Featured Children

Meet Tomquan

 

 



 

 

 

Tomquan (nicknamed Tommy) is a bright 12 year old boy who loves art projects and drawing pictures for people. He is very affectionate and loves giving hugs and kisses. Tomquan would do best in a family that is committed and ready to give him all of their attention due to the many disappointments in his life. A family who is willing to communicate with Tomquan's siblings, who are placed elsewhere, would be appreciated.

 

 

 

Meet Senayda

 

 

 

 

Senayda is a kind-hearted 13 year old girl with a great sense of humor. She also enjoys playing sports such as soccer and basketball, and is an outdoorsy type of girl. Senayda has been through some tough times in her life, and would love a positive role model and someone to look up to. Senayda wishes to keep contact with her birth mother through the phone and would like to keep in touch with her 3 younger siblings. A family that can provide a lot of attention towards Senayda would be ideal,

Adoptive mom's 'newborn' photo shoot with 13-year-old son goes viral

My baby: "Here's my sweet not so little newborn!" Kelli Higgins wrote on her Facebook page. "His name is Latrell and weighs 112 lbs."

The face is angelic, the lighting soft and the subject is napping peacefully – just the way a newborn photo shoot should look. It took 13 years, but Latrell Higgins finally has his baby photos.

“Here's my sweet not so little newborn! His name is Latrell and weighs 112 lbs.,” his mom Kelli Higgins proudly announced on Facebook, where the boy’s simple wish created an online sensation.

Higgins and her husband adopted Latrell and his sister Chanya two years ago, welcoming the siblings to their home in Crestview, Fla. The family already had five biological children, with a sixth one on the way, but Higgins felt she had more love to give, especially to kids who would have a harder time finding a home because they were older. In the past decade, more older children have become available for adoption, experts say.

“These children, once they get past a certain age, they don’t find homes and they age out of foster care,” Higgins told TODAY.com.

“They have to figure out the world on their own and there’s no one to go back to as an adult. Where do you go for Christmas? It’s just horrible, it’s heartbreaking.”

Then one day, social services called: Latrell and Chanya, then 10 and 5, were looking for a family. “Let’s just go for it,” Higgins recalled her husband saying. A few days later, the kids moved in. The Higgins were the only ones to submit paperwork to adopt the pair, the family found out.

The siblings are growing up happily, but wounds from the past sometimes surface unexpectedly.

The family was sitting around the dinner table last month, when Higgins – a professional photographer – mentioned that she was preparing for an upcoming baby photo session. Latrell mentioned that he wished he had baby photos of himself.

Higgins’ 12-year-old daughter asked, why not “recreate” a newborn photo shoot just for Latrell? The family had a good laugh thinking about him in all the newborn poses.

“I thought it was funny and that it would be a good idea,” Latrell told TODAY.com. His mom found the notion bittersweet.

“I was very sad too because I didn’t have any photos of him either," Higgins said. "I think it’s really hard to have children and not know what they looked like when they were younger.”

Higgins and Latrell went into her studio the next day, both laughing hysterically the whole time, she recalled.

While some people have raised concerns that Latrell would be embarrassed by the photos, he told TODAY.com that he likes the results and that everyone he has showed the photos to thinks they are funny. Meanwhile, positive reaction is overflowing on Higgins’ Facebook page, where the photos have been shared thousands of times and prompted hundreds of comments of support.

"This is such a beautiful thing to do!" one person wrote. "I know so many people who adopted older children and don't have ANY pictures of their infancy. What a spectacular way to remedy that... after all, he'll always be your baby."

Higgins is particularly excited to start a conversation about adopting older kids.

“The one reaction that is really humbling and I’m really excited about is there have been a lot of parents that come to me telling me that they were thinking about adopting a baby, but after seeing those photos it’s changed their minds and they want to adopt an older child,” Higgins said.

There were more than 104,000 children in foster care who were waiting to be adopted in 2011, the last full year for which government statistics are available. The median age of a child waiting to find an adoptive home was 7, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“Over the last decade, I’m seeing more older children available to be adopted and more people who are interested in adopting them,” said Gloria Hochman, a spokeswoman for the National Adoption Center.

