Wednesday's Child--Georgia

Brad and Kerri Fuller, Success Story, July 30, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:12:07 PDT

We are Brad and Kerri Fuller, and we adopted two children from Wednesday's Child, Carl and Grace Ann. We had been considering adoption from the beginning of our marriage. We felt led to have children this way. We investigated several ways to have children. My husband and I felt led to adopt, especially since I was having difficulty in conceiving. The social worker called and asked to watch this Wednesday’s Child segment on television. I fell in love with them the instant I saw them. Something told me that special things were going to occur with us. Brad was reluctant to watch the program, I must admit. He was scared to fall in love with two children and have the situation go sour. I completely understood, but I felt that God had something special in mind for these two bright, energetic sweethearts. We were inspired to talk with social services. The smiles and laughs made us laugh. I knew that those smiles and laughs would help make our lives brighter than we could imagine. We received a phone call in late August, and visitation began in September. The first time we met them, Grace took a teddy bear which I had for her and asked me its name. I said I did not know. She asked what my name was, and said, "I will name it Kerri then." Carl, who asked for a golf club, proceeded to hit balls with Brad as if Tiger was in my presence. The experience has been life changing. What would life be without hearing the most precious titles, Mom and Dad? June 26, 2007 is when our adoption became final. With the Wednesday’s Child Program, meeting these children, and the idea of adoption delivered in such a friendly easy way (via the tv), we got the nerve to move forward. We grew our family and found our forever children.

Click here to see their video:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/community/wednesdays_child/Wednesdays_Child_Fuller_Family_Story_072909

Kerrie, July 22, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:13:32 PDT

Kerrie, born 9/92, is a friendly and sociable African-American child. She has a caring nature and loves to lend a helping hand when needed. Cautious and observant, Kerrie displays good self-awareness and is able to openly and honestly verbalize her feelings and needs. She enjoys listening to music, dancing, playing cards and board games. Kerrie is also athletic and loves to play a variety of sports, especially basketball, football, softball and tennis. She has significant emotional and behavioral issues surrounding major disappointments in her life. Kerrie is learning healthy coping mechanisms through therapy and medication. Her needs are also being addressed in special education classes for those with mild cognitive delays. Math is Kerrie’s favorite subject and she wants to be a pediatrician in the future. She needs a dedicated, supportive and open minded family, one who can love her unconditionally and give her a sense of acceptance in a nurturing and structured environment. Ongoing therapy is needed.

Click here to see the video of Kerrie making jewelry:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/community/wednesdays_child/Wednesdays_Child_Jewelry_Making_072209

Leabert, July 15, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:58:05 PDT

Leabert, born 10/92, is a well-mannered African-American child. His favorite activities include listening to music, watching movies and playing sports, especially soccer, football and basketball. With good verbal skills and natural leadership qualities, Leabert communicates well with his peers and adults. He has served as a student/administration liaison. Enrolled in regular classes, Leabert benefits from tutorial services. Science is his best subject. Leabert wants to join the United States Air Force or become a commercial pilot. He needs an active, understanding and optimistic family, one who can love him unconditionally in a nurturing and well-structured environment with clear expectations, boundaries and consequences. A mentor who can model positive behavior and guide Leabert to great success is ideal. Ongoing therapy to address past behaviors and abandonment issues is necessary.

Click below to see the video of Leabert's visit to Dobbins Air Force Base:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/community/wednesdays_child/Wednesdays_Child_Dobbins_Air_Reserve_071509

Marques and Marquil, July 8, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:57:50 PDT

Marques and her brother, Marquil are outgoing and fun loving African-American twins born 8/92. Marques is a friendly child with a sweet demeanor. As a goal-oriented and self-determined youth, she is a true leader and self-advocate. Like most teens, Marques loves socializing with friends, going to the movies, listening to music, dancing and skating. She also enjoys reading, writing and cooking. Enrolled in regular classes, Marques excels academically and is college bound. She has aspirations of attending medical school and becoming a pediatrician. Marquil is a respectful and well-mannered child. With an engaging personality, he never meets a stranger. Marquil’s favorite hobbies include spending quality time with his sister, socializing with friends, listening to music, watching television, wrestling and playing basketball. He loves to laugh and joke around. Enrolled in regular classes, Marquil is adjusting to a new school environment. With encouragement and positive reinforcement, he has great potential to succeed academically. Upon graduating from high school, he wants to join the military. Marques and Marquil share a special bond and need to be placed together with a supportive family who love and accept each child unconditionally while helping to fulfill their dreams and maximize their full potential. Ongoing contact with siblings being planned for separately is needed.

