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Age 9 · Featured Profile
Malik
Philly's Pretzel Champion with a Heart for Hoops
Malik is a Philadelphia boy who knows every Eagles player and every local pretzel shop. He's bright, empathetic, and needs a male role model who can channel his energy into sport, school, and structure.
Malik's Experience
"Philly's Pretzel Champion with a Heart for Hoops"
Meet Malik · Video
Background
- 01Removed due to parental neglect tied to substance use and housing instability
- 02Has been in 3 placements within 18 months
- 03No contact with birth father; mother in outpatient recovery
- 04Currently in a pre-adoptive foster home
Personality & Traits
- 01Energetic and loves to stay active
- 02Sometimes impulsive but not defiant
- 03Builds strong bonds with male caregivers
- 04Very empathetic toward animals and younger children
- 05Needs 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
How a family or community can show up for Malik.
01
Foster family familiar with urban youth and trauma care
02
Access to after-school mentorship programs (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters of Philly)
03
Academic IEP support through the Philadelphia School District
04
Trauma-informed mental health services
05
Cultural representation and male role modeling
Bonus Story