Heart Gallery

There are hundreds of children in metro Orlando in need of permanent, loving families. Many of these children have been abused or neglected, but have the potential to thrive in a stable, nurturing environment.

The Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando is an innovative, gallery-style photo exhibit that highlights approximately 80 children in central Florida's foster care system currently awaiting adoption. The exhibit rotates throughout the community in different venues, raising awareness of the critical need for more foster and adoptive parents. This online version of the Heart Gallery allows you to click on a child’s photo for a larger image and information.

Contact us if one child or a sibling group captures your heart.

Also, please visit the Heart Gallery of Metro Orlando at Flickr for downloadable photos of children awaiting adoption.

 

Lavon

Thirteen-year-old Lavon is what you would call a people person. Friendly and outgoing he makes friends easily and likes meeting new people. Sweet and playful, Lavon appreciates a funny joke and enjoys playing his video games. He is fun to be around and is easy to get along with. His favorite outdoor activity is swimming and when asked where he would like to visit he says, “Sea World.” He is most proud of the awards he has won and for being recognized for his school pride. Not one to shy away from affection, Lavon will lavish you with random hugs and plenty of “I love you’s.” Lavon would do well with an active family to keep him busy and is up for hours of good conversation.

 

Qwandarious

Qwandarious is a 12-year-old boy who wants nothing more than to be loved and adopted. Along with exercising and playing football, he also enjoys reading books like Captain Underpants and SpongeBob SquarePants. He is a very friendly child and makes new friends easily. During his free time he likes to go to the movies or just “chill” with his friends. If he could go anywhere in the world his first pick would be Wrestle Mania. Qwandarious is looking for a strong and loving family that is patient and understanding. He would best fit in a family without children or with children older than he is. When asked what you want people to know about you, Qwandarious says, “I am a good person despite how I act.”

 

Quantavius

Quantavius, 10, is a lively character who likes to have fun. He is active and quite humorous around family and friends. Quantavius likes to try new things and is quick to learn new skills. He is very good with directions and reading maps. You will never get lost if you have Quantavius on your team. He likes to play video games and watch cartoons. However, if he is not playing, Quantavius can pick up a book for fun reading. Quantavius needs a family that will encourage and support him. Quantavius can be a bit hard on himself when attempting to complete a task. He is one who reaches for perfection. Parents who can devote patience, understanding and praise to help him succeed are the main ingredients to this child’s story.

 

Porsha

Porsha, 16, has a shy but sweet smile. She may be a little slow to warm up to new people, but once she gets to know you she has much to say. Porsha enjoys basketball and art. She is uncertain of what she wants to do when she grows up, but she does know she wants to attend college. Porsha has experienced a great deal of trauma and loss and needs a strong committed family to help her thrive. She would do best with a two parent family. Porsha is part of a large sibling group with whom she visits regularly. She would like a family that will help her maintain contact with her siblings. .

 

Skyler

Twelve-year-old Skyler is shy when you first meet him, but strike up a conversation about cars and you will draw him out. He loves cars and knows everything about them. A day at the racetrack would be ideal for Skyler especially if he could pull up in a black corvette. He has a great sense of humor and “loves school.” Skyler keeps a clean room where he would like to have a flat screen TV and ripstick G. Skyler wants a family with “a mom and dad and lots of happiness.” He needs parents that will be consistent with consequences and provide him with the love and attention he deserves. The family may have other children or pets.

 

Shaunell

Loving and affectionate, 11-year-old Shaunell is full of surprises. Part girly-girl, part tomboy, Shaunell loves the color pink, carrying a purse, watching basketball, and swimming. Her free time is spent dancing and singing to rap and hip hop with her friends. Shaunell earns A’s and B’s in school but needs guidance and redirection with her behaviors. When you can get this high energy young lady to slow down, her creativity shines brightly through art and dance. The youngest of five children, Shaunell wants to maintain contact with her siblings. Shaunell requires a very strong and structured home that can be either a single or two parent family.

