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Ohio — “Foster care was hard because you never knew when you were going to get moved or why,” DeMarion shared. After living in more than a dozen foster homes over nearly 10 years, feelings of uncertainty and instability were the norm. 

When DeMarion was referred to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids^® program and adoption recruiter, Lauren, from Franklin County Children Services became a part of his care team, things began to change. Spending time with DeMarion, Lauren began to understand what his picture of a forever family looked like. She took him to sports practices and the library and learned about his interests, including anime and cooking. Building a relationship allowed Lauren to advocate on DeMarion’s behalf and search diligently for a place he could finally call home. 

It didn’t take long for her to realize that his foster mom Kamesha might be able to offer exactly what DeMarion needed in a permanent family.  

“After I met with Kamesha, I could tell how she is as a foster parent and a caregiver and a person,” Lauren said. “She is patient. She’s kind, consistent and firm … She’s one of those parents that has a real understanding of what youth in foster care have been through. And she wants to be that stable, loving parent that maybe some of these kids have never experienced.” 

DeMarion was initially placed with Kamesha at age 16 as a temporary respite placement. As a foster mom for nearly 20 years, Kamesha was ready and willing to provide DeMarion a safe place to land. After seven weeks, the decision to pursue a permanent placement was made. 

“Just something about him,” Kamesha said. “They said he was up for adoption, and the rest is history.”  

Kamesha officially became DeMarion’s forever family on National Adoption Day. During this special annual event co-created by the Foundation, courts and organizations across the country open their doors on or around the Saturday before Thanksgiving to finalize and celebrate adoptions from foster care.   

Kamesha shared that with stability and support, he’s taken more ownership of his schoolwork and turning it in on time. “He has come out of his shell and is finding his place,” she said. “Anytime he calls me ‘mom,’ you can see his face light up.”   

There have been some challenges as well. “It is hard for him still to adjust. I think his mind hasn’t fully accepted like, this is his forever home.” Kamesha said. She is grateful for the family’s support system — a community that helps them through those difficult days. “He has mentors … he has counseling … he has therapy.” she added. That support team also includes Lauren.  

“Lauren is a saint. Just any questions I had, I could call her.” Kamesha said. “Everybody needs a Lauren.” 

Now, DeMarion is looking forward to the future. He hopes to be a chef or a construction worker someday.  

“I want him to be as successful as possible,” Kamesha said. “He’s capable of doing whatever he wants to do. We may have to tweak how you get there, but it can be done.” 

DeMarion is hoping to play football as a junior and senior in high school, and he always looks forward to pizza Fridays with his family. 

“Family means everything to me. I have never felt so loved or accepted,” DeMarion said. “After adoption, I feel like I have purpose. I feel like my mom is guiding me to make healthy, safe choices. I am so blessed.” 

If you have room in your home or in your heart, you can help a child, like DeMarion, waiting for a family right now. Explore ways to get involved and join our caring community that makes stories like these possible.