People who adopt older kids tend to already have children and have experience dealing with pre-teens and teens, she said. There’s more help available now to families through post-adoption services, she added.

Back in Florida, Higgins said the lesson Latrell taught her is simple: We are never too old to want -- and deserve -- love, security and parents.
Source: http://www.today.com/moms/adoptive-moms-newborn-photo-shoot-13-year-old-son-goes-1C8347362

One Person Can Make A Difference!!

I remember sitting in training for getting licensed to be a foster parent and hearing how many times the kids arrived with very little and many times they are carrying all their life's possessions in a garbage bag. I remember thinking how sad, but also not really believing that happens. Until the day we went to pick up our now adopted 12 year old daughter. When I arrived all of her belongings were in 2 garbage bags sitting at the front door like trash ready to be discarded. I soon found out she had made this same move with garbage bags 17 other times. After a while my daughter shared that she felt as worthless as the garbage bags that she carried. The bags were filled with clothes that were dirty, stained, torn, too big or too small, a few broken toys mixed with food wrappers.
 I immediately saw the need for something more dignifying than that. But what could I do? I am one person, I could make a difference in maybe this one person's life, but what could I do for all of the other kids being bounced around from home to home.As individuals we often do give ourselves enough credit of what we can accomplish. But Lori Souza of Tracy, CA found an amazing way to impact the lives of many foster children by starting Cases For Kids.
The group provides each of the children with a personalized bin wit 3 new outfits with tags, new bedding and other needed personal supplies.I know from my daughters experience coming to our home where she received new bedding and new clothes that were just hers, not ones that she got second hand. I could see her self esteem build right in front of our eyes!
I read about Tracy's incredible organization on the Mercury News website

To learn more about this project you can check it out at : 
http://www.caseforkidstracy.org/

Thank you Ms. Souza for caring! You make a difference in the lives of so many children!!!
Thank you for providing a sense of dignity and pride to our kids!!!





I know this video is for a water project, but the song is so true of all things. It just take one drop to change the world!!!

Finding Your Tribe

When I was 26 years old, I was diagnosed with an aggressive case of Stage IV endometriosis.

What made my case unique, was that I had never before experienced any health problems.

I was stripped of my ability to conceive swiftly, and unexpectedly.

I was young, single, and completely lost in regards to what I was supposed to do next.

Three years, five surgeries, and two failed IVF cycles later – I am still single, but finally at a point where I am physically healthy again, while also coming to terms with the fact that I will likely never carry a child beneath my heart.

And in the last 3 months, I have started to open myself up to the idea of adopting.

Not just adopting, but adopting from foster care.

Almost entirely because of a friend, who forwarded to me some of the profiles from AFFEC.

Something has changed inside of me, and I can now see myself parenting an older child.

(Photo Courtesy of snapshotsfromourjourney.blogspot.com)

A girl most likely. One who is like I was as a kid – lost and abandoned, angry and confused, but still very much so in need of love and understanding.

I like to think I’ve grown into a pretty healthy and functioning adult, but as a teen and pre-teen girl – I was a train wreck. And I would have given just about anything for a mother’s love.

Suddenly I am realizing, I might just have what it takes to be that for someone else.

Which brings us to now, as I am starting down this new road and looking to build my family through adoption, continuing to write about my journey on the blog I began over 3 years ago.

When I first was faced with endometriosis and infertility, one of the things I quickly discovered was that no one in my life would ever really understand. They all tried so hard, but they just couldn’t get it.

They couldn’t really get me, or what I was going through, or how it all made me ache inside.

It was, hands down, the most isolating feeling I have ever experienced.

But then, I started blogging.

And just like that – this world opened up in front of me. One which was inhabited by women who got me, had been there, and understood.

Blogging was a catalyst to healing for me, and I will always be grateful for the connections it introduced into my life.

It made me realize then, that there is something to be said for finding your tribe – the people walking a similar path to your own in this life. All of our stories are unique, but there is a tie that binds even in that. Finding those connections… it really can change your life. It opens you up to perspectives, stories, and advice you may not otherwise have ever found - a community that can help to guide you, even as they are navigating the same waters themselves.

