Jessica

A call came in to assist with a placement for an 8-year old girl. Jessica's parents had chosen to give up their parental rights for this beautiful little girl, and she was eligible for adoption. Approval for placement was given, and little Jessica arrived at Sunshine House, a group home for children operated by the Children's Home Society of Florida. Her smile immediately won hearts; how could parents just walk away from this beautiful child?

Each fall, generous donors sponsor a trip for our children to Walt Disney World. Since most of our children have never been to Walt Disney World, this is a much-anticipated event. Plans had been made for the trip in advance, and the donors for the event met the group at the entrance to escort them for the day.

Jessica was so excited that she just couldn't stop talking about going to Walt Disney World all the way in the van, her excitement spilling over to the other residents. The van arrived at the parking lot, and everyone walked over to the meeting area. Jan and Charles, two of our donors, saw the group coming across the area and smiled to see everyone so excited about the event.

Jessica, in her excitement, saw the couple and ran to them. The staff noticed an immediate bond between the child and the couple. Staff couldn't believe it, but Jessica and Jan looked alike! Jessica and the couple didn't know it at the time, but their first encounter would lead to an amazing event.

We received a phone call the following Monday from Jan asking about Jessica's situation. When Jan learned Jessica was eligible for adoption, she became very excited. Jan and Charles adopted Jessica and are providing her with the love and attention that every child deserves. Adoptions of older children (any child over 5 years old) are rare, since most adoptive parents want infants or toddlers. Jan and Charles have opened their hearts to an older child and now have the family that they have longed for.

No clients shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Clients needing accommodations for a disability and/or clients with special communications needs should contact their Children’s Home Society of Florida worker or make their request for accommodation at the time of admission into a Children’s Home Society of Florida program.

CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY OF FLORIDA, REGISTRATION #CH180, IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE UNDER THE SOLICITATION OF CONTRIBUTIONS ACT. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.