You don’t have to talk to DJ for long to know he has a huge heart to help others. He’s the development director for a nonprofit, and in his free time, he enjoys volunteering and spending time with his church group and friends.
But as a single man, the idea of fostering a child had never occurred to him — until one day he saw two young boys coming down the steps of a school bus with tears streaming down their faces. A colleague told him the boys were crying because they didn’t have parents to go home to, and DJ was overcome with emotion. He decided to become a foster parent.
DJ became a licensed foster parent in July 2016. Since then, he’s welcomed more than 22 boys into his home with open arms. Even when they only stay a short time, DJ says, “They really do teach you so much. You learn and grow.” And in the midst of these experiences, DJ’s interest in adoption grew.
Meanwhile, a young man named Noah wondered about his future. He’d already had to make some tough decisions at a young age. On his 13th birthday, he asked a judge to terminate his mother’s parental rights so he could live full-time with his godparents. He finally found a stable home, but his godparents were older and without extended family. They couldn’t support him in the long run. They all knew it was just a temporary fix.
When DJ spoke about adoption to Monica Casey, Upbring’s Foster In Texas (FIT) Lubbock Area Director, she immediately thought of Noah. Thanks to the support of caring friends like you, our Upbring staff have the resources to really get to know children and teens in need of foster care so they can find the very best placement.
The two were a perfect match. DJ quickly recognized Noah’s maturity, courage and resilient spirit. Noah saw in DJ the father figure he’d always wanted. They had so many things in common — including a love for Twizzlers. After six months in DJ’s home, establishing daily routines and structure, Noah asked if DJ would be his adopted dad.
Today, they’re both eternally grateful to be a family. Noah remains at the top of his class in school, showing his drive and determination. Noah’s godparents are still very much a part of his life. “They wanted to be the kind of godparents who spoil him,” DJ says with a smile, “and that’s exactly what they do.”
DJ and Noah were the answers to each other’s prayers. And every day, you help bring more children and teens together with foster and adoptive parents. Thank you for being the answer to our prayers!
Today, they’re both eternally grateful to be a family.