Jump In! A suggested New Year’s Resolution from Project 1.27’s first adoptee

Dahlia and her two older siblings were the first children adopted into a Project 1.27 family. On her adoption date in November 2005, Dahlia was six years old.  Now a young adult, Dahlia wants to use her story to encourage other kids in foster care as well as inspire churches and families to get involved.

Tell us a little of your story.
My two older siblings and I were placed in foster care when I was about 18 months. When I was six, we were adopted by a Project 1.27 family who already had two kids. As you might imagine, there were some struggles combining all us kids into one family, and during my teen years, things fell apart for awhile. But now, I’ve found a new kind of love for my parents and all my siblings. We get through the tough things as one family.

What are you up to these days?
I’m working at a law firm doing collections and coding. I’m working on a Personal Trainer Certificate and work out every day. I love to go on adventures, like open mic night at downtown restaurants and hanging out with my sister and girlfriends.

Why do you want to share your story?
I used to be so afraid of my story. I’d get upset when other people knew it. Now I want to share my story. I think it’s a little cooler than everyone else’s - a blessing in disguise. My story makes me who I am and provides a starting place for who I want to be. 

I don’t want to be just a statistic. I want other kids in foster care to hear my story and know they can get through that successfully – mind, body, soul. I want little girls to look at me and say, “Whoa! She did it and I can, too!” I volunteer at a school and am thrilled I can be someone little girls can look up to. Being in foster care, being adopted, it can be tough.

What are your 2018 New Year’s Resolutions?
By the end of 2018 I want to start two small businesses, one as a personal trainer and the other as a health and wellness consultant. I want to celebrate my one-year anniversary at the law firm. Another goal is to rent to own a condo. And, go vegan! The biggest thing I’ve been learning is we don’t know our full potential unless we push ourselves. My goals have that purpose.

What are some New Year’s Resolutions you hope others will make?
For foster and adoptive families –

1. Utilize family therapy so everyone in your family can work through challenges together.
2. Be a little healthier together. Enjoying family dinners and healthy snacks is something that’s important to my parents and that set me up for success.

For those not involved in foster care and adoption already – Jump in!

1. Be a friend to a foster or adoptive family. I have some people that befriended my family who I still love today.
2. Decide to give. This changes kids’ lives. Any contribution you make is going to make a big difference.

Why do you think it’s so important for Christians to be involved in Project 1.27?
Because caring for vulnerable kids is in the Bible and we’re supposed to follow the Bible; to come together as a community and take care of children in need. If we don’t do this, we’re disobeying. Jesus loves little kids and we need to love like Jesus. Love kids.

How can we be praying for you and your family in 2018?
My biggest prayer is for everyone’s happiness and health. Please pray that my parents have a relaxing year. They are currently fostering five kids and could use it! Pray for protection over the kids they are currently fostering and my entire family. For me personally, pray I will grow in my relationship with God and that I won’t be distracted from reaching my goals. Thanks for praying for us!
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Jump in! Pray about ways you can love on kids and families in foster care. As Dahlia is learning, we don’t know our full potential until we push ourselves. Start by attending an info night. Register today >

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