EDITOR AT LARGE

Kayla found her family at last in Rochester. Her story follows in her own words. By her own count, over one thousand NH children have not yet found their adoptive parents. We hope you’ll take a moment in your busy day to read Kayla’s note and perhaps, click on the links below.

Dear SeacoastNH.com

The month of November marks National Adoption Month. Attached is a letter to the editor I would like Seacoast New Hampshire to consider for publication in your Editor at Large section. The letter is written by a young person who came from foster care in New Hampshire. She speaks to the need for more adoptive parents in New Hampshire and how her parents have changed her life.

Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Aaliyah Miller, Annie E. Casey Foundation 　

Kids Like Me, Need Adoptive Families

My name is Kayla. I would consider myself a typical teenager with the exception that I grew up in foster care. My siblings also grew up in foster care. I probably would have aged-out of care if it weren’t for my adoptive parents, Mike and Donna, who I call mom and dad.

In March, 2007, my parents adopted me. They had been my foster parents since 2004. Before I lived with them, I was at St. Charles, a group home run by nuns in Rochester, New Hampshire.

The road to adoption wasn’t easy for me or my parents. Through the years I had to learn to love and trust my parents. Even when I acted out, they continued to love me and help me through the tough times. I began to trust that I had a lifelong connection to them, but my adoption made it real, made it permanent.

Unfortunately, there are more than 1,100 kids in New Hampshire foster care. Like me, these kids didn’t ask to be put into foster care. Like me, they need and want a family to love them unconditionally. I would not be the strong young woman I am without the love, patience, and support of my mom and dad.

My parents are the most important adults in my life. They motivate me to do my best and encourage my ambitions. I’ve been taught how to love and to be loved, and I’ve learned skills like how to drive, fill out a job application, and budget my money. My future is a lot brighter because now I have a family to count on. I want all kids in foster care to have a family.

If you have ever thought about helping a kid in foster care, you can find more information at. You don’t have to be married; you don’t have to be rich or own a big house. You just need to care and share your love, because lots of kids like me need families like yours.

Kayla Coraluzzo 　

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Casey Family Services web site 
National Adoption Day web site