GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - At any given time in Michigan there are hundreds of children in the foster care system who are ready to be adopted. And as you may know, adopting through the state is completely free.
Fox 17 News’ Forever Home series continues as we introduce you to Rachel.
Rachel is an adventurous, kind-hearted 11-year-old who said moving from home to home in foster care is difficult. Rachel has been waiting more than three years for an adoptive family, and she is ready to find her forever home.
Rachel said “I love her,” as she held onto her rainbow teddy bear; something that may be the closest thing she has to a home.
Rachel has a big heart and many talents.
“I’m also a pretty good artist,” she said.
The first thing Rachel told FOX 17 News she loves to do is read, “I have a lot of books,” she said. Then she shared her love for horses.
“I feel like I’m free when I ride a horse,” said Rachel.
Rachel also paints, she enjoys being outside and listening to music, but horseback riding is special to her; kind of like a happy escape.
“I love horses to death,” said Rachel. “I can walk them, I can feed them, I can brush them.”
But most of all, Rachel said she wants to play at park one day soon, with parents of her own, and then be able to go home with them and read stories at bedtime together.
“Bike riding with the parents,” said Rachel. “Read with them.”
Being adopted is a wish Rachel has had for three years now, moving between foster and group homes, just wanting a forever family.
“I want to stay in one spot,” said Rachel.
Rachel is a joy to be around; she makes people laugh as she holds onto her hope of being adopted.
If you want to adopt Rachel, or another youth in the Michigan Foster Care system, and want more information, call Orchards Children’s Services at 1 (855) 694-7301. An adoption specialist will answer the phone and answer your questions, or help you start the adoption process.
