Brandon is a ten year old young man who was adopted by his foster parents, Bruce and Kris. Brandon had been in several foster homes before entering his adoptive home. Bruce and Kris, along with their two children, have been very loving and supportive of Brandon. Brandon is full of energy, life and talent. He has all the potential to continue to succeed. Congratulations to Brandon and his forever family!
Bruce, Kris, Austin, Brandon, and McKenna
Chad was adopted by his foster parents, Bob and Diana. They have done an excellent job of supporting him through the adjustment and the grief and loss he has experienced. Even at the age of seven, children understand what it means to gain a forever family. When asked what adoption means, Chad stated “It means my mom and dad become my real mom and dad.” Congratulations, Chad!
Bob, Diana, and Chad
-By Rhonda Greer, Adoption Supervisor
Greg and Mary have faithfully fostered and adopted through CCHO since 1995. They have advocated for children in their home with the counties, with schools, and medical professionals, and have done whatever necessary to make sure the children’s needs were met.
Heather and Amber came to live with them three years ago as foster placements. Their brother Derek was placed with them about two years ago. All three children lived in various homes before coming to Mary and Greg, and they wanted to settle down and be a permanent part of a loving family.
It was a long journey, but Mary and Greg remained faithful to the children and worked through each part of the process. They encouraged the children, allowed them to be involved in age appropriate activities, and helped them to develop healthy relationships with many people who would become part of their support system.
The long journey brought them to an especially joyful event in August when Heather, Amber, and Derek, who had already become part of the family in their hearts, legally finalized their adoptions. After a long day of court, going to lunch and sightseeing, the family returned home to a surprise adoption celebration. Mary and Greg, along with close friends and family, had planned a surprise party to bring everyone together who had been involved in supporting and encouraging this family.
Because of the many losses children experience coming into the foster care system, it can be difficult for them to believe they will ever be a permanent part of a loving family. For Heather, Amber, and Derek, it became a reality because of the hard work and dedication of Mary and Greg, and all of those who supported them along the way.
“Hi, my name is Anna*. I was born on May 9th 1990 to my parents. I am seventeen years of age and about to get baptized today. First I would like to share a brief testimony. I was raised in the church from the time I was born until now. It was a few years before my teenage years that I stopped taking church seriously. I was about nine years old when I started to fight, drink and do drugs. I did this to take the edge off. At the age of twelve, I was forced to be involved sexually with an older man, until I turned fourteen. That was when I came into county care (county custody). I was still drinking, fighting , and doing drugs, but this is the time I chose to start having sex. I was moved from placement to placement until I came to CCHO. I was in at least three other placements before I came here. I put up a front of a hard tough kid but, all I really wanted was for someone to love me for who I am, and not for what I do or what I wear. I wanted someone to listen to me. I realized that people were here to help me, not to betray me. No matter what I did or said, they still loved me! I found out the hard way that through all of my mistakes that God was there, pulling me right back up, over and over again. I started to understand what other Christians meant when they would say that “God wants us all for Himself” I am not perfect and I will probably have bad days sometimes. I am happy to finish my program here. Pray for me as I take the next step.”
Love,
Anna
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