Michael is 17, and, like many boys his age, trying to decide what he wants to do when he finishes school.  Unlike most boys, though, he was facing the prospect of aging out of the foster care system with no one to help him as he transitioned to adulthood. His Extreme Recruiter, Liz, has been working to find family members who can offer their support to Michael.  She found his sister, Angela, who aged out of foster care 10-years ago.  When Liz spoke with her, she was heartbroken thinking of Michael facing the lonely future she had faced before she turned 18.  “I don’t want my brother to go through what I did,” she said. 

When Angela aged out of foster care at 18, she did not have a high school diploma, but she did have a will to succeed.  She did whatever it took, working different jobs to remain independent.  With no family or support system, she has struggled to make it on her own.  Liz recently helped set up weekly visits between Michael and his sister, and Angela can’t wait to adopt Michael.  “I want him to celebrate his 18th birthday knowing he has a family to count on,” she said.  “He won’t have to be alone.  I had to make my own luck, but I can help him make his.”

Daniel, age 10, has been in foster care for six years.  When he and five siblings came into care, their aunt took in all the children except Daniel.  He is autistic, and she could not easily care for him.  Daniel communicates using only noises and signs.  Daniel’s Extreme Recruiter Liz’s first step was to ask his aunt for family information.  She thought the children had an aunt and uncle on their father’s side in Florida.  Liz and Marco, a Coalition investigator, found Daniel’s aunt and uncle, Shannon and Tony, and Liz immediately called them.  Shannon had raised two autistic foster children.  The Coalition flew her to St. Louis, and she knew she and Tony would adopt Daniel as soon as she met him.  “I wouldn’t have agreed to come if we hadn’t considered adopting Daniel.  We have old photos of him, and it’s wonderful to see him again,” she said.  In just 24 weeks, Extreme Recruitment™ has found a forever family eager to welcome David. 

Marshaun and Joseph, now 12 and 13, have lived in foster care since 2003.  Joseph was very sick, and their mother was unable to properly care for them.  The children were sent to live with different foster families, and they lost touch with their biological family.  Recently, their cases were referred to the Coalition for the Extreme Recruitment™ program.  While researching, the Extreme Recruiter found a family physician who was very involved in their young lives due to Joseph’s medical needs.  When the Recruiter called, the doctor said, “I recently ran into their Aunt Marcy. She brought Joseph to see me so many times, and she really loved those kids.  She’s working at a hotel nearby.”  The Recruiter immediately headed to the hotel and found Aunt Marcy, who was delighted to hear about the children she had tried so many times to find over the years.  “Those are my babies,” she said.  “When can I see them?”  In a few short weeks, Extreme Recruitment™ has reunited Marshaun and Joseph with their aunt, uncle and cousins; they will soon be adopted.

John is 15, and has been in foster care since his great-grandmother relinquished custody of him 11 years ago.  At the age of 4, he was suddenly surrounded by strangers and was dealing with many medical issues, including partial hearing loss.  Recently, Extreme Recruitment™ staff members tracked down his great-grandmother and told her John was still in care.  “Oh, thank you for calling!” she exclaimed. “I truly believed he would be adopted by a family who would take better care of him than I could.  I wanted him to have a chance at a better life, but I have never stopped thinking about him.”  She cannot wait to be reconnected with John, and other family members have stepped in to welcome him as well.  He will be adopted soon by his aunt, and will live just down the street from his great-grandmother and sister.

Ramon, a 12-year-old child in foster care, loves football, so it is no surprise that his Little Wish was to go to a Mizzou Football game.   One of the Coalition’s most generous donors, DJ Welch, was determined to make Ramon’s Little Wish come true.   A devoted Jayhawks fan, DJ wanted Ramon to enjoy the full college football game experience, so she sprang into action.  She made sure that Ramon received Mizzou football tickets, a Mizzou sweatshirt, money for food and drinks, and even provided a gas card for his foster parents.  No matter the score, Ramon is sure to have a day to remember.  He also knows that someone out there named DJ really cares about him.  Ramon’s Big Dream is a family of his own.  If you are interested in adopting Ramon, please contact Sheila Suderwalla at 800.FOSTER.3 (314.367.8373) x30.

Growing up in foster care, 17-year-old Tommy had no one to attend his high school graduation. His Extreme Recruitment™ team was determined that he would have a family member there, but all leads had been exhausted except one: a great-aunt in Indiana. The team hopped in the car, and met with her for four hours. Great-aunt knew of some relatives in St. Louis who could help. Bleary eyed from their all-night drive back, they introduced Tommy to his 28-year old cousin the next day. With a big smile, she said, “If you will have me, I would like to be at your graduation.” Not only did she keep her promise, but seven other family members cheered him on, too.  Last Friday was the first time in his life that Tommy felt embraced by his family… what a wonderful graduation gift!

Coalition staff returned from Minneapolis this morning, saying the trip was a "home run!"  They found Sharon, aunt of 14-year-old Serena.  Aunt Sharon lost connection with Serena ten years ago, after her neice entered the St. Louis foster care system.  Greeting our Extreme Recruitment™ team with a big hug and tears of joy, Aunt Sharon exclaimed "I have been so worried about her!"  The visit was great, and Aunt Sharon's strength, wisdom, and commitment were obvious.  Describing herself as the "glue of the family," Aunt Sharon will do all that she can to bring Serena home.