GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- As FOX 17 continues helping foster youth in West Michigan find forever homes, now we’re introducing you to 14-year-old Dakota and 13-year-old Gerald.
They're outgoing, fun and sharp siblings searching for loving parents.
“I like to watch movies, I like to play with Pokémon cards and stuff and I like to go out and skateboard and play basketball,” Gerald said.
Dakota says she likes to read, draw and listen to music.
They’re a brother and sister who want parents so badly, they have an unusual request.
“Dakota and Gerald are actually looking for separate homes,” Dana Wright of Orchards Children’s Services said. “The reason why is they really want to be able to bond with a new family and they`re afraid if they`re placed together they`re going to rely on each other rather than relying on that new family and really making that relationship happen with a new mom and dad.”
They have been in the foster system for three years now after their parents were no longer able to care for them.
It`s through those struggles they`ve matured individually, actively learning about families and things they so desperately want.
“Someone that will be there and be able to talk about our emotions,” Gerald said.
But the siblings, who both love math and being outdoors, say they know it`s not one-sided.
“I am a very loving and caring person, I`m also one of those people that if something goes wrong I`m one of the people that speaks up about it and I`m not the kind of person who`s just going to leave people hanging,” Dakota said.
She says this is 'their time' to have stability and loving parents because she and her brother have so much love to give.
“You can`t really just tell someone you love them you have to show them for yourself,” Dakota said, but, “I would tell them I love them every day.”
If you’re interested in adopting Gerald or Dakota or any other child, call Orchards Children’s Services at 855-694-7301.