 

Justin

Justin is a charismatic extroverted 15-year-old who is extremely family oriented. He was placed in a caregiver role at a young age so he tends to care for his siblings before he cares for himself. Still a true teen at heart, Justin likes being a kid, sleeping in, and playing video games.

Justin would do well in either a one or two parent home with children of any age. He needs parents with a solid relationship that communicate effectively. Justin needs to be ensured his family is solid and stable and can help him be a child rather than worrying for his siblings. Justin has five other siblings, two of whom we are hoping he will be adopted with and three who he will continue to visit.

 

Antoine

In spite of suffering from shaken baby syndrome, 1-year-old Antoine is already beating the odds. When he first came into care his body was tight, he was not tracking objects with his eyes, and he didn’t laugh or giggle. Now he grabs items of interest, responds when you call his name and smiles and coos when you talk to him. Antoine is not yet walking but he quickly scoots around in a combat crawl and pulls himself up in his playpen.

Although it is too soon to tell the long term effects, brain scans show Antoine is developing normally and his new skills show he is trying to make up for lost time. He also receives speech, physical, and play therapy. The ideal family for Antoine would be one that understands the challenges of a child with developmental disabilities and enjoys watching his progress.

 

Darren

Twelve-year-old Darren loves animals and has big dreams to own a dog farm one day. Keeping with the animal theme, he also has aspirations to be a Zoo Keeper and a Lion Tamer. Tom and Jerry make him laugh and he is always up for a good joke. Like most boys his age, he likes to go bike riding and play video games. PE is his favorite class because it allows him to play basketball, football, and baseball.

Darren is working hard on his behaviors and needs a family to encourage him. He has difficulty accepting constructive feedback from adults but is trying to do what is expected of him. Five of Darius’s siblings have been adopted and he continues to visit them and maintain a relationship.  (Photograph by Jeff Hawkins Photography)

 

Andrew

Sixteen-year-old Andrew has an excellent memory which may be the key to his success in a recent spelling bee. His favorite food is mac and cheese and his least favorite is fish. One of Andrew’s wishes is “to be successful in life when he turns 18” and he has his sites set on becoming a police officer. He hopes to visit Hawaii one day for the surf and sun or to take a cruise. Andrew’s free time is spent playing basketball or video games with friends.

Andrew needs a strong male role model in his life. He would do well with a two parent family willing to work past his tough exterior and provide him with the love and structure he requires.

 

Aaron

Nine-year-old Aaron likes to tinker and fix things; sitting for hours putting together building blocks and toy cars. Not a big fan of school, Aaron will seek any opportunity to avoid homework. He prefers to spend his free time going to the movies or playing at the park. Aaron can be a real sweetie with a stubborn streak. When he wants to show affection he will snuggle up close, but when he doesn’t want to do something he digs his heels in and holds his ground.

Aaron would do well with a two parent family without children or with older siblings. He needs a committed family to work with his pushing-away behaviors and anger. Aaron’s future family should be able to dedicate the time, love, and attention he deserves.

 

Bethann

Bethann, 15, is friendly and loves to be around people. Energetic, she likes being outdoors and riding her bike through trails. Bethann enjoys other high energy activities like kickball, swimming, and ice skating. Because she is turning into a young lady, Bethann is starting to care more about her appearance and is most proud of “me being a girl.” Her favorite subject is reading and she is a fan of the Babysitter series. When she grows up, Bethann wants to become a veterinary technician.

Her favorite holiday is Christmas, and she would like to know what it is like to be with a caring family during the holidays. Bethann needs a fun, loving, high energy family that likes the outdoors. She loves dogs and would do well in a family that has pets. She will excel in a home that offers her structure and encouragement.

 

Benny

Benny and Kenny are nine-year-old identical twins with very different personalities.