Which is why I am excited to announce that I will be working with A Family For Every Child to help make those connections even more accessible to you.

We will be putting together a blogroll in the coming weeks, right here, that will help connect you to others who are walking a similar path.

Whether you have your own blog, or are simply a reader, this will be a way to help you find your tribe.

If you want to know more about me and my story, you can find it at my blog (singleinfertilefemale.com), on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Single-Infertile-Female/110309278986538), or on twitter (@sifinalaska). I tend to write about adoption, infertility, and the perils of dating while single and infertile in Alaska.

And if you want to become a part of forming this community – please e-mail me at:

singleinfertilefemale@yahoo.com

I would love to know who you are, what your story entails, and where you are blogging at.

If you have never started a blog yourself - now might just be the time!

As the blogroll comes to fruition, I would like to eventually section out the stories these blogs are telling.

For instance – are you at the start of your adoption journey, or a seasoned parent by now? Did you adopt an older child? A child with special needs? From foster care? Internationally? Or through a traditional adoption agency?

We would love to know who you are, and what kind of community you personally would like to be connected with.

Beyond that, if your life has changed because of foster care adoption and you would like to share your story in a guest post right here – please let me know that as well. I would love to start arranging some guests posts in the future to even further help make those connections a reality.

We all have our stories to tell – but finding that connecting tie can sometimes make all the difference in the world.

So what are you waiting for? E-mail me already, and let me know if you would like your blog to be included!

I can’t wait to hear your story…

S.I.F.

singleinfertilefemale@yahoo.com

singleinfertilefemale.com

PRINCESS FOR A DAY 2012

On March 3, 2012, we will be hosting our 4th annual Princess for a Day event. This special day is an opportunity for Oregon girls to be treated like a princess for a day. It is designed to be a gift for foster children in the community as well as to raise awareness of foster children in Oregon. Each princess will take home a gown, crown, and slippers too. She’ll have her hair and nails done, and be in her very own photo shoot. Last but not least she and a guest will attend a tea party fit for a queen We need your help- What: New or gently used dresses, shoes, and accessories to fit girls ages 2-18.

When: Before February 20th, 2012 , drop off at our office 880 Beltline Rd. Springfield, Linzy@afamilyforeverychild.org-541-345-2856, or become a drop off place in your business/school

Why: Every girl deserves to feel like royalty. The Princess for A Day event does just that. Girls in the community spend a day getting all dolled up from their hair and makeup, to a beautiful gown and slippers.

To learn more about this day, watch this video from last year:

To register your princess, go to http://www.afamilyforeverychild.org/Announce/Princess_Event/2013PrincessRegistrationForm.php
The spots are almost full, so be sure to sign up as quickly as possible!

-Oceane

Interview with Ashley Rhodes-Courter, Bestselling Author for Memoir about Foster Care/Adoption

“I was adopted and it saved my life.” Ashley begins the interview by speaking about her past struggles in foster care and her wonderful adoption that was “no short of a fairytale.”

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Ashley, she spent her childhood in 14 foster care homes until she was finally adopted by a loving family. Ashley is now a college graduate, New York Times Bestselling author, and an advocate for adoptable children. Her book, Three Little Words, is a memoir and a national bestseller. Ashley has also appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, Nightline, Nancy Grace, ABC Primetime, Montel Williams, and other national media outlets.

Ashley goes on to answer my first question: what would you tell a family who is considering adopting a child? She responds passionately, affirming that “The thing to also remember is that there is an age, gender, disposition, development level, or sibling group out there for ANY family. There are just too many kids out there to turn your back on the possibility of adoption.”

Although Ashley went through some tough times in abusive foster care families, she always felt the need to advocate for herself and other children who were going through similar challenges. Once adopted, her life improved dramatically. Ashley continuously emphasizes the love her parents gave her, saying: “I know my parents love me just as much as their biological sons, and frankly, I may be even closer to my parents in some ways.”  

Nowadays, Ashley and her husband have fostered 12 children. Unfortunately, none of the children have become free for adoption, but Ashley assures me they will “jump at the chance to adopt any of our kids that we feel a deep connection with.” Ashley is also currently serving as a National Child Welfare Ambassador for the American Humane Association as well as on several national and international boards including, Amici de Bambini, OrphanAid Africa, Ghana; Children Without a Voice USA; and Family Focus Adoption, USA.

