GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Damon, 12, has big dreams of becoming a business person one day, but first, he hopes for a family.
As FOX 17 News continues our Forever Home series, we introduce you to Damon, a seventh-grader living within Michigan’s foster care system.
Turning 12-years-old this summer, Damon said he’s excited to begin seventh grade this fall. He is just as sweet as he is adventurous, but the last six years have been difficult: Damon has lived between foster homes and now a group placement. Damon saw each of his siblings get adopted, except for him, and wants to be adopted more than ever.
“I went to camp, I was doing good in school,” said Damon.
Damon said he enjoys school and loves to read, but summer is his time to be outdoors, ride bikes, and go camping.
“It’s an overnight camp where you get to do a whole bunch of stuff like bake marshmallows, and you just do camp stuff,” said Damon.
Also an athlete, Damon is a skilled basketball and football player, and unafraid to try new things.
Putting on a harness at the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Grand Rapids, Damon did not hesitate to try rock climbing. Damon took straight to the wall, trying the most difficult climb first.
Not realizing the camera was still rolling, Damon worked his way up with a positive attitude.
Damon is polite and attentive, but heartbroken, as he talked with FOX 17 about what it would mean for him to have a family.
“I don’t have one,” said Damon.
Damon continues to look forward to his future, and said he dreams of being adopted, and then making a career.
“[I would like] a business job, working for a big company,” said Damon.
According to adoption specialists, families can expect the adoption process to take about nine months to finalize. The process begins with an adoption orientation and home visits, then meeting a child in the foster care system, and slowly building a relationship.
If any family would like to adopt Damon, or ask questions, please call his adoption agency Orchards Children’s Services at 1 (855) 694-7301.
Remember, adopting a child from the state’s foster care system is free of charge.
Also, FOX 17 News would like to give a special thank you to the Salvation Army Kroc Center for this fun filming session!
UPDATE:
As Damon continues his search for an adoptive family, FOX 17 would like to give an update on Tommy, a teen we featured several months ago.
Great news, Tommy is officially placed and living with his adoptive family! You may remember him and some of his aspirations. Tommy said he would like to a producer and go to the New York Film Academy for college. First though, Tommy said he wants to start a non-profit to help kids in foster care like him have more support.
It will take a few more months living with his family before Tommy’s adoption is finalized, but Orchards Children’s Services adoption specialists said his new home is a great fit.