Benny is an outgoing, social child who lights up with excitement when a familiar face enters the room. Although he is wheelchair bound he loves to spend time outdoors with his brother. He usually does not like to come back in once he has been outside for a while. Benny likes toys that blink, move, beep, and provide tactile and sensory stimulation. He likes watching Clifford and SpongeBob SquarePants and listening to music. Benny would like to be adopted with his twin brother Kenny.

Benny and Kenny need a loving and caring family that is able to commit to their medical needs and treat them as a regular member of the family.

 

Dequan

Dequan, 15, is a sweet, sensitive person and a good listener. He is a bit shy until he gets to know you. He likes funny jokes but admits he sometimes laughs at the corny ones. Dequan’s favorite show is Naruto because he finds the animation interesting and sometimes likes to read adventure books. One day he would like to visit both China and Japan. He likes to draw and enjoys track. His favorite subject is math because “my friends are in that class.”

Dequan can be very helpful and kind and is most proud when he is helping others. He would like people to know he is fun and can be funny. Dequan would very much like to be adopted and is open to most families – African American or Caucasian, one or two parents, with younger children or family pets.

 

Desmond

Desmond, 10, loves to read and one day hopes to have a library in his very own home. Mystery books are his favorite. Desmond helps around the house by doing yard work and assisting with the grocery shopping. He likes watching cartoons, especially Batman. He prefers to spend his time outdoors playing any type of sport or riding his bike. When indoors he likes to play video games or Pokemon. Desmond has a passion for science and is a member of the Science Club.

Desmond would do well with a strong family that can provide structure and consistency. He has made progress with his behaviors and will continue to need assistance. Desmond has two siblings who should all be adopted together. If you are a family that is up for “the more the merrier” you will love this active sibling group.

 

Demetrius

Musically talented, 11-year-old Demetrius likes singing and dancing. He likes to be funny and gets a good laugh from SpongeBob SquarePants. Like most boys his age, his free time is spent playing video games, football and soccer. Although he can be easily distracted, Demetrius tries hard to complete his work. He does do well in math because he says “he finds it easy. “ When asked what he is looking for in a family he responds, “I just want to be in a family.” Demetrius does well with structure, patience, and lots of positive reinforcement. He likes to help others and would benefit from a committed family.

 

Frankie

Frankie is 16 and his dry sense of humor and quick wit will instantly draw you in. He is very athletic and sports have made a positive difference in his life. Such activities keep him focused and goal-oriented and have boosted his sense of self esteem. Frankie hopes to be a police officer one day and has a strong desire to help and protect others. Education can be a struggle for Frankie and he will need guidance in this area.

Frankie has a genuine desire for permanency and hopes to find a forever family. He needs lots of encouragement and parents willing to support his birth family connections.

 

James

At 17-years-old, James still longs for a place to call home. In less than a year, he will enter the adult world and hopes to have a family to visit during the holidays, to celebrate birthdays, and guide him with life choices. In spite of his uncertain future James is a typical teen. He is athletic and likes to play basket ball with friends. James is pretty computer savvy and free time is spent playing Xbox or other video games. James has worked very hard to transition from an alternative school to his current high school. He needs a family to help him continue on the right path and to recognize him for his successes. James would prefer to be adopted by a two parent African American family.

 

Cory

A typical teen, 13 year old Cory likes spending time with his friends playing video games or shooting hoops. He is often quiet and contemplative and a bit slow to warm up to new people. Cory can be guarded with his feelings and is coming to terms with his past. He is very well behaved and does well in school.

Cory needs patient parents that are willing to put in the time to earn his trust. He needs a positive male role model that can spend time and encourage him academically. Cory has 5 other siblings, 2 of which we are hoping he will be adopted with and 3 that he will continue to visit.

 

Jerome

Brothers Jerome and Jamauri couldn’t be more different and yet they both want the same thing – to live together. At first twelve-year-old Jerome may appear withdrawn, but he is taking it all in and needs to build trust before he will let you in. Jerome would like to be either a mathematician or a famous artist. His favorite outdoor activity is hockey, but he is always up for a game of football or basketball. Jerome likes most things Pokeman – books, cards, etc. If he could have three wishes they would be to have a dog, see a tiger face to face, and go to Discovery Cove.

