GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Janelle is a high school sophomore who just turned 16. She's creative, very well-spoken, and - after nine years in the foster system - she's hoping a family will open their home and hearts to her.
Janelle says she wanted to look very nice for her interview with FOX 17, pulling out all the stops, and ready to tell anyone what she has to offer an adoptive family.
"I’m funny, I’m mostly good-natured," she says. " I like to let loose and be myself."
She’s ready to help out in any way possible - especially with younger siblings.
"I’ve taken Red Cross babysitter's training before," Janelle says, "so I know how to do CPR for an infant or a kid, - and I know how to treat cuts and burns."
Janelle has bounced between foster homes since she was seven years old.
"Once I’m comfortable everything is just ripped out from under me," she says of the experiences. "It feels like I can’t get any barrier or stable ground."
That time and heartbreak of being passed over for adoption has given her plenty of opportunities to dream of having a family.
Janelle says she would like a dad who can teach her to hunt and a mom to teach her to cook family recipes.
She hopes for a family with a strong faith as well.
"I like those churches where they have a really fun Sunday school session and teen youth group and sometimes they do mission trips," she says.
After being self-dependent for so long, Janelle knows what she wants for her future.
"I want to get my education because I want to be able to go to college and I want to get a good job," she says..
But Janelle knows her time to get adopted is dwindling.
Once she turns 18, families will no longer be recruited for her - sending her into the world alone.
"I only have so much to go and then once I turn 18, what`s the point of getting adopted?" she says. "It will be too late."
But Janelle says she’ll be a perfect addition to any combination of a family who won`t regret taking a chance on her.
“I`ve been waiting for a long time," Janelle says. "I really want to be adopted."
If you're interested in adopting Janelle or any other youth from the Michigan Foster System call Orchards Children's Services at 855-694-7301.
Adopting any youth from the Michigan Foster System comes at absolutely no cost.
There’s also an upcoming event for potential adoptive parents click here for more information.
