At five years old, Merriah entered foster care after enduring abuse and neglect from parents with mental health and substance abuse problems. For nine long years, she went back and forth between multiple foster homes and her mother's home, never experiencing the stability of a real family.

For years Merriah was afraid she might never get adopted.

"I knew what adoption was, but I just didn't think that was something that was going to ever happen to me," said Merriah. "I felt invisible."

That all changed when she was referred to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Their signature program hires adoption professionals dedicated to finding permanent families for youth in foster care who are too often overlooked.

One of the ‘recruiters', Megan, got to know Merriah, and built her a network of mentors and supportive adults—two of whom were like Emilie and John. The couple got to know the New York teen through community activities and dinners where they'd listen to what was happening in her life. Over time, Merriah began to trust Emilie and John and open up like never before.

They forged an unbreakable bond, until finally—just before her 15th birthday—Emilie and John announced they wanted that bond to be forever. They adopted her as a daughter.

"It took a huge weight off my chest knowing that I didn't have to worry about not having a home anymore," said Merriah. "I haven't felt relief literally at all in my life."

Not only does she now have a father for the first time—and a loving, permanent home—but a little sister.

"She's the light of my life," Merriah said of the little girl.

Many Americans say they would not consider adopting a teenager from the foster care system, believing it would be too hard to integrate a teen into their family. Merriah and many teens like her have proven this isn't always true.

"Maybe just meet with a teenager in need and give them a chance to tell their side of the story," suggests Merriah. "Because when you're a kid in the system, you never get to tell your side of the story at all.

Now, Merriah is in a program where she will graduate high school with an associate degree. Her plan is to go to college and join the academy to become a firefighter. She also has big dreams to start her own media management company, supporting her love of arts.

"I think for her future, the opportunities are endless," shared Emilie. "She has shown time and time again that she can do anything she sets her mind to."

Each year, 20,000 young people age out of the foster care system without a family. Teens, like Merriah, are waiting for someone to step forward to adopt them. You can help. Learn more or donate at davethomasfoundation.org

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