WAITING PROJECT

More than 3,000 children in Michigan are waiting for permanent loving homes each year.  To wait is painful, but it carries hope.  The Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE)  is statewide referral and information service that helps locate forever families for children in the foster care system in Michigan who are eligible and waiting for adoption.   Children who desire to be adopted are photo listed on MARE's website with a brief description.  Paintings of these youth follow and will be added on an ongoing basis as part of a partnership with MARE to promote the need for loving families for children in Michigan.   They are each truly special, incredible and resilient.  And each has an incredible purpose.  The paintings in this project will be given to the youth.  Click on the youth's photo to go directly to the youth's listing and description on the MARE website.  Donations may be given to support the Waiting Project.  All contributions to the project will be given by the artist to CASA for Kids, Inc., at this time.  Other nonprofit organizations, ministries or efforts serving youth in the foster care system may benefit from future proceeds.  See the Donations page and the Supported Ministries and Nonprofits page for more information about supported organizations and how to donate.

Zadalynn, 16

Zadalynn is an outgoing girl who interacts with her peers and adults well. She likes to be social, hang out with friends and have sleepovers. Zadalynn has a fun personality and an even better sense of humor. She likes to eat tacos, pizza and pizza rolls. Her favorite colors are hot pink and yellow, yet she really likes any type of neon color. Zadalynn’s favorite subject is art and her favorite things to do on the weekend is going shopping, having friends over and going out to the movies. She also enjoys basketball, football and dance. When Zadalynn grows up she would like to be a judge. When she’s asked about the qualities she wants in a future forever family, Zadalynn says she wants one who’s active and likes to go on outings such as sporting events and to the mall or movies. Most of all, she wants a family who takes time to listen to her and who lets her be herself.​​

Zhaquandria, 14

Zhaquandria is a bright, helpful and personable girl. She can be shy when she first meets new people, but is willing to open up and engage with others when encouraged. When Zhaquandria feels comfortable, she is very affectionate and likes to be silly. She has a fun personality and would like her family to know that she is helpful.  Zhaquandria likes spending time with friends, going to the mall, going to the movies and completing art projects. She likes to help with chores around the house.   Zhaquandria enjoys reading and would like to be a lawyer when she grows up. She loves dogs, especially yellow labs. When she’s asked about the qualities that she wants in a future forever family, Zhaquandria says she wants one who likes going shopping and to the movies with her.​

Rickey, 8

Maurice, 15

​Maurice is an entertainer and likes receiving positive attention for his antics. He enjoys doing anything creative, especially singing, dancing and acting. He is insightful and thoughtful, and he hopes that one day his talents will make him famous. Maurice loves Michael Jackson's music and dance moves! He has a good sense of humor and likes to be silly to make others laugh. Maurice is energetic and likes to be the center of attention. He is fun to be around and is able to easily keep himself busy. He is also sweet and sensitive. Maurice stated that the most important things for people to know about him are that “I’m very emotional, I love to dance, rap and sing, and I want to be famous one day.” Maurice has big dreams for himself and is very excited for his future. He likes to have goals to work towards and rewards he can earn. He willingly talks through situations and enjoys having conversations with trusted adults. Maurice stated that he wants to have a family to love him, help him achieve his dreams, and have a good life. He wants a family who will let him explore new things such as dancing and singing.

bi Lynn, 14

Abbi is a friendly, outgoing and talkative young lady who would like families to know, “I am a good kid!” She thinks  honesty is a very  important quality in life and has a resilient spirit.   She is able to meet new people easily......and takes a great interest in animals; she especially likes bunnies and dogs.  Abbi states, “I would like to do dance and church sponsored youth groups.” She enjoys outdoor activities such as riding bikes and going camping. She enjoys outdoor activities such as riding bikes and going camping.  Abbi notes that maintaining relationships is important to her, such as her relationship with her sisters, and that she likes to have pictures of the things she has experienced or seen in life. 

Tashiana, 17

Tashiana is a loving child with a great spirit. Tashiana's laughter and smile can fill the hearts of individuals who work with her.  She is an active and outgoing child who enjoys interacting with others. Tashiana says that she wants a family to want her and truly treat her like she is a part of their family. She would like to be adopted by a family who shares in and supports her interest in staying active. Church is a very important aspect of her life. She would like for her future parents to have her involved in as many activities as possible. She reports, "The most important thing I would like other people to know about me is that I like to sing and dance!"

