Andrew is a typical 3-year-old. He's full of energy; he loves to ride on the train with his father, who is a conductor, and swim in his family's pool. He's a real "daddy's helper," running his toy lawn mower in the yard whenever his father cuts the grass. He's a loving big brother to his foster sister, teaching her how to play games.

Andrew is completely different from the shy, withdrawn toddler who entered foster care because his mother could not care for him. His adoptive parents, Sonya and Dennis, shower him with love, attention and care. This has made all the difference.

Three years ago, Sonya and Dennis contacted Children's Aid and Family Services. "We got a postcard from the agency inviting us to learn more about fostering and adopting," says Sonya. "The postcard was a sign to us. We love children and wanted a large family. Becoming foster and adoptive parents has been wonderful for us."

Andrew had many medical issues, including hydrocephalus and leg length discrepancies. He has been treated by several medical specialists and received the physical, speech and occupational therapies he's needed to thrive. "I've seen huge improvements in his speech and physical abilities since he's been with us," says Sonya. "He talks all the time now. He's always asking his father to take him to the park or play soccer with him."

Sonya and Dennis are also currently fostering a toddler girl. They've seen tremendous improvements in her development and growth. "She didn't walk or talk much when she came to us," says Sonya. "Now she loves to play and climbs all over the place."

Family is important to Sonya and Dennis. The children have become the center of their lives. "Dennis is a protective and loving father," says Sonya. "We work together well as a team. We want our lives to be about nurturing children."

They also want to encourage other families to think about fostering a child. "The more parents I can tell about fostering and get them involved, the more children there will be growing up with loving families. No child should grow up feeling like no one loves them."

^1. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families Adoptive families receive full support from Children's Aid and Family Services, including comprehensive training, post-adoptive counseling and post-placement supervision. Further, they are eligible for a financial subsidy and medical coverage until the child reaches age 18. For more information about adopting, please contact our family recruiter 201.226.0300 or visit www.cafsnj.org to view the children available for adoption.

The holidays are almost here. For children in foster care, family memories associated with this time of the year are often not happy. It's usually the work of many dedicated individuals – including therapists, clinicians and child care staff -- that finally helps our children look forward to the holiday season. You, too, can play a role in transforming the holidays into something worth celebrating for our children by donating a holiday gift or helping to underwrite the cost of a party. To find out how you can help, please call our Development Office at 201-261-2800. Thank you.