Photos by
Stephanie Kimberling

Cassandra (Born October 1992) & Jean (Born May 1994)

Cassandra and Jean are an energetic and irresistible pair. These two young ladies are very caring and thoughtful individuals and a joy to be around.

Cassandra has a gentle and sweet disposition and is very thoughtful towards other individuals.  You can tell athleticism comes naturally to Cassandra when she is shooting hoops.  As she continues to grow taller she is becoming an outstanding basketball player.  She puts a lot of effort into whatever she is doing and is a very helpful individual to those who need it. She enjoys art and considers herself to be an artist. Cassandra struggles with reading and writing however is determined to become better at both skills. 

Jean is outgoing, smart and easy to get along with. She enjoys trying new things and is not afraid to meet new people. Jean likes athletics including swimming and outdoor activities. Jean was described by a friend as the “girl next door" and "the all-American girl."  Outspoken is a good word to describe Jean as she often speaks her mind without hesitation.   She is much like her sister in that she is very helpful.  Jean enjoys cooking and is also a very imaginative individual who loves to tell stories. 

This vivacious duo is need of their permanent, committed, loving home.  They want a home that they can stay at forever. They will do well in a family who can provide structure and devote the attention that they need.  They need a family who can stimulate their education and is willing to work with the education system.  

Photo by
Brian Baer

Dakota (November 1997)

Dakota has an adventurous personality. One of his absolute favorite things to do is ride dirt bikes. Dakota is extremely interested in the sport, and would like to continue riding and learning more about dirt bikes. Dakota works hard in school and likes to complete one subject before moving on to the next one. He is a kind child who responds well to rewards. One of his favorite rewards is being able to go out to eat at Applebee’s. Dakota has biological siblings he would like to remain in contact with through phone calls and letters.

Dakota describes himself as really nice. Besides dirt biking, he enjoys camping and doing yoga. He has expressed an interest in hunting as well. His favorite foods include chicken fries, chicken sandwiches and hot Buffalo wings. When he grows up, he would like to be in the Army, ride motocross and own a Hummer H3.

Davonisha (January 2002)

Davonisha is a loving, outgoing child. She has suffered many losses and needs to feel safe and loved. Davonisha’s teachers describe her as funny and a great helper around the classroom. She is your typical “girly girl”, she enjoys dressing up, high heel shoes, manicures, and putting on make-up.

Davonisha is very versatile and does well when she feels engaged and included in activities. She loves to sing, dance, play kick ball and enjoys helping in the kitchen. Davonisha likes to interact with other children but will need supervision. She has a bond with her two siblings that will need to be maintained.

Davonisha needs a patient, experienced family who can provide structure and routine. Davonisha has a need to feel she can trust the adults in her life and will require assurance on a day to day basis that she is safe and loved.

Photo by
Tiffany Love

Desiree (November 1996) & Briana (December 1997)

Desiree loves to watch Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly place on the Disney Channel. You can expect to find her reading mystery novels, playing volleyball, or listening to music. She also likes to cook and make fruit smoothies. Desiree is a social butterfly and is highly imaginative. She knows what she wants and is not afraid to stand up for herself. She describes herself as fun-loving and outgoing. Desiree has aspirations to be a doctor or nurse when is older. According to Desiree her perfect family would be very kind and have animals.

Briana can be shy at times, but is quick to warm up to others. Briana loves to skateboard, watch Sponge Bob, and play video games. She also likes to listen to music. Briana describes herself as nice and loving. Briana would like to be a police officer when she grows up because she wants to protect and help people.

Desiree and her sister, Briana, share a very strong and special bond.  Desiree and Briana have a difficult time trusting adults due their experiences. Both girls are very intelligent young ladies that benefit from structure and routine. Sometimes they can become distracted and have difficulty accepting direction.  Desiree and Briana need a patient and experienced family who will allow time for trust and love to grow. The two girls are working hard in therapy and will need a family that is consistent, structured, and willing to participate in future therapy.

Photo by
Brian Baer

Dillon (February 1995)

Dillon has a great sense of humor. He is funny and enjoys making people laugh. He loves to play video games and building with Legos. Dillon likes to collect things; he has a collection of model airplanes, cars, houses and anything that can be put together. Dillon loves to ride his skateboard and is quite skilled. He does not like to compete in sports, he prefers to watch. Dillon likes pets and enjoys being around them.

Dillon would like to maintain contact with his brother. Dillon will thrive with a family that has structure and applies logical consequences as a discipline method. He will do well with a family who can be flexible and will understand him. Dillon would do best with a couple, or a single mother. He enjoys spending time with other children; however, it is recommended that he be placed with children of similar age or older, as he can be a little “bossy” around younger kids.