Shilo, 14

Shilo enjoys life, but she’d like a chance to share it with a forever family.  Shilo  is  an  active  girl who likes  the  outdoors, especially  swimming  and   playing   at the park or beach. Shilo’s other favorite activities include getting ice cream (and why not?) and trying new things.  If Shilo could go anywhere in the world, she would go to Disney World to get toys and see the park and the animals. However, her favorite animal isn’t a mouse, not even Mickey. Nope. It’s a dog, and she especially loves puppies. When asked what she is most proud of, she replied, "I am proud of my grades; I get A’s and B’s!" If Shilo had three wishes, she says, “I would like to be 16 years old, to have even more friends and to have a nice family.” When she grows up, Shilo would like to be a nurse. Most importantly, Shilo would like families to know, “I am funny, I like to laugh, and I am nice!”

Jacob, 14

Jacob is a helpful and inquisitive young man. He is mechanically inclined and loves taking things apart  and  putting  them back together.  He has shown a natural ability to figure out any type of electronic device. Jacob is also creative and resourceful. He was able to construct a light out of spare parts and a battery. Jacob’s favorite subject in school is science, as he states he enjoys science experiments. He enjoys shopping at Goodwill and finding local bargains. He also enjoys NASCAR, dirt bikes and snowmobiles.  Jacob has a good sense of humor and enjoys joking around with others. Jacob likes to listen to music and has a wide taste in his music preferences.  When Jacob grows up he states he would like to make or repair stereos.
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April, 17

April would like families to know, "I care about family, and I am honest!” She also would like them to know that she likes school, gets good grades and enjoys celebrating the holidays. A friendly and talkative young lady, April considers herself a “girly-girl.” April likes being outside and going to the beach to swim during the summer months. She also is a very clean and tidy person who likes to have things organized. She enjoys helping others and helping around the house. April enjoys writing down her thoughts in her journal. April loves soccer and is eagerly anticipating playing on a team this year. When she grows up, she would like to be a professional soccer star. If she could visit one place on Earth she reports, “I would want to go all over the United States and see the oceans.” April notes, “If I could have three wishes I would like to have a good life, spend more time with family and friends and get married!”

Marvin, 14

There’s a new superhero flying around the planet! It’s Marvelous Marvin! This caped crusader not only wants to save the world one day, but if he had his way, he also would strap a giant piggy bank to his back and drop money off to charities. Of course, that’s when he’s an adult. As a kid, Marvin just wants to tackle the heavens from the ground through a love of science. “Sometimes,” he says, “when it’s windy, I like to fly some kites. And sometimes I just like to relax, lay in the sun and look at the clouds… Sometimes at night I like to look at the stars.” “I would like to have a forever family who will provide me with a new home to live in and take me to Cosi!” Yes, this superhero/scientist might seem ordinary on the outside. After all, he likes listening to music and playing basketball and video games. But since when is saving the world “ordinary”?

Kadreanna, 15

Kadreanna, whose  nick-name is Cookie, would like families to know, "I love helping others and I believe in  honesty!"   She   is   a cheerful, confident and outspoken young teen. Kadreanna loves school and excels in it, with her favorite subject being math. She is very proud of making the Honor Roll last semester. Kadreanna loves animals and her favorite pet is a small dog. Kadreanna enjoys sleeping in on weekends and spending quality time with her friends. Her favorite food is pizza and she loves watching Sponge Bob Squarepants. She also enjoys doing crafts and playing card games. She is proud that she is a smart young lady who is able to advocate for her needs. Kadreanna aspires to be a kindergarten teacher when she grows up.

Scott, 14

 Scott is a nice young man who loves to play with Legos. He likes to read, especially the "Warrior Cats"    series  which  is  his favorite. Scott loves animals, especially dogs and cats. He volunteers at his local Humane Society on the weekends. Scott reported that his perfect day would include petting and playing with cats. In addition, he also likes to play video games and his favorite foods are spaghetti and pizza.  Scott feels that the father-son relationship is very important and would like to have a forever family that will do things with him, like go out for ice cream. Scott just wants to have a family who can give him unconditional love and acceptance.