Renee's Story

Basilia and Jerome’s Story

In our cover story, we talked with adoptive parents Carl and Bobbi Jo Celli about communicating with birth families. They are strong advocates for open communication – when it is in a child’s best interests – because they have seen the positive effect that such contact has had on their daughter Basilia, age 13, and son Jerome, 11.

The Celli Family

Carl and Bobbi Jo Celli are strong believers in open communication. How committed are they to this idea? When they finalized the adoptions of their thirteen-year-old daughter and eleven-year-old son this past November, they asked the children’s birth parents if they would like to be present at the court proceedings.

A Poem by Rachel

Rachel Dominguez is the sister of Anna, who wrote our cover story. Their mother, Mrs. Diane Dominguez, provided us with one of Rachel’s poems. Mrs. Dominguez wrote, “Rachel is our third-oldest daughter and an accomplished writer and poet. She has won awards in poetry, and teachers marvel at her writing talents. She has had perfect attendance throughout grammar school and has done many hours of community service. She excels in math and science and will publish a collection of writings and illustrations from a family project she is leading. Rachel has used poetry to help her heal from experiences she survived.”

Anna Dominguez – An Adoption Success Story

At sixteen years old, Anna Dominguez is already a great success. As a waiting child, she had to endure circumstances that left her sad, afraid, and distrustful of others. Today, however, Anna has overcome these challenges and developed into an inspiring role model – not just for foster or adoptive children, but for youth everywhere. In fact, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services recently honored Anna with its Hispanic Youth of the Year Award, presented to foster children of a Hispanic background who make an especially successful transition into adoptive family life.

Thomas Family Honored for Advocacy Work

Our regular readers are probably familiar with the family of Maria and Evan Thomas, who have contributed several articles to Adopt Me and “Kid Korner” in recent years. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas are outstanding advocates for waiting children and have adopted four children: Reuben James (age 18) and three related sisters – Beatriz (age 15), Julia (age 14), and Grace (age 13).

The Rewards of Adopting Teens: One Family’s Story

Although adoption was always in the back of her mind, Marsha Grant didn’t pursue adoption until two years after she received her license. Her first adoption involved a two-year-old boy placed in her home as a foster child in 1997. He is now eight years old. Her next adoption was for a teenager named April (not her real name), whose adoption was completed in 2001

Justin's Story

In our Kid Korner column, we feature the perspectives of waiting children and children who have been adopted as they reflect on their foster care and adoption experiences. This month we feature the comments of a fifteen-year-old named Justin.

Adoption: My Experience

Adoption: usually when you hear this word, you think that it was a sad/bad thing. In reality, adoption is just the opposite. Adoption gives kids a great sense of belonging, knowing that somebody loves them and wants them. My name is Jessica Lynn, and I was adopted at the age of 2 years old along with my two brothers. In the following paragraphs, I will tell you my experience and maybe somebody might have a similar experience or feelings that I have or had.