This time of year, the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition highlights the Big Wish at the heart of our mission: helping children impacted by foster care find a place to call home. Cartier is one of the children whose Big Wish came true.
Cartier entered foster care as a baby after being born drug exposed and facing early health challenges. During a long hospital stay, he met Theresa, a discharge coordinator who quickly formed a special bond with him. She visited him after her shifts, spending time playing games and making him laugh. In 2022, with support from the Coalition, Theresa became a licensed foster parent, and when Cartier was discharged from the hospital, she happily welcomed him into her home. From the beginning, Cartier called her “mom.”
Theresa, who is also mom to her older son Grayson, faced real barriers as a single parent. With guidance from the Coalition, she received diapers, daycare authorization, and the advocacy she needed to support Cartier’s care. Even with all her love for him, she still worried about whether she could provide everything he needed.
When Cartier was featured on KSDK 5 On Your Side’s “A Place to Call Home” families across the region reached out wanting to adopt him. Seeing so many people ready to open their hearts helped Theresa realize what she had always known. Cartier was already her son.
On November 25, 2024, surrounded by friends, family, and Coalition staff, Theresa officially adopted Cartier. It was a joyful celebration of love, resilience, and the community who stood beside them every step of their journey.
Cartier is now thriving with the secure, nurturing family he has always deserved. Your support helps make moments like this possible for more children whose Big Wish is a place to call their forever home.
With your support, more children impacted by foster care can experience the same joy and security of a forever home. Donate today to help make that wish possible.