In the world of foster care, stories with happy endings can be difficult to find. But I recently heard about a young man — we’ll call him “Sam” — who experienced a bright spot in his life. Sam had just turned 18 and therefore “aged out” of foster care. Just before his case was closed forever, he was placed with a relative.

Even so, living with special needs and having been in foster care for 10 years, he was vulnerable. Thankfully, someone was paying attention. The behavioral and mental health specialist at his school enlisted her extended family to buy him a bicycle, clothes, and shoes for Christmas. And she will be able to follow up with Sam as he participates in an alternative program that will educate him until he turns 21.