When Samantha met Kecia Wherry in 2006, she was just 11 years old and traveled from Colombia to the United States through Kidsave’s Summer Miracles program. Although she was being hosted by another family, Kecia and Samantha struck an inseparable bond. The Wherry Family later adopted her and her brother Antonio. Samantha is now is 26 and is currently completing her Master's in International Relations at the London School of Economics.
"Kidsave allowed me to learn new things and have a life," reflects Angela. "Kidsave gave me a chance to meet my parents, go to college and find my way in this world..."
In 2013, Colleen and Jason Bosley began their adoption journey by taking part in Kidsave's Summer Miracles program. Looking through the Kids Gallery...
Jimy didn’t have an easy start. Born with toxoplasmosis Jimmy grew up losing his central vision, living in a Colombian orphanage for the blind for six years of his young childhood. That was until he accepted the chance of a lifetime to travel to the United States and participate in Kidsave's Summer Miracles program.
“Kidsave has changed my life... from meeting all the kids during the events to finding Mafe,” says Linda. “I feel like Kidsave is a second family to me. Kidsave made it possible for us to meet and changed Mafe’s future."
On the mantle of the Coleman family home sits a framed photograph of hope and new beginnings. It's a photo of Tom and Jessie Coleman with their new son, Nicolas, age 12, taken as the Colemans first met Nicolas through 2019 Kidsave Summer Miracles. Recently, they picked up Nicolas in Colombia and brought him to his forever home in time to enjoy the holidays together.
As this forever family celebrates their journey to their first Holiday season, we wish them all the happiness and love of family and look forward to watching them experience many, many more 'firsts' together.
“If I had advice for families interested in adoption, I would say don’t let the fear of the unknown stop you,” said Stefanie. "Sometimes, you don't find the perfect match right away and sometimes things don’t work out. Just jump in and have a little faith. Get to know the Kidsave program..."
During a pandemic, now more than ever it is essential to connect Kidsave’s foster youth and Colombian kids with loving and supportive families interested in hosting, mentoring, and adoption.
This article will help you understand the basics of how to adopt a child from foster care whether you want to use Kidsave or your local state agencies. The model we use is called the Family Visit Model.
