November is National Adoption Month and throughout the month we have been highlighting some ways you can help foster and adoptive parents. Because once you know about the orphan crisis, you can’t unknow it. Today, there are 111,820 children waiting to be adopted in the United States and there are 427,910 children in the U.S. foster care system. 

The statistics seem daunting, but there are families providing safe and loving homes for these children. Children like Layah, Alexander and Brooklyn, three siblings who needed a home. Three relatives stepped up to provide kinship care for these siblings, insuring they not only had a safe and caring home, but also that the siblings could also remain close even though they were in separate homes. 

After two and half years, Layah and Alexander have been adopted by these families and Brooklyn will be adopted later this year. 

“You will never see siblings happier to see each other than when these three get together,” said Monica Moreno, who adopted Layah. “What this process has taught us is no matter the circumstances a willingness to open your home and heart will be the greatest blessing anyone can give or receive.” 

“Alexander has been one of the biggest unexpected blessings a family could ever hope for,” added Betty Mendez, who adopted Alexander. “A simple word to describe how Alexander has changed my life is completely. He has brought so much joy, laughter and love into our lives and each day we are thankful for him. The best part about the adoption is just knowing we get to be a part of his future forever.”

Find out how you can be a part of the change and help vulnerable children.