Michigan adoption day provides forever homes

Giving thanks for families, that is the theme of some emotional ceremonies across the state today.

It’s Michigan adoption day, where some very deserving children finally get their forever families.

The Clark family posing for photos, its Michigan adoption day and this family just got a little bigger with the addition of baby Ethan.

Fox 2: How old are you Kameryn?

Kameryn Clark: “Six.”

Fox 2: And you Corey?

Corey Clark: “Three.”

Now they have a little brother.

Fox 2: What do you think about Ethan?

Corey Clark: “He's so sweet.”

“We love him, we absolutely love him,” said Lori Clark.

Lori and Jesse Clark took Ethan home on December 19th, three days after they were licensed as foster parents. He was only ten days old and now he's theirs forever.

“Right in time for the holidays, so we'll be able to spend the holidays together as a family,” said Lori Clark.

The Groseclose family also adopting their foster child, baby Kaitlynn.

”We just fell in love right away, she just joined our family and we are so excited to officially make her part of our family,” said Michelle Groseclose.

Now, mom and dad have two boys and two girls and they couldn't be happier.

There are 13,000 children in Michigan’s foster care system, so many waiting for forever families.

“There's such a big need out there that we wanted to help in that way,” said Michelle Groseclose.

So many of the families today were adopting little ones, but there are a lot of big kids that need to be adopted too.

“Don't give up hope because if you give up hope - you'll get left out,” said Stephan Baker, who was adopted a day before his eighteenth birthday.

Stephan Baker’s mother never gave up on anything or anybody, Beverly Baker has adopted 14 children.

“It is a very challenging thing to do, but not impossible, it is very rewarding. Did you see what he done today, that’s my reward,” said Beverly Baker.

What Stephan did today was address this big crowd on Michigan adoption day, a day to celebrate and encourage others to open their hearts and their homes.

“I always tell people the more generous you are, the more giving you are the more you have to give and that's what adopting or fostering a child is really all about,” said Judge Frank Szymanski, a juvenile court judge.

Just ask the Clark family now that they've adopted once, it just might happen again!

“Yes, we're thinking about it and it's an option,” said Jesse Clark.

“I'm happy to be able to impact the life of a child, all they need is a chance so I’m happy to be able to give it,” said Lori Clark.

If you are considering adoption, contact these resources for help. The Third Circuit Court of Michigan at 313-833-1880 or MARE-Michigan adoption resource exchange at 1-800-589-6273.