Click below to see their video, meeting the Messenger of Hope:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/community/wednesdays_child/Wednesdays_Child_Messenger_of_Hope_070809

Marlon, July 1, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 05:30:19 PDT

Marlon, born 8/93, is a caring and outgoing African-American child who genuinely tries to get along with everyone. He displays self-confidence and has good communication skills. As a natural comedian, Marlon loves to make people laugh, especially when someone feels bad. His favorite hobbies include sports, playing video games, listening to music and composing songs. Marlon wants to pursue a career in the music industry as an adult. Enrolled in regular classes, he needs constant motivation to do well in school. Marlon’s main interest is being accepted by the “in crowd”. He needs a loving and firm family who can provide proper guidance and structure to help him achieve great success. A positive male role model would be ideal.

Click here to see his video, and see Marlon meeting Stevie Wonder:

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/community/wednesdays_child/Wednesdays_Child_Meeting_Stevie_Wonder_070109

Dakota, June 24, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:14:53 PDT

Dakota, born 2/95 is an outgoing Caucasian child. He enjoys going out to eat, telling jokes and anything creative especially painting and playing music. He enjoys teasing others and can take the teasing as well. This type of behavior helps Dakota fit in and he especially enjoys the times he thinks he “got” someone with his teasing. Dakota especially benefits from two adult male mentors in his life. Dakota needs extra assistance with his academic subjects. He attends a school that specializes in children with severe emotional and behavioral issues. Dakota is very eager to be part of a family who loves and cares for him and won‘t want to “get rid of him.” A very dedicated family is needed for Dakota; one who once they make a commitment to him will keep that commitment, and be there through the good times and bad.

Click here to see his video: http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/community/wednesdays_child/Wednesdays_Child_Boxing_Ring_062409

Michael "Devin", June 17, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:11:40 PDT

Michael, better known as Devin, is a Caucasian child born 10/96. His greatest joy is spending quality time with his foster family and playing his favorite musical instruments, the drums and keyboard. Devin also enjoys books, puzzles, movies, church outings and outdoor activities. Diagnosed with autism, he is enrolled in special education classes for those with significant developmental needs. Despite his delays, Devin is learning and achieving milestones beyond anyone’s expectation. He responds well to consistency and structure. Devin needs a loving and committed family who can help maximize his full potential, preferably one knowledgeable about autism. The family will need to be very patient and supportive as Devin transitions into a new environment. Ongoing therapeutic services and educational assistance is needed.

Click here to see the video of Devin: http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/community/wednesdays_child/Wednesdays_Child_Marcus_Autism_Center_061709

Christmas Special, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:04:43 PDT

View the Home for the Holidays video for December, 2008 at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/Christmas_2008.wmv

Reginald, July 23, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:49:37 PDT

Reginald, born 11/98, is a bright and inquisitive African-American child. He enjoys using the computer and playing video games. Football, basketball, wrestling and outdoor games are also among Reginald’s favorite activities. Academically he is on target but his behavior often hinders his progress. Enrolled in special education classes for those with significant emotional and behavioral issues, Reginald’s needs are being addressed. He also benefits from therapy and medication. As a child with great potential, Reginald has aspirations of becoming a librarian. He needs a strong, dedicated and attentive family who can role model positive behaviors in a stable, well-structured and loving environment. Ongoing contact with siblings being planned for separately is necessary.

Please see the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3522A.wmv

Tiffany, August 6, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:43:10 PDT

Tiffany, born 7/94, is a witty Caucasian child with a great sense of humor. She can be very empathetic and caring towards others. As a creative child, Tiffany enjoys arts and crafts, drawing, writing, cooking, dancing and drama. Her other favorite activities include shopping, riding horses, bike riding and swimming. Due to significant emotional and behavioral issues, Tiffany is enrolled in special education classes where she receives individualized attention. She also benefits from medication and therapy. With motivation and clear directions, Tiffany is capable of reaching great heights. She needs a firm yet compassionate family, one who can provide structure and proper guidance to help maximize her full potential. The ideal family will be very patient and supportive as Tiffany transitions into a new environment. Ongoing therapy is needed.

