He's on the verge of cool, but still yearning for a family. Meet Dawayne.

Dawayne is at that interesting age for boys, 13 and developing into a man. He's beginning to get a sense of himself and is discovering girls. Yes, he has a girlfriend. All he'll say about that is her name is Chelsea and she is very nice. For all his outward confidence, it's hard not to detect the sadness Dawayne (DJ is what he prefers to be called) carries inside.

DJ has been in foster care for a number of years. He says he lives for today, trying not to think about the past or what lies ahead in the future. "I have a sadness inside," he quietly admitted when he let down his cool facade.

Like most boys his age, DJ is into music and rap rules what comes out of the speakers-50-Cent, The Game, and Nellie.

Still on the cusp of manhood, DJ is a dichotomy of a boy who likes to play and a boy who is noticing himself in the mirror. He still gets a kick hanging out with his buddies riding bicycles, doing tricks on roller blades and skate boards and playing some street basketball or football. He couldn't get enough of the inflatable bouncers and slides at the Tempe Pump It Up, urging any kids he could find to race him, over and over. Video games still capture DJ's attention. He is adept at Halo 3, Most Wanted, Extreme Home Court and Smackdown Wrestling.

The other side of DJ is a boy learning about grooming, style and presence. He's heading into the 8th-grade, the age where the mirror is starting to capture more and more of his time. Body spray, deodorant, and hair products are becoming key to his appearance. "I like style'n and looking good, fresh," he said with a youthful air of confidence.

Asked to define what he's all about, DJ says he's a great best friend who is gentle, kind, helpful and goofy. It's obvious he has a great sense of humor and likes to make others laugh. Instead of taking a vacation to some exotic beach, DJ said he'd rather take the money and help those less fortunate by giving clothing and food. As for the future, he'd rather not think about that right now. "I try to live my life the way it is now," he reflected. "I don't think ahead and think about all that stuff."

DJ's case worker says Dawayne needs a two parent family who will show him the love and trust he has been denied for many years. He seeks consistency and guidance as he transitions into manhood. He's smart and likes adults. An active family who shares laughter and likes church would suit DJ as he moves from trying to be cool to a wonderful young man.