GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – For a child looking for a home, there is no typical adoptive family.
In West Michigan, there is an ongoing need for families willing to adopt older children.
Fox 17 continues to work to connect these youth with their future families.
Earlier in March, West Michigan met Danny, 15, who is still hoping to be adopted.
Danny is a driven eighth grader who is bright. He is thinking ahead to college, but before he gets there, Danny said he is focused on finding a family who can help guide him.
The moment Danny stepped into the butterfly exhibit at Frederik Meijer Gardens, he named the first butterfly he spotted.
He’s got a great imagination, is very organized, and planning for his future. Danny works hard in school, and recently brought up his math scores one full grade-level.
“Even after college, I’m already planning,” said Danny. “I like to keep a plan about everything, without one I’m feeling lost, like I’m not organized.”
Before he talked about how much it would mean to find a loving, adoptive family, Danny thanked his adoption advocates; because of them, Danny wants to be a social worker.
“Seeing my adoption worker just working non-stop for me shows me how they care,” said Danny.
And just like they care for him, Danny dreams that one day soon he will have parents, and maybe even an older sibling, who can show him the way.
“I hope that I don’t have to be organized on my own, but to have somebody help me, teach me how to do things,” said Danny.
Danny has been in foster care for more than two years, and said “moving around can really tire somebody.”
In the gardens Danny watched as a volunteer released butterflies from their cocoons. Now Danny hopes a family will do just that for him: stand by him, as he spreads his wings.
“I’m open, but that is one of the choices I’m hoping that can come true.”
Mature beyond his years, Danny is caring and conscientious about all the people around him.
Danny also said he would love to be a part of any family, but he does loves animals and hopes one day to live on a farm.
If you would like to adopt Danny, or learn more about him, call Orchards Children’s Services directly, (855) 694-7301.