Please view the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3514A.wmv

David, August 13, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:40:55 PDT

David, born 8/92, is a creative Caucasian child who thrives on attention. He loves to perform by singing songs that he personally composed. David also has a passion for reading, telling interesting stories, building objects, collecting baseball cards and playing basketball. He has aspirations of becoming a professional singer, baseball player or karate master. As a youth full of hope and optimism, David is learning to cope with significant emotional and behavioral issues stemming from an unstable childhood. Therapy and special education services are in place to assist him. David needs a strong and fun loving family who will model positive behaviors and provide proper guidance in a structured and well-supervised environment. A supportive and encouraging family who will remain committed to him even through the tough times is being sought.

Austin, August 20, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:38:12 PDT

Austin, born 1/95, is a loving Caucasian child. Non-verbal, he uses gestures to communicate his wants and needs. Austin enjoys watching cartoons, playing with balls, riding in cars and shopping. Enrolled in special education classes for children with severe autism, he enjoys going to school and learning. Austin benefits from a small classroom setting where his motor skills, communication skills, social skills and self-help skills are addressed. He needs a dedicated and patient family full of love, stability and structure who can help him thrive. A resourceful family familiar with autism would be ideal.

Please view the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3606R.wmv

Markoe, August 27, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:35:55 PDT

Markoe, born 12/93, is a polite and courteous African-American child who enjoys helping others. He is often described as a “good child with a good heart”. Markoe’s favorite activities include skating, playing video games, watching movies, visiting amusement parks and caring for animals, especially dogs. Enrolled in special education classes, his emotional, behavioral and academic needs are addressed. As an inquisitive and observant child, Markoe enjoys learning and has a special interest in science and social studies. He benefits from individualized attention and extra academic assistance. Markoe has aspirations of attending college and becoming a veterinarian. He wants to be adopted and needs a loving, committed, patient and attentive family, one who will give him a sense of belonging and role model positive behaviors in a well-structured environment with consistency and clear boundaries. Ongoing contact with a sibling being planned for separately is needed.

Please view the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3595R.wmv

Anthony, September 10, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:33:40 PDT

Anthony, born 9/94 is a compassionate Caucasian child. He genuinely cares about others. When a fellow peer fell in a dining hall, instead of laughing like many others, Anthony offered him a helping hand. He loves to laugh and entertain others by joking around and performing magic tricks. Anthony also enjoys video games, board games, roller coaster rides, outdoor activities and sports. He aspires to be a football player. Due to a chaotic and traumatic past, Anthony has learned several inappropriate behaviors. Enrolled in special education classes for those with learning delays, his emotional and behavioral needs are also addressed. Through medication and therapy, Anthony is learning coping mechanisms and accepting more responsibility for his actions. He needs a strong, loving, patient and dedicated family with a great sense of humor who can set clear boundaries in a well structured, safe and nurturing environment. Anthony needs to be the only or youngest child in the home. Ongoing therapy and continued contact with siblings being planned for separately are needed.

Please view the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3378A.wmv

Keterious, Keterion, Kamiyiah, and Jamiayiah, September 24, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:29:05 PDT

Keterious, and his siblings Keterion, Kamiyiah and Jamiayiah are African-American children born 3/00, 6/03, 10/05 and 5/07. Keterious is a very articulate child who enjoys learning new things. Playing basketball, riding his bike and skating are favorite activities. In addition, Keterious loves to read! Keterious is on medication to help address his attention span and activity level. He would greatly benefit from therapy. Keterion is a very creative child who loves to build and “repair” things. He enjoys playing by himself and especially enjoys art, cars and the computer. In special education classes for those with behavioral issues, Keterion is getting help for his oppositional behavior. Therapy could also help. Kamiyiah is an outgoing toddler with a great personality. She loves to laugh! Watching cartoons and playing with her baby sister are favorite activities for her. Kamiyiah would benefit from speech therapy. Jamiayiah is a sweet baby who is slow to warm up to strangers. Her development is on target and she seems to enjoy being around her siblings. A family who can parent all four of these children while giving each one a great deal of individualized attention is needed.