Jerome’s faith is very important to him and he wants to be adopted by a Christian family that goes to church regularly. He does well with lots of positive reinforcement and would benefit from parents committed to helping him with his school work.

 

Jesse

Seventeen-year-old Jesse is a quiet young man. He is extremely polite and takes time to warm up to people. Jesse does not have a favorite sport but does enjoy basketball and football. He even played on his school’s football team. Jesse maintains good grades and recently was in a summer program for training to be a camp counselor. Jesse likes the outdoors and enjoys attending summer camp. He is very motivated and is always looking for ways to make improvements in his life.

Jesse has a strong bond with his sister and needs a family that will help maintain their continued relationship. A family that values education and can encourage him academically would be ideal for Jesse.

 

Jonathan

Brothers Brandon and Jonathan have experienced a great deal of loss in their lives and need a forever family to help them heal. Fourteen-year-old Jonathan is a shy, quiet teenager. He enjoys spending time with his younger brother Brandon bowling, bike riding, and various other outdoor activities. Like most teens, Jonathan likes surfing the net and playing on the computer. Jonathan is polite and respectful to adults and is also very helpful like his brother Brandon.

Currently the boys are living separate and want to live together. Brandon and Jonathan will need help to re-learn how to be a family and how to use positive methods for problem solving. The boys would like to stay in Florida and a have family willing to maintain their biological family ties.

 

Jamauri

Brothers Jerome and Jamauri couldn’t be more different and yet they both want the same thing – to live together. Eleven-year-old Jamauri is bubbly and full of energy, he doesn’t know a stranger and is quite the charmer. While Jerome is more cautious and takes a while to get to know you, Jamauri dives in head first and is quick to embrace new people. He is smart for his age and very athletic. Golfing, skateboarding, tennis, and biking are just a few of his favorite activities. Jamauri loves the outdoors and is a great artist.

Jamauri desperately yearns for a family for him and his brother. He is open to one or two parent families of any race and would greatly benefit from a strong male role model. Both brothers are happier now that they live closer but they still long to live together.

 

Johnita

Johnita is an adorable little preemie but don’t even think about letting this define this precious child. Johnita is a delightful 3-year-old that loves splashing in the swimming pool and watching Dora the Explorer. Her favorite foods are peas and rice and she loves to cuddle. Johnita recently started therapy and has made progress in leaps and bounds. Her foster mom says she is very playful and interactive with her peers and her vocabulary is increasing.

Johnita has some medical needs and would do well with a two-parent family with medical knowledge. She needs a family committed to helping her reach her full potential by taking her to therapy and medical appointments but more importantly who will love her and let her be a typical kid.

 

James

James, 12, is athletic and enjoys basketball and football. He is very sweet and loves all things to do with Jamaica. His favorite food is curry and his favorite show is SpongeBob SquarePants. He likes to read and especially enjoys mysteries. His favorite subject is science and when asked where he would like to visit he says, “under the sea to be able to see sea life.”

James has moved a great deal and needs a family with patience that can help him work through his problems rather than just walking away. James could benefit from a strong, positive male role model and needs someone to work with him on his school work.

 

Kirsten

Kirsten is a delightful young teenager who loves to laugh. She especially enjoys interacting with familiar adults and peers. Though Kirsten is non-verbal, she communicates her needs and expresses her feelings in other ways. She also enjoys being with others and responds by babbling and grunting. Kirsten often reacts to her name being called, and she loves to watch Barney tapes. She also likes music, playing in the dirt, and school. Kirsten receives assistance with her daily needs, and she’s also in therapy programs. Kirsten needs a loving, committed family to help guide and nurture her through life.

