Success Stories

Over the years, MARE has found permanent, loving families for thousands of children waiting in foster care. Read about a few of these phenomenal families who, in the course of making a difference in a child’s life, also had their own life-changing experiences.

If you have adopted with MARE’s help and have a success story to share, we want to hear from you. Please email your story to nicholel@mareinc.org.

The Brown Family
Lydia went through years of struggling and coming to terms with infertility issues. Seeing the children on “Wednesday’s Child” was always tugging at her heart until she decided it was finally time to adopt. Click here for more on their story.

The Somero Family
Both in their late 50’s, experienced parents Pauline and James Somero were unsure if they wanted to parent young children again. They relied on their faith to help lead them through the adoption process. Click here for more on their story.

The Powers-Patey Family
For as long as they can remember, Leigh and Laura have had the desire to have children and raise a family. Initially, the couple looked into conceiving through in vitro fertilization. As fate would have it, they went on to adopt two boys, and their concept about parenting would be changed forever. Click here for more on their story.

The Jones Family
Having raised a son Derik, 26 and daughter Larissa, 28, Willie and Pam Jones were empty nesters looking forward to an early retirement. It turned out to be Willie’s bout with and recovery from prostate cancer that led them to reexamine their priorities. And though their work demands were growing, they were ready to enforce a balance to their work and family life. Click here for more on their story.

The Tomlin Family
Paul Tomlin, a truck driver for a recycling company, noticed the change in his four youngest children after they legalized their adoption on National Adoption Day 2004. Justin, 13, had more bounce in his step, 11-year-old Adriana’s smile shined brighter and Maryann, 8, was on her best behavior. Jamal, 9, was chosen as student of the month that November, and Maryann followed suit the next month. Click here for more on their story.