Toni, October 8, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:25:36 PDT

Toni, born 9/97, is an energetic African-American child with a beautiful smile and bubbly personality. She genuinely enjoys being around others. Toni’s interests include arts and crafts, social outings, playing various games and dolls. Unfortunately, due to her early life experiences, she has learned many unacceptable behaviors. Medication and therapy are in place to assist Toni. She is also enrolled in special education classes for those with significant emotional and behavioral issues. Academically, Toni performs well and is determined to earn good grades. Math and art are her favorite subjects. Toni is open to adoption and would like a family with an older daughter. She needs a committed, patient and attentive family who can love her unconditionally in a stable, safe and well structured environment with clear boundaries and expectations. A family experienced in parenting troubled children would be ideal.

DeAngelo, October 15, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:22:03 PDT

DeAngelo, born 8/92, is an active and sociable African-American child with a great sense of humor. He loves to read, draw, write poetry and have fun in general. With a competitive nature, DeAngelo enjoys playing outdoor games and sports, especially basketball. When focused, he can accomplish anything he set his mind to. Somewhat guarded, DeAngelo approaches new situations with caution. Through medication and therapy, he is learning several ways to cope with negative feelings and behaviors stemming from a chaotic past with significant losses. DeAngelo has made great progress. Enrolled in special education classes, his overall academic needs are being addressed. Reading is DeAngelo’s favorite subject. He wants to attend college and pursue a career as a police officer. DeAngelo is open to adoption and longs for a mother. He expressed that he would like a supportive family who genuinely cares about him. DeAngelo needs a strong, committed and patient family, one who can provide proper structure and guidance in a loving home with well defined boundaries, expectations and consequences. He needs to be the youngest or only child in the family.

Please view the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3489A.wmv

Charles, October 22, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:22:20 PDT

Charles, born 1/97, is an energetic African-American child who never meets a stranger. With his charming personality, he is well liked by his peers and adults. Charles loves all sports. He was very excited when he attended an Atlanta Hawks’ game and afterwards was able to meet and take photos with the players. During his spare time, Charles also enjoys listening to music, drawing, skating, board games and outdoor activities. Enrolled in regular classes, he performs well socially and academically. Charles needs a loving and devoted family, one who can love him unconditionally in a stable and well structured environment with clear boundaries and expectations. He could greatly benefit from a male role model who can display positive behaviors while guiding him to reach his full potential. Therapy and ongoing contact with siblings being planned for separately is needed.

Please view the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3519A.wmv

Kadijah, October 29, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:22:37 PDT

Khadijah, born 6/96, is a bright and resilient African-American child. Initially shy and guarded, she interacts well with adults and children who she feels comfortable with. Khadijah enjoys drawing, gymnastics, cheerleading, swimming and any outdoor activity. She has a special interest in “Barbie” dolls and stuffed animals. Unfortunately, Khadijah has experienced several devastating losses in her young life. As a survivor, she is learning coping mechanisms through therapy and medication. Khadijah’s behavioral needs are also being addressed in special education classes for children with significant emotional issues. As an intelligent child, she has the capability of achieving above average grades. Khadijah enjoys social studies and excels in science. Despite her losses, she remains optimistic about finding a forever family who will accept and love her unconditionally. Khadijah needs a devoted, loving, and attentive family with a wealth of patience and understanding who can give her a sense of belonging and worthiness in a stable, structured and nurturing environment. Ongoing therapy is needed.

Brittany and Heather, November 5, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:22:49 PDT

Brittany and her sister, Heather, born 1/93 and 1/95, are fun loving Caucasian children. Brittany is a sincere and polite young lady with an optimistic personality. As a caring child, she enjoys sharing and helping others. Brittany has a special love for animals and aspires to be a veterinarian. Her favorite activities include bike riding, computer games and spending quality time with her sister. Enrolled in regular classes, she earns passing grades and interacts well with others. Occasionally, she has challenges with staying focused but is easily redirected. Heather has a great sense of humor and loves making others laugh. Her interests include reading, writing, shopping, styling hair, playing sports, as well as, singing and dancing, especially to the “High School Musical” soundtrack. Heather also enjoys watching the Travel Channel because she has a desire to travel around the world one day. Enrolled in regular classes, Heather is an exceptional student. Driven and determined, she eagerly completes all assignments and has aspirations of attending college. With medication and therapy, Brittany and Heather are learning to cope with emotional issues stemming from a chaotic and unstable past. They share a close sibling bond and need to be placed together. A patient and supportive family, one who can provide unconditional love and individualized attention in a stable, safe and nurturing environment is being sought. Ongoing therapy is needed.