 

Silvia

Silvia is a friendly and outgoing 13-year-old. She likes the TV show Hannah Montana and hopes to see one of her concerts one day. Although Silvia is wheelchair bound she loves visiting the park and walking her puppy. She is able to use a walker and likes swimming and playing in the backyard. Silvia’s favorite foods are rice and beans, mac and cheese, and all teen’s favorite, pizza.

Silvia has cerebral palsy and needs assistance with many everyday activities. She would do well with a caring and patient family that is able to recognize the true gifts of a child with disabilities.

 

Michaelangelo

Polite and soft spoken, Michelangelo, 15, longs for a family of his own. Like most teen aged boys, he enjoys action movies such as Spiderman. Michaelangelo likes playing football, baseball, and swimming and wants to decorate his room with sports memorabilia. His favorite subject is math and one day he wants to visit Puerto Rico. Michaelangelo has a strong interest in dinosaurs and wants to be a paleontologist.

As the last of his siblings to be adopted, he no longer wants to live in a group home. Michelangelo prefers to be adopted by a family without younger children and wants to stay in touch with his own siblings.

 

Latroy

Latroy, 15, has a great sense of humor and loves to laugh. The Cartoon Network and Bugs Bunny Baby give him a good chuckle. His favorite subjects in school are science, math and PE but he says “field trips are boring.” Latroy is a kind young man who is very trusting and eager to please. Sensitive at times, he can wear his feelings on his sleeve. Latroy needs a family educated on developmental functioning and needs. His memory is short but his heart is big. Latroy thrives on one on one attention and would do well with a stay at home parent that can provide him with lots of love and positive reinforcement.

 

Kenny

Kenny and Benny are nine-year-old identical twins with very different personalities.

Kenny is a shy, quiet child who has a smile that makes your heart melt. Unlike his brother Benny, he is very sensitive and does not like to hear loud noises. He is wheelchair bound and like his brother he loves to be outside. Kenny also loves toys that move, light up, and have all the bells and whistles to provide sensory and tactile stimulation. He likes watching Barney and Clifford the Big Red Dog. Kenny would like to be adopted with his twin brother Benny.

 

Kara

Kara, 15, hopes to one day visit California. In her free time she enjoys watching Life with Derek and most shows on Nick. When she’s not curled up next to the TV you can most likely find her surfing the internet or swimming with friends. She’s most proud of her good grades and she loves the color purple. Kara is a very respectful young lady who is pleasant to adults. Kara would benefit from a family that is very active, outgoing, and enjoys doing family activities. She would fit right into a home that is open to teens that are as independent as she is and can encourage her in her extracurricular activities.

 

Kenny

Full of energy and enthusiasm, 13-year-old Kenny is constantly on the go. In times of need he is usually the first to offer a helping hand. Kenny is kind-hearted and eager to accommodate. Early in life, Kenny overcame some serious medical issues. Now healthy, he has follow-up doctor visits to ensure his continued good health. Kenny is currently in special needs classes and is undecided as to what he wants to be when he grows up. Kenny would do well with an active family that can provide structure and consistency. Like most children, he loves attention and at times needs to be re-directed. Kenny would do well in either a one or two parent home.

 

Jacob

Jacob, 8, has an active imagination and a great sense of humor. A playful young man, Jacob likes making funny faces and being silly. Jacob truly enjoys being a kid and when outdoors he likes to race and skateboard. Indoors and with a remote control in hand he likes to flip between the Cartoon Network, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. Jacob finds his greatest challenge in school with paying attention and staying on task. His teachers recognize his potential and find creative ways to redirect him. Jacob is not one to express himself but would benefit from a family that displays love and affection. He does well with structure and consistency. A spirited young boy, you better be an active family to keep up with Jacob.

