For the first time in their lives, five teens who were participants in Project Teen Plus will spend this Thanksgiving with their forever families; like Durrell and LT who were recently adopted by Anneke Bart. “I waited ten years,” says Durrell of his adoptive family. “I didn’t think this day would ever come” says another. For waiting teens in foster care, each day seems like an eternity. In Missouri, there are approximately 11,681 children in foster care - almost 4,800 are between the ages of 13 and 21.

 

The youth in Project Teen Plus have worked hard to prepare and transition into their adoptive homes. For some teens, immediate improvement was shown, not only academically but behaviorally and emotionally. “I know I have someone that loves me and won’t give up on me” says one participant. He explains that having the stability and relief of never having to move again has contributed to the drastic change.

 

This Thanksgiving not only are the adopted teens giving thanks, so are their new families. As Anneke stated, “They have been a blessing and have added so much joy to my life!”