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Help Michael on his search for a Forever Home

Posted at 5:33 PM, Apr 28, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-28 17:33:07-04

WYOMING, Mich. – At any given time in Michigan, there are thousands of children in foster or group homes ready for adoption, each hoping for a forever home. Many of these children are 12-years-old and older, including one sweet-natured 16-year-old named Michael.

Michael is a very thoughtful teen, still hoping for a family to adopt him.

When FOX 17 News first shared Michael’s story last May, the adoption agency was flooded with calls. At first one family chose to adopt Michael, and he would have been in his forever home by last Christmas. However, at the last minute, that family changed their minds.

So please meet Michael for a second time, as we hope FOX 17 News viewers will help Michael find his forever home; it’s something he only has two more years to find, before he turns 18-years-old.

Michael has a simple wish shared by any child in the foster care system, who is still hoping for a forever home: to “take care of somebody, have fun, and love each other.”

Michael’s wish to become part of a family has not changed since FOX 17 News first met him last May.

“I like being with families,” said Michael. “I like having brothers and sisters, and dogs.”

Michael is a swimming and basketball star. We spent the afternoon with Michael and his two mentors at Craig’s Cruisers in Wyoming. There, while playing a basketball game, Michael made every shot, even when the hoop was moving—something like the roller coaster he has been on for years, searching for a loving family.

Michael’s mentor and case manager, Valerie Dykstra with Operation Forever Family, said Michael is compassionate beyond his years.

“When I think of Michael, and I just told him this today, I think of the kindest kid I’ve ever met,” said Dykstra. “This is a kid that holds doors open for me, writes me thank you letters, and just brings a smile to my face.”

Proudly wearing a cool pair of shades he won at Craig’s Cruisers, Michael told FOX 17 News that he is doing well in school and enjoys reading. His mentors also said Michael is “filled with gratitude.”

“[Michael’s] heart is tender, and it’s giving, and it’s going to make me cry, but the things that he does for [his mentor] Devon and I is just priceless,” said Dykstra. “The pictures that he draws us, the thank you letters that he writes to us come from his heart. That’s very special with a kid his age.”

If you are interested in adopting Michael, or any youth from the Michigan Foster System, call Orchards Children’s Services at 1 (855) 694-7301.

FOX 17 would also like to send a special thank you to Craig’s Cruisersin Wyoming for welcoming us for this Forever Home filming. Thank you!