In 2010, Ana and her husband were looking into an international adoption when they were listening to the radio and heard about an outreach event for foster care and domestic adoption. After being moved by the stories shared, Ana’s husband asked to foster-to-adopt instead of pursuing international adoption. They felt like they had this opportunity to help the kids in their community – kids that could be their neighbor.
Though overwhelmed at first, they decided to go through DCFS instead of an FFA and received the information they needed, the tools they could use, and most importantly, the encouragement to persevere.
“It’s unknown territory,” Ana said. “You take one step at a time. We always made sure we always shined a light to give the best opportunities to the children in our care, no matter how short or long they were there. We are better people for caring for foster kids.”
Ana and her husband have adopted two foster children.
*In order to protect the anonymity and privacy of our families, names have been changed and photos are randomized.