A couple of years ago, siblings Marisa and Jason needed help. They’d begun exhibiting inappropriate and harmful behavior, having been exposed to explicit sexual acts at home for years. They were rescued from this degrading situation, but it was just the first step. Placement in separate foster homes was necessary to break the pattern of sexually reactive behavior. Apart and in unfamiliar surroundings, Marisa, 13, and Jason, 11, were despondent and frightened, left only with the hope that their lives might get better someday.
Marisa’s foster parents, the Mankowskis, did substantial research to learn how they could best help Marisa work through her pain and confusion and begin the healing process. A loving, trusting relationship developed and, in June 2016, the Mankowskis adopted Marisa.
Less than a month later, Jason was also adopted by his foster parents after a lengthy process. Jason, who had been moved from agency to agency, came to the Jamisons about two years ago. The Jamisons have an abiding commitment to the welfare of children, having fostered 20 kids over the course of 15 years. Their experience has left them with an informed perspective on the reliability and effectiveness of organizations that work with youth in crisis.
The Jamisons are grateful to Sunrise for having been so helpful, and playing a key role in finding a forever home for Jason. “Sunrise is the best agency we’ve been with, by far,” he said.
Today, the future looks bright for Jason and his new family. The Jamisons celebrated the adoption with a trip to the beach, and they expect Jason will continue to thrive in his adoptive home. A fifth-grader, Jason does well in school (math is his favorite subject), and is helpful at home. “He’s a good kid, he’s smart, and he gets good grades,” Mr. Jamison said, adding that a drawn-out and often difficult adoption process has been well worth the wait.