Amanda, November 19, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:14:57 PDT

Amanda, born 9/92, is a mild mannered Caucasian child. Initially shy, she is engaging with familiar individuals. Amanda loves to sing and take pictures. She dreams of becoming a contestant on American Idol. Amanda also enjoys vacationing with her foster family, as well as, participating in various church activities. She has challenges with developing positive peer relationships. With therapy and medication, Amanda is learning healthy coping mechanisms. Enrolled in special education classes for those with significant emotional and behavioral issues, her academic needs are also addressed. Amanda enjoys school and works hard to maintain good grades. She needs a dedicated, very attentive and supportive family, one who can enhance her self-esteem and self-worthiness in a stable, nurturing and well structured environment. Amanda is open to being adopted by a family who will love and accept her unconditionally. Ongoing therapy and educational assistance is needed.

Donovan and Anthony, December 2, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:23:04 PDT

Anthony and his brother, Donovan, born 5/99 and 12/04 are adorable African-American children. Anthony is a polite and respectful youth. He takes pride in being a big brother and caring for his younger sibling. Anthony also enjoys video games, sports and church activities. Enrolled in regular classes, he is eager to learn and earns above average grades. Despite many disappointments in his young life, Anthony is a resilient child with an optimistic attitude. He benefits from medication and therapy. Donovan is a charming child with a mega-watt smile. His greatest joy is playing with his older brother. Donovan possesses a great sense of humor and loves to make other laugh. He also enjoys outdoor games, toy automobiles, drawing and coloring. Donovan has moderate medical issues that require constant monitoring. He also receives speech and occupational therapy to enhance his developmental growth. Anthony and Donavan are inseparable and need to be placed together. These siblings need a loving, attentive and dedicated family, one who can provide a stable, structured and nurturing environment while advocating for each boy and ensuring that their individual needs are met.

Tommy, December 10, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:23:18 PDT

Tommy, born 7/99, is a friendly Caucasian child. With his engaging personality, he loves to talk! Full of energy, Tommy finds great joy in running and playing outdoors. He also enjoys watching cartoons and wrestling on television. Tommy wants to become a professional wrestler. Enrolled in a special education school for children with significant emotional and behavioral issues, his mild mental delays are also addressed. Tommy responds well to individualized attention and continues to make progress in a small classroom setting. He has good verbal skills that often mask his actual limitations. Tommy has a great ability to attach. He needs an understanding, fun loving and patient family, one who can role model positive behaviors in a stable and nurturing environment with clear boundaries. The ideal family will love him unconditionally while helping to maximize his full potential.

Please view the video at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3581A.wmv

Christopher, December 17, 2008

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 08:23:29 PDT

Christopher, born 4/94, is a caring Caucasian child who loves to collect items and share them with others. Video games, bike riding, jigsaw puzzles, trips to the library and reading Japanese comic books are among his favorite activities. In the future, Christopher would like to design video games. Enrolled in regular classes, he has the potential to earn good grades when focused. Christopher has challenges with establishing positive peer relationships. His behavior can be distracting and often needs redirecting. Christopher’s academic needs are currently being reassessed for any necessary adjustments. He benefits from a behavior aide and individualized attention. Christopher needs a loving family who will advocate on his behalf while enhancing his social skills and providing proper guidance in a stable, nurturing and structured environment. Ongoing contact with siblings being planned for separately is necessary.

Amber, January 7, 2009

amccarte@dhr.state.ga.us (Andrea Shoemaker) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:56:13 PDT

Amber, born 11/91, is a Caucasian female. She enjoys swimming, arts and crafts, video games and working on the computer. Amber has a greater passion for singing and reading. She interacts well with adults but struggles with developing positive peer relationships. Amber is enrolled in special education classes for those with autism as well as emotional and behavioral issues. She enjoys science and learning about animals. Amber aspires to graduate from college and become a horseback riding instructor as she is great with animals. She needs a committed family with a high level of patience and understanding who can provide a structured and safe environment. A person experienced in parenting troubled children would be ideal. Amber would do best with a single female parent and she needs to be the only or youngest child in the family. Amber deserves a loving family.

Please see the video for Amber at:

http://167.193.144.187/WedChild/3314A.wmv