a delightful young man and “better than ever!” He is unique with many talents and interests. He has an impeccable memory and is able to recall numbers, names and all sorts of additional information about things he interested in… especially cars!
Bryan loves watching the Cooking Channel and game shows such as Wheel of Fortune and Deal or No Deal. He also likes playing Bingo. Bryan is engaging and willing to start a conversation about cars at any time, especially if the car has leather seats. There is never a dull moment with Bryan around!
Miranda
Miranda is a kind, funny, and caring person. She easily makes friends and likes to talk to everyone. She enjoys school and makes good grades.
Miranda likes playing cards like UNO and Go Fish as well as playing board games. She loves animals, especially cats. Her favorite TV show is Peppa Pig. Miranda likes drawing, coloring and watching movies. She really loves healthy snacks like bananas and apples… but alsoenjoys pasta and pizza. When asked what makes her happy, she says “waking up and seeing the sun!” She loves celebrating holidays -especially her birthday!
Gregory
Those who know Gregory best describe him as kind, funny, and entertaining. Gregory has a joyful personality. He loves to play with Thomas the Train and Piggy from Roblox. Gregory likes watching videos and listening to pop music.
Gregory enjoys playing outside when weather permits. His favorite outdoor activities include basketball and soccer. His favorite foods include pizza and chicken tenders. Gregory loves animals, especially cats and insects. Gregory needs a family who will be committed to him and show him the patience and love he deserves.
Hunter
Hunter is a very likeable young man. He loves music! It helps calm him and makes him happy. He enjoys spending time outdoors and doing outdoor activities.
He also likes to watch TV and play games. Hunter also enjoys eating breakfast at restaurants.
Hunter needs a family that will be patient and loving. He would do best with parents who are good listeners and who are comfortable advocating for his needs.
Joshua
Joshua is a happy and lovable young man. Joshua loves going to school, where he was recently nominated to be the Valentine King! He enjoys spending time with his friends and schoolmates.
He enjoys playing with his toys and interacting with people. He likes it when people talk to him and give him their full attention. Joshua enjoys swinging and spending time at the splash pad under the water fountain. Joshua’s current caregivers describe him as a young man who is full of joy and love. Joshua travels well, and his caregivers enjoy providing him with opportunities to experience lots of new and different activities.
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