Meet Malik | Music in His Head, Love in His Heart
Malik is 15 and unforgettable. He’s got rhymes in his notebook and wisdom in his heart. After years of bouncing through homes, he’s learned to create his own rhythm. Music isn’t just an escape—it’s how he copes, how he gives. He’s the kid who makes others laugh, even when he’s barely holding it together. All he wants is a shot—to be seen, heard, and someday, remembered.
Malik writes rhymes and washes dishes to save for studio time. He believes in giving—even when you don’t have much. And he dreams of being someone others look up to.
Background:
- Removed due to parental neglect tied to substance use and housing instability
- Has been in 3 placements within 18 months
- Currently in a pre-adoptive foster home
- No contact with birth father; mother in outpatient recovery
Personality & Traits:
- Energetic and loves to stay active
- Sometimes impulsive but not defiant
- Builds strong bonds with male caregivers
- Very empathetic toward animals and younger children
- Needs clear boundaries and praise-based feedback
Likes:
- Philadelphia Eagles (knows all the players)
- Basketball at the local rec center
- Math games and puzzles
- Music – especially rap and old-school hip-hop
- Favorite food: soft pretzels and cheesesteaks
Dislikes:
- Being singled out in class
- Sudden changes in routine
- Feeling misunderstood or “labeled”
- Loud arguments (can trigger shutdown behavior)
Current Needs in Pennsylvania Context:
- Foster family familiar with urban youth and trauma care
- Access to after-school mentorship programs (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philly)
- Academic IEP support through the Philadelphia School District
- Trauma-informed mental health services (through agencies like Turning Points for Children)
- Cultural representation and male role modeling.
Philly Pretzel Stand Victory — A Small Win with a Big Heart
Malik is 14. He’s a foster youth growing up in North Philly who knows the value of a dollar and the power of generosity. In this short animated story, he shares a moment with his younger foster brother, Andre, that speaks volumes: dignity, hope, and self-worth don’t always come wrapped in big things — sometimes they come in the shape of a soft pretzel.
This scene is part of FosterCareAwareness365’s character-driven series, shining a light on the real experiences of over 500,000 children in care. Malik’s story is rooted in national data and created to represent thousands like him — resilient, thoughtful, and full of quiet leadership.
“Maybe one day, I’ll be somebody people look up to. But for now… I’m just a kid with chores, a soft pretzel, and a heart that don’t quit.”
— Malik, age 14