 

Jontravious

Nine-year-old Jontravious is fearless. In spite of his medical needs, he is an active young boy with an independent streak. Jontravious loves the outdoors and will surely win you over with his bright smile. Not one to sit still, he moves around on his own through a fast crawl or a slow step with occupational therapy. Jontravious likes to sing along with his favorite show Blues Clues and clap to cartoons. He has a great time playing in water and riding his horse. Although he is non-verbal, Jontravious brings joy to everyone around him. He is a lovable child who shows affection with hugs. He would thrive in a family that is patient and willing to care for his medical and emotional needs. Jontravious needs an active family that can keep up with him since he is constantly on the go.

 

Jonathan

Twelve-year-old Jonathan has had a lot of darkness in his young life – he is clinically blind, unable to walk, and does not have a family of his own to love him. Although he is helpless in many ways, this young boy is not hopeless. Jonathan likes to be touched, especially under his neck. Just the right touch and you will be rewarded with a sweet smile. Jonathan participates in both occupational and physical therapy and has the young mind of a six-month-old. Not every family is qualified for this gentle young man. Jonathan deserves a loving family that will take him places and show him all the joys of the outside world.

 

Jacob

Jacob is a typical 8-year-old boy with a not-so-typical childhood wish – to be with his brother and sister. As the middle child he longs to find a home where the three can be together. Jacob’s favorite show is Spiderman and he enjoys reading comic books. He says “cartoons make me laugh.” Jacob burns off his boundless energy riding his skate board or playing basketball. Jacob has two siblings who should all be adopted together. If you are a family that is up for “the more the merrier” you will love this active sibling group.

 

Joshua

Joshua, 15, is a tall young man who likes to help others. He has a natural ability to mentor younger kids and likes helping lift the spirits of those who are down. In his free time, Joshua likes to play video games or sports. His favorite sport is football. Joshua has a talent for creating meals and would like to be a chef one day. Joshua does well in a structured environment. He needs a family that will encourage, support and guide him through life’s many challenges. Joshua would thrive with a patient and attentive family.

 

Erik

When you first meet Erik, 15, he is quiet and has a difficult time opening up. With his friends he laughs and jokes around. Like most teens, Erik likes theme parks, especially Wet n’ Wild. He can be a picky eater but his favorite food is chicken. Erik likes to watch BET and enjoys reading fiction. His favorite class is P.E. and he enjoys football and basketball. Erik needs a family willing to dedicate the time and patience to see past the front he tends to put up. The family willing to invest unconditional love and work past his protective exterior will be rewarded with getting to know the sensitive and intelligent boy he really is inside.

 

Demetrius

Caring and respectful, 13-year-old Demetrius spends his free time hanging out with his friends and playing basketball. He is very good at sports and likes running. SpongeBob SquarePants is one of his favorite TV shows and he likes the “Harry Potter” books. Given the chance to visit any place in the world he would choose Aquatica, “because it looks fun.” Demetrius would prefer a family with pets. “Especially a dog.” He does well with plenty of one-on-one attention and requires patience and structure. Demetrius needs a family that will keep him involved in sports and other physical activities.

 

Danielle

Described as fun, outgoing, and friendly, 15-year-old Danielle has aspirations to become a movie star and hopes one day to visit Hollywood, CA. Her favorite TV show is Charmed and her favorite sport is cheerleading. Not one to shy away from the spot light, Danielle thrives from positive attention. She is affectionate and has a gentle personality but if a situation calls for action she will proudly speak her mind. Danielle hopes to be adopted and attaches quickly. She would do well in a two parent family with or without children and she likes pets.

 

Brannon

Brannon, 12, is lovable and quick to give hugs. He likes to joke around and be silly and gets a good laugh from his favorite show Different Strokes. Brannon is athletic and loves sports. He is smart for his age and hopes to one day visit the White House with its many rooms.

Behind Brannon’s happy outgoing exterior are lots of disappointments. He has experienced several failed adoptions and needs parents to show him a family is not temporary. Brannon is open to a one or two parent family that can provide a nice balance of structure and boundaries with nurturing and unconditional love.

