Jessica, 15, is a lot of fun to be with. She is inquisitive and eager to find out how things work. She loves to talk and engage in conversations. Jessica is not shy about asking questions and getting to know others. She loves to explore the outdoors, especially the woods.

Jessica went on a white-water rafting trip with her peers and talks enthusiastically about going rafting again.

Jessica is a physically active and fit young teen. Her favorite sports are softball and soccer, and she enjoys riding her bike. Jessica takes horseback riding lessons weekly, and she loves to ride the same horse named Toby.

She is proud that she gets regular exercise. She describes herself as a “tomboy” because she likes to explore the outdoors and does not really like to wear dresses. She also is a self-described pack rat as she keeps things that are important to her. She takes good care of her things as well.

Jessica likes school, especially social studies and science. She is in a community work program at school where she enjoys volunteering twice a week at local businesses. Currently she is volunteering at a lawn and garden store. Her favorite things to do there are picking flowers, planting in the garden and using the compost.

Jessica’s favorite food is ice cream. Her favorite holiday is Christmas, as she enjoys giving and receiving gifts. If she could take a trip anywhere, she would be interested in visiting Japan.

When asked what she would like people to know about her, she states, “I am a good person.” When asked if she could have any wish fulfilled, she states she would wish for “world peace and all the hungry would be fed.”

Jessica would like to be part of a one- or two-parent family with other children. She hopes that they enjoy horses, white-water rafting and to do activities as a family.

Jessica is one of 187 children currently in the Maine Department of Health & Human Services’ care who is seeking an adoptive family.

Based in Gardiner, A Family for ME is a nonprofit program that works in collaboration with Maine DHHS to find foster and adoptive families for Maine children in care.

For more information about Jessica or other children available for adoption, please contact A Family for ME toll-free at (877) 505-0545 or visit www.AFamilyForMe.org and see the Heart Gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a “forever family.”