Page 18 - Our Hands FALL 2019

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH

The

Fessenden

Family

Michigan couple says their house sports team,” she said of the 15-year-old.
is full of “love and chaos” after By May 2014, the children’s mother had
A they took six siblings under their had another child, Jericho, now 5, who
wing and adopted them as their own. was adopted that December.
Gabrielle and Shannon Fessenden were
already parents Briella, 4, was born shortly
to two children after Jericho’s first birthday,
but had always Samaritas is the largest and Gabrielle and Shannon
wanted to adopt, private adoption agency in finalized her adoption in
too. Michigan. This November, December 2015.
help us celebrate National Samaritas Employee
Adoption month by Honored with
While browsing helping foster youth find a Two years later, Mason
the Internet, forever home! Please contact was born with multiple Guy Thompson Worker
Gabrielle Lisa Harrison at birth defects, including Achievement Award
stumbled upon LHarr@LASadoption.org fetal alcohol syndrome.
photos of three or call (248) 663-0709 The Fessendens welcomed At Samaritas, we believe in
siblings - Jordan, for more information. him into the family, too, putting people first. And
Jay and Myah - and his adoption was nowhere is that more aptly
who were to be finalized in June. demonstrated as when one
separated if they were unable to of our employees receives a
find a home in the coming weeks. “Our oldest Jordan said, ‘Mason is well-deserved award for doing
hilarious and fun and a missing piece. just that. At the Annual
The Fessendens welcomed the kids into He filled the void I didn’t know I had,’ Reunification Day, held by
their home by becoming foster parents Gabrielle recalled. “That, of course, the Michigan Federation
with Samaritas in November 2012 and made us all sob. It was another link for for Children and Families,
adopting them a year later. us to keep these kids together.” Jacques Short, from our
Family Preservation program
Gabrielle was quickly sold on the kids’ The new additions have fit seamlessly in Kalamazoo, was honored for
personalities. She described Myah, now 9, into the couple’s lives with biological his wonderful work in keeping
as “full of spunk and spice and sugar,” children Scott, 11, and Giana, 8. “It’s families together.
adding that she has the “best belly laugh never quiet. There’s lots of love and
on the face of the planet.” chaos,” said Gabrielle. “There’s always We're always looking for
scampering feet, laughing and giggling, ROCKS ready and willing
“Jordan was spunky, athletic - his dream running.” to serve families. Apply at
was to play soccer. Giving him permanency samaritas.org/careers to
allowed him to be able to be part of a Reprinted from People Magazine start your ripple today.

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