 

Antoinette

Antoinette, 13, is growing up to be a fine young lady. Though shy at first, Antoinette is very social once she feels comfortable. Antoinette likes to hangout, play board games and watch cartoons with her friends. She likes a good laugh and hopes to travel to Paris one day. With school around the corner Antoinette is ready for new beginnings. Last semester she was proud of her grades and said, “I really worked hard to bring up my grades.” She is also interested in participating in school activities such as cheerleading.

Antoinette wishes for a normal life outside of the foster care system. She would like a family who likes to go out and do fun things and allow her to maintain contact with her brothers and sisters. The ideal family for this kind hearted child would be one who is willing to maintain contact with her siblings.

 

Arelishes

Playful, talkative, and athletic is how you could describe 15-year-old Arelishes. She loves to have fun and share stories about her day. She is very active in anything athletic – from dance to running track. Arelishes loves meeting new people and is not afraid to ask questions to learn more. She does have some difficulty in school with her classes but is working very hard to improve her grades. She is extremely excited about starting high school this year. Arelsishes is fluent in Spanish and is very active in her church.

Arelishes needs a loving and nurturing family that will support her interests in sports, dance, and religion. Arelishes likes to be heard so a family willing to dedicate the time and lend an ear would make her very happy.

 

Alvina

Five-year-old Alvina loves ice cream and the color pink. She is an active little girl that likes to run and play outside. When Alvina is not watching cartoons she’s dancing with her friends. Her favorite holiday is Christmas because, “I get presents.” Alvina attaches to people easily. She has two siblings who should all be adopted together. If you are a family that is up for “the more the merrier” you will love this active sibling group.

 

Virgil

A shy and quiet boy, 14-year-old Virgil takes a while to open up and feel comfortable with new people. He is a huge basketball fan and loves the Orlando Magic. He likes most outdoor sports and roller skating. Virgil works very hard in school and is eager to learn. He receives extra attention to help him with speech and language. Despite Virgil’s past history, he gets along well with peers and adults and is able to bond with others. Virgil would benefit from a loving family that is patient and willing to work with his emotional and educational challenges. The ideal family would be a two parent home with no other children so Virgil can receive plenty of one-on-one attention and the extra love he deserves.

 

Katheryne

Sixteen-year-old Katheryne has three wishes in life – to have a nice family, have a mom and dad, and to have fun. Like most teens her age she likes having her hair and nails done and can be quite chatty. Her favorite class is math and she has aspirations to be a teacher one day. She is very active and participates in softball and chorus and likes water parks and camping.

Katheryne very much wants to be adopted. When asked what she wants in a family she says, “I would like a mother to talk to.” She would do well in either a one or two parent home. She is very sweet and caring young lady and is great with the younger children in her current foster home.

 

Tharon

Sixteen-year-old Tharon has boundless energy. He likes exploring the outdoors and riding his bike around the neighborhood. Tharon loves to play basketball and would be thrilled to have parents to play a little one on one. Parents for Tharon will find much joy in knowing him, and will be more than proud when they find out how their commitment, consistency and patience can help him.

Tharon needs a strong, two-parent home where he will be safe and nurtured. The family must be educated on developmental disabilities and committed to helping him reach his true potential. Tharon does well in a structured environment where he is the only child.

 


Testimonials

"Family Services of Metro Orlando helped me be a child when I needed to be a child. And they’re helping me become an adult now that it’s time for me to be a man. They haven’t let me down and have been a blessing in my life." 
–JK, age 18.
 

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–CJR, age 16.
 

"Without Family Services of Metro Orlando being there for me, I’d probably be in the streets, you know, selling drugs, being in jail, probably dead."
–JA, age 20
 

"I didn’t always have somebody to take care of me so I really want to say that being in foster care kind of gave me an opportunity to go back into my childhood a little bit and then redevelop myself into an adult. "
–JK, age 18
 

"[Home is] somewhere I can hope and dream and be thinking of the future. It means I get a family and I can see the world the way I always wanted to." 

–CJR, age 17
 

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–AL, age 14
 

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–Dick Batchelor

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