A Child is Waiting: Kind Danielle Enjoys Friends and Animals

By Honey Murray for Digital First Media

Sixteen-year-old Danielle’s adoption workers smile and openly acclaim Danielle’s special qualities and personality when they describe her.

“Danielle is a driven and determined youth, compassionate to others, typically honest and is giving. Danielle is independent, optimistic, outgoing, helpful and humble,” says one of her workers.

“She gets along with everyone,” her M.A.R.E. (Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange/mare.org) worker shares.

“Danielle is a great young woman,” says her adoption worker. “Every time I visit her, she tries to make it fun and to make everyone laugh. She genuinely cares about other people and how they are doing.”

Her adoption worker adds, “Danielle needs a little help learning to handle her emotions. She is working on this issue and is making good progress.”

As a student in her local high school’s special-needs program, two of Danielle’s favorite subjects are art and cosmetology.

“I love art and makeup and nails and everything beauty,” Danielle says. “And I love animals and children.”

In her spare time, Danielle enjoys walking the dogs, camping, movies, shopping, swimming and playing outdoor games.

“Someday,” says Danielle, “I’d like to visit Miami, Los Angeles or Hawaii. I think those places would be very relaxing.”

And Danielle, who’d like to become a cosmetologist, describes the perfect day: “The day I get a family.”

Danielle’s workers are hoping that she will be adopted before she reaches the age where she is no longer in the foster care system.

“Danielle needs a strong bond with one or two caring adults, a family that is open and honest, willing to support her dreams, and who are good listeners. She would also be fine with older or younger siblings.”

Her worker continues, “She needs a family that will be patient and structured and fierce advocates for the support she needs to help her thrive.”

Though Danielle at this time does not have a mentor -- an unpaid, committed adult who regularly talks with her, sees her, shares special activities and outings with her – her adoption worker believes Danielle would definitely benefit from one.

Danielle defines the word “family” to mean “love and compassion,” and she hopes to soon be joined with a ‘forever family’ to spend special times with – and she’d love one that has a pet.

When she finds her everlasting connection/adoption family, Danielle says, “I will finally have someone I know loves me.”

For more information about adoption or mentoring, contact Orchards Children’s Services of Southfield at 855-694-7301 or visit www.orchards.org.