Photo by
Shawn Blevins

Donte (October 1998)

A young man with style and manners, Donte is adorable, charming and a joy to be around.  He is an avid sports fan and loves to play football and soccer.  He dreams of becoming a professional football player when is older – hopefully in the running back position.  He enjoys riding bikes and his skateboard.  He wants families to know that he used to participate in gymnastics.  Some of his favorites include the color blue, catfish, and McDonald’s. Donte also enjoys playing video games and being around animals. 

Donte clearly expresses that he does not like to move and that it disappoints him when he has to move.  A caregiver shared that Donte’s eyes shine when he is happy.  He has also been described as sweet and friendly – especially when he feels cared for.  Donte will need a family who can help his many strengths develop while helping him cope with the many losses he has experienced. 

Photo by
Allison Garrett

Elriana (February 1997)

Elriana, “El” for short, is a bright and active thirteen year old girl. Elriana likes to sew, bead and make bracelets. She is very energetic and loves to play basketball and volleyball. El feels that her strengths lie in her school work, playing volleyball, making bracelets and beading. El’s favorite foods are cotton candy and mashed potatoes. She also enjoys Bratz Dolls and the movie Shark Tales.

Elriana is looking for a family that she can form a strong bond and relationship with. El feels a good family for her would consist of a family that is nice, energetic, and happy. Elriana is currently in the 7th grade and really enjoys school. Her favorite subject is art. Elriana has a very bright future ahead of her. She would love to be a part of a family that she can call her own.

Photo by
Charles Kay Jr.

Kadriah (Born August 1994)

Kadriah is a fun loving teenager who likes shoes, new clothes and shopping! She can often be found listening and singing to her favorite music. She enjoys her time on the drill team. Kadriah has a lot of energy and enjoys being "on the go." She is social and enjoys going to school to visit with her friends. Her favorite subjects are computers and math. Kadriah is artistic and loves to draw.

She is a loving child and is not afraid to try new things. Kadriah is redirected very easily and is an enjoyable person to have in the house. She likes animals and loves dogs. Kadriah would flourish in a family that does not have many children. She enjoys individual attention and said she would like to have a family with one or two children.

Photo by
Hollie Klimke

Kimberlee (February 1996)

Kimberlee is a quiet young girl when you first get to know her. She takes her time getting to know others and building trust for those around her. She likes going shopping, especially if she can find a new Bratz doll to add to her collection. She enjoys playing sports, especially soccer and basketball, and just being outside. Kimberlee is caring, friendly, and has a great sense of humor. Kimberlee enjoys learning and does well in school.

Kimberlee has experienced a lot of hurt and loss, starting from when she was just an infant. She needs a family that can demonstrate patience, unconditional love and can teach appropriate socialization skills and how to build and maintain healthy relationships with adults and peers. Kimberlee dreams of a family that is committed to seeing her through the good and bad times she may endure. She wants a family that will “take good care of her” and “a home that is comfortable, happy, kind and allows her to have some freedom.”

Photo by
Katie McWilliams

LaVontae (Born December 1996)

Lavontae is a passionate and determined young man with a big heart for family. Strong-willed, helpful and kind, he yearns to be accepted and loved for who he is. LaVontae has learned to adapt to new situations and loves to try new things. Currently LaVontae’s passions consist of basketball and wrestling. A home that can continue to support and build on LaVontae’s interests would be ideal.

LaVontae would do best in a family that is patient and kind. He needs a lot of time to be heard, so his new family can understand and support his individual needs. LaVontae is lovable and people are always drawn to him when they meet him. LaVontae desires a family that can give him affection and unconditional commitment. It is important for LaVontae to keep in contact with his siblings.

Photo by
Angela Schumaker

Nakyta (July 1997)

Nakyta is a sociable young girl that loves to interact and play with others.  She is energetic and enjoys being active. She can often be found riding her bike and playing outside. Nakyta also likes to create various arts and crafts, and loves it when others do crafts with her. She is a good helper and is a loving child whom you will often find with a smile on her face. Nakyta’s sense of humor is another one of her strengths.

She has experienced a great deal of hurt and loss in her life; therefore, her ability to trust and build relationships with others can take longer. She needs a family of her own that will love and protect her, as well as, keep her best interest at heart. Nakyta would do best in a home where she is the youngest or only child. An ideal family would be one that is active, provides consistency and structure, and also, helps her work through her issues of grief and loss. She needs a family who allows her to keep in contact with her sisters and other biological family as appropriate.

Photo by
James Birrell