GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – As we continue our Forever Home series this week we introduce you to Bradley.
Like many of the children we feature, Bradley is living in a group home within the Michigan foster care system. As children get older, it can be harder for them to get adopted, but kids like Bradley still need a family. And, adoption through the state is completely free.
“I want you guys to pick me, pick me, because I really need a family,” said Bradley.
Heartfelt words from a 12-year-old who really needs a loving home. Truly a character, Bradley is full of positive energy.
Although he loves to help and teach other people, he says he really needs help finding a loving home. Bradley has been moving between foster homes and group placements since he was just a one-year-old.
Tuesday morning at Grand Rapids Gymnastics, as soon as Bradley hit the trampolines he quickly jumped off to bring some other kids into the fun.
“I’m going to teach all the kids,” said Bradley, as he high-fived a younger child and said, “you two and you are in!”
Within just a few minutes inside the gym, Bradley recruited the kids around him and showed them the ropes.
“Follow what I do,” Bradley said as he jumped off the trampoline.
Teaching and helping people is what the 12-year-old said he loves to do.
“I love helping, I love chores, and one of my favorite things is computers,” said Bradley.
He’s a real people-person and says it is part of the reason he wants to be an FBI agent one day.
“When I grow up I’m going to be in the FBI,” said Bradley. “If I can save people’s lives and stop crime.”
In school he loves math, gym, science, and art, but he said he needs parents and siblings to help him be the best he can be.
“I wish I could live with them, and live with them forever, and eat dinner with [them], and always have lunch together,” said Bradley.
Bradley showed off all the tricks he could do as a gymnast for the day, and said he especially loved the trampolines and jumping into the foam pit.
“The pit was awesome!” said Bradley. “I knocked down the wall, like the Incredible Hulk or something.”
Then Bradley sat down, looked directly into FOX 17’s camera, and spoke to all of his potential adoptive families out there:
“Just pick me, pick me guys, pick me, because I need a family, I’ve been stuck in placements for like a thousand years,” said Bradley. “Can you just take me home with you guys? Thank you.”
As we hope that Bradley finds his Forever Home, we also want to reintroduce families to Rachel, who is still looking for her adoptive family.
FOX 17 first featured Rachel this June. She is an adventurous 11-year-old with a big heart, who is a joy to be around. Rachel said she loves to read, and she gets especially excited talking about her love for horses.
Adoption specialists with Orchards Children’s Services said that every other child FOX 17 has featured is now potentially placed with an adoptive family. So we want to give a big thank you to all of our viewers and families who are making a difference.
Adoption through the state is completely free, so if anyone would like to learn more about Rachel or Bradley, or begin the adoption process, please call the adoption agency Orchards Children’s Services at 1-855-694-7301.
FOX 17 would like to send a special thank you again to Grand Rapids Gymnastics for another special filming session!