Ashley has some words of encouragement for children undergoing foster care, including telling them to persevere through these dark times in their lives, and reminding them that their “life experiences actually make them much more capable of success.”

Ashley ends the interview with these words; “My story isn't unique and my experiences mirror that of thousands of other youth struggling in care. Youth must take responsibility for their own futures, make positive choices, find their passions, and surround themselves with people who are going to help progress them to the next stage in their lives. Communities must also rally around these youth to ensure that we have better outcomes.”

It was an absolute honor interviewing the incredible Ashley Rhodes-Courter, and I would like to thank her for her time and what she gives to the world.

 

-Oceane

Featured Children

Meet Raneesha.



 

Raneesha is a 13 year old good with a talent for writing, math and a great sense of fashion! She is a very social girl who enjoys listening to music and eating Chinese and Mexican food. Raneesha would strive in a family where she is the youngest or the only child. She is a loving girl who deserves a loving family in return.

To learn more about Raneesha, visit http://www.afamilyforeverychild.org/php/ViewKid.php?id=3287

 

 

 

Meet siblings Joel & Alex

 

 

 

Joel is an 8th grader who enjoys reading and playing sports. Joel is a hard-worker and wants to try out for the track team. He is not convinced that he will be adopted, although he wishes for a permanent home for him and his brother Alex. Alex is a 7th grader who is also a hard-working child, but is more academically challenged. He looks up to his brother and loves to spend time with him. They both enjoy spaghetti, pizza and ravioli.

To learn more about Joel & Alex, visit http://www.afamilyforeverychild.org/php/ViewKid.php?id=1598

How A Family For Every Child Made A Difference In My Life

October 6th, 2012, at 1:28 pm the moment we be became a family. A moment I thought would never happen. We had spent months preparing; fire inspections, physicals and more paperwork than a mortgage. Then the day came when we were approved to adopt from the foster system. Like many of you are now, I was ready! Ready to find our child or children. But we were at the mercy of our social worker. Something I never realized was how completely stretched our social workers are. Mine had 80 families she was working with, 80 families who all had the same goal in mind finding their child. And then the night came when I had the director of the agency I was using sit down on my couch with my social worker and I when she told us that there are many families who may never get matched. Instantly I thought, how could this be??? Over 100,000 Waiting Children in this country and there are families who never get matched, I knew this was not right. That is when I emailed A Family For Every Child. I was soon contacted by a wonderful Family Specialist Diane. She immediately started sending me bios of children and assisted me when I did not hear back from agencies about children I was interested in. There were several times when Diane was able to get information that my social worker could not get. She also had information on children who were not listed on the sites I was previously looking at. I always felt Diane really cared about us and about helping us to be matched with a child or children who were meant to be in our family. In March of 2012 we were matched with a gorgeous 12 year old girl in Florida. We live in North Carolina, I point this out because I have found that many people do not know that you can adopt over state lines. The fact is you can!!! There are a few more steps to take through the Interstate Compact Act. I am forever grateful for all the help that A Family For Every Child provided to Today,I sit here the mom of an almost 13 year old daughter who is the joy of my life. So if you are reading this feeling down, feeling that you will never find your family, take a deep breath and click here http://www.afamilyforeverychild.org/AboutUs/Contact.php And let one of the A Family For Every Child Family Specialist help you to find your family. Because it is not a matter of if you will be adding to your family,it is now just a matter of when! Over the next few months I would love to share stories of how families were created through adopting from the foster system. If you would like to be a featured family please email me!! I look forward to sharing your story! ~Jenny

Adopted Celebrities

We know Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have adopted a handful of children, but which celebrities themselves were adopted?

Babe Ruth
Malcom X
Steve Jobs
Marilyn Monroe
Faith Hill
Nicole Richie
John Lennon
Walt Disney
Nelson Mandela


This goes to show that the kids waiting in foster care have just as bright of a future as anybody else, if only given the chance. Don’t give up on them. Visit them at http://www.afamilyforeverychild.org/kids/

-Oceane