Minnesota Waiting Youth

Rachel, 16, Dreams of Justin Bieber
February 2012

Like many of her peers, Rachel, age 16, has a crush on teen idol Justin Bieber. She loves to sing and listen to pop and country music and nurtures a dream of performing on stage one day with dancing and singing lessons. With her engaging, spitfire personality, she thrives on her close relationship with the adults in her life, like her sisters and foster family. She is committed to her schoolwork and animals and would enjoy a family who would be open to a pet dog or horse.

Rachel often expresses her yearning to be adopted and knows exactly what she needs and wants. Rachel would like to be the only child because she says, “It would be fantastic to have close, devoted attention from parents.” Her dream of a family would be to have both a mom and dad who like going to church, shopping and camping. Most importantly, Rachel is adamant that she needs to stay in touch with her sisters who have been adopted. She loves talking about her future family and imagines what they would be like.

For more information about Rachel, please contact Meghan Berg, Permanency Specialist with Amerpsand Families at Meghan@ampersandfamilies.org or 612-205-6572

Hunter, age 11 (left) and Mathew, age 12 (right) are looking for a family that will understand their need to bring their dog Toby with them.
January 2012

The brothers want to join a family that is active and likes to participate in outdoor activities. Hunter and Mathew also seek a Christian family with strong values that can offer support and continued contact with their grandmother and brothers.

Hunter enjoys sports, especially football and baseball. Mathew is happiest when playing “Minecraft” on his computer or reading a book. If they could be any animal in the world, Mathew says, “I’d be an eagle because they have the ability to fly,” while Hunter creatively opts to be “a spider because then I can spin webs and eat a lot and catch flies.”

For more information about Hunter and Mathew, please contact Lisa Edel, Permanency Specialist, North Homes at 218-322-4123 or lisa.edel@northhomes.org.

Kyle, 12, Wants a Family that Will Help Him Stay Busy
December 2011

Kyle, age 12 describes himself as "very polite with a good sense of humor" who likes to play outside, eat ice cream and watch movies. A bright boy with a big smile and fun personality, he likes to stay busy with activities like fishing, swimming, baseball and kickball. Kyle also enjoys playing video games and listening to music.

Describing his future adoptive family he says, "I'd like a family that will help me stay busy and give me lots of praise when I earn it." Kyle also wants a family who will take the time to build a relationship with him because it may take time to develop trust. He likes receiving praise from others and does well when he gets a lot of encouragement and positivity from adults. Kyle needs an active family who is committed to accessing ongoing support services.

For more information about Kyle, contact Misty Koob, Wendy's Wonderful Kids Recruiter
at 651-266-4085.

Jack, 15, Dreams of Roasting Marshmallows Over a Bonfire
with a Family
November 2011

Nice, engaging, and polite accurately describe Jack. Aside from dressing nice, Jack enjoys spending time with friends, going to the movies, exercising and listening to music. After graduating from high school, Jack hopes to join the military and then attend college. His career goal is in law enforcement, either on a SWAT team or the highway patrol. He has no favorite food or restaurant because he says, "I like to eat everything and go to any restaurant."

The future is foremost on Jack's mind as he anticipates joining a family through adoption and really relishes the idea of possibly having an older sibling. There are many activities he envisions doing with his new family including going to the movies, bowling, participating in family game night, and watching TV. Jack dreams of roasting marshmallows while sitting outside enjoying a bonfire with a family. Jack is ready for a family to make a permanent and lifelong commitment to him.

For more information about Jack, contact Carly Cantu, Targeted Adoption Recruiter with Hennepin County at carly.cantu@co.hennepin.mn.us

Alex, 17, Longs for His Dream of Being Part of a Family
October 2011

Alex loves attention and has a sharp mind for design and math. He enjoys tinkering with electronics and would be thrilled if he had a designated room with his own workbench so he could create his latest invention. Alex eagerly helps around the house with chores or fixing meals. He is looking for a smaller single or two parent family and longs to fulfill his dream of being part of a family.

Alex has been waiting for a family for a long time, but he has not lost hope that one day he will be adopted. He is getting older but this young man desires to stay with a family once they find him. Alex has no interest in striking out on his own once he comes of age. A family will need to be prepared to parent Alex for years to come and to help him understand what commitment looks like in a family unit.

For more information about Alex, please contact Joe Wild Crea, Permanency Specialist at Ampersand Families at 612-670-6485.

To learn more about Heaven, please contact Cimena Gordon, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Recruiter at 651-224-2172 or Theresa Brinkhaus, Hennepin County at 612-543-0011.