- May 5, 2024
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Serena Lapp and her son, Tobin Photos by Jeff Dawsey
Scott, Savannah and Heidi Gafford
John, T.J., Aleigha, Tessa, Tanner and Amy
Ashley Soucier and Denise Pooser were among many who kept tissues on hand for the occasions.
Mark Jones, CEO of Community Partnership for Children
Amanda Taylor
Katelyn Crowley said about the judge's gown, "Hey! Look at that dress!"
After one of the judges officially ruled Tobin to be Allen and Serena Lapp's son, Serena grabbed Tobin's face and exclaimed," You're all mine! You're all mine!" She expressed the heart of the other seven families who became parents to the 17 children adopted through Community Partnership for Children on Friday, Nov. 18, at the Plaza Resort and Spa in Daytona.
On the cusp of the holiday season, over 100,000 foster kids nationwide are seeking adoption. But, thanks to families like the Bennetts and Gafford — Flagler County residents — a lot of children have found forever families that they will begin to make momories together.
The Gaffords
Altthough their adoption was finalized earlier this year, Scott and Heidi Gafford attended the ceremony, and their new daughter, Savannah, 13, delivered an emotional speech that drew tears and applauses from around the room.
When asked about her transition from foster care to a "forever family," Savannah said, "It has been exciting, but some parts have been difficult, just adjusting to change. "But the attention my parents show me, that gets to me a lot."
"Yes, we give her a lot of attention," her mom, Heidi added.
In her speech, Savannah spoke about the food, clothing and love she barely received.
"At one of the houses we stayed for a while, the lady only had when she expected a visit from the state. Before workers would come to the house, she would say, 'Y'all hop in the car and let's go get some food.' At least we would have food for a couple of days."
She also talked about the process of getting adopted.
"The problem is when you're up for adoption, you worry that if you do the wrong thing, they'll figure out they don't want you," she said. "But now I have people that are there, even when it's hard."
The Gaffords married three years ago and wanted to extend their family. Upon getting Savannah, Heidi said, "It was meant to be from the moment we met her."
The Cauleys
John and Amy Cauley became new parents for four children — T.J., 13, Aleigha, 11, and twins Tessa and Tanner, 9 — who are also their nieces and nephews they've had for three years.
The state removed the four siblings from their mother and allowed the Cauleys to take them. After their mother completed her her case clearance, the state returned the children, only to remove them and send them back to their aunt and uncle. A few weeks later, their mother died in a car crash.
"At first they were getting counseling, and we showed them continued support," Amy Cauley said.
John and Amy already have two children — a 24- and a 17-year-old. Going from nearly emptying the nest to now having four more children, Amy says they had to brace themselves for the transition.
"We were like, 'Oh, here we go!'" she said. "There's a big age gap between our two older ones and these, and the four are close in age, so we experience a lot of your typical sibling arguments that we're not use to. It took a lot of adjustment, but we're on track."
Say that again: "...The attention my parents show me, that gets to me a lot."
SAVANNAH GAFFORD, on how her new family treats her
A word from Community Partnership for Children's CEO Mark Jones to the families: "They're going to change your life forever. They're going home with you today and will look at you as the best gift they've ever received in their life."
Visit http://www.communitypartnershipforchildren.org/ for more information.
