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My connection to foster care and adoption began before I was even old enough to understand what those words meant. I was placed in foster care when I was just six days old. My caseworker and the woman who stepped forward to be my foster parent met in a parking lot. It was raining but that didn’t dampen the significance of what was happening. I was placed into this woman’s arms for the first time … and she would become my mom. 

My earliest months weren’t easy. Because I was born addicted to drugs, my tiny body went through withdrawal. Doctors said I might face severe developmental challenges. There were concerns that I would be deaf, autistic or have lifelong complications. But even through those early struggles, what I did have was consistency and love. I remained with the same foster family for almost three years before my adoption was finalized. For that, I am so grateful. It’s not common for children in foster care to stay in the same place. 

When I was adopted, my name was changed from Destiny Rose to Rachel Joyce. I’m a transracial adoptee, a biracial Black girl raised in a white family and a mostly white community. That experience shaped so much of who I am and what I advocate for today. Transracial adoption can be incredibly beautiful, but it comes with unique challenges. One thing I wish more adoptive and foster parents understood, and many do now, is how important it is for children to see people who look like them, to know their culture and to feel connected to their identity. Representation in a child’s environment isn’t just helpful, it’s essential. 

Growing up, I faced the reality of being “different” in a small town. My teachers, coaches, friends, neighbors … everyone around me looked nothing like me. Kids sometimes made mean comments, asking why my skin looked the way it did or why I “took mud baths.” As I got older, I heard conflicting messages about who I was supposed to be. I was told I was “too white” to be Black or “not Black enough.” When you’re young and trying to figure out where you fit in, hearing those things can affect your sense of identity and belonging. 

That struggle eventually became one of my greatest sources of strength. It inspired me to create something that I wish I had when I was growing up. In October 2025, I released my debut children’s book, “Arches and Hearts.” It touches on my journey as a transracial adoptee and explores empathy, kindness and the idea that feelings can coexist. Most importantly, it celebrates the truth that our differences are what make us strong. 

I wrote and illustrated the book myself, hoping that any child who feels “different,” alone or unsure of where they belong might see themselves in its pages. But it’s not just for kids, adults struggle with belonging too. I wanted to create a reminder for people of all ages that they are worthy, loved and never alone in their feelings. 

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has always held a special place in my heart. As someone whose story was shaped by both foster care and adoption, I deeply admire any organization that amplifies the voices of children and families in the foster care and adoption communities.  

At the heart of it all, I believe that “Love can find you anywhere. It’s true. Just like it found me.” 

Love found me in a rainy restaurant parking lot … because of a woman who opened her heart and home. And I want every waiting child to know that love can find them, too. They deserve a family that cherishes them and accepts them. Family isn’t defined by who you look like or where you come from, it’s defined by love. 

That’s why the work of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption matters so deeply. Their mission matches everything I stand for: giving children in foster care the chance to experience belonging, stability and unconditional love. Every child deserves that opportunity, and every child deserves a family. 

And if my story can encourage even one child or one family on their journey, then sharing it is one of the greatest honors of my life.

Thank you, Rachel, for sharing your story.  

Rachel is a transracial adoptee, advocate and author of the children’s book, “Arches and Hearts.”

We welcome our caring supporters to share your story about how adoption has impacted your life and why the Foundation’s work is important to you. Together, we can achieve the vision that every child will have a permanent home and a loving family.