My husband and I never expected to be writing this, but here we are, asking for help to give a child the forever family she’s longed for and absolutely deserves.

Nine years ago, she came into our lives through heartbreaking circumstances. She had been removed from her mother’s care due to neglect and abuse, and came to us in a very fragile state, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Her mother was incarcerated at the time, and after a long period of instability and repeated threats by the system to move her to another home, she eventually agreed to sign over legal custody to us. We hoped that would give her the stability she so desperately needed, and in many ways, it did. She began to heal, to grow, and to feel safe. And over the years, she became part of our family in every sense, except the legal one.

But now she’s 14, and she wants what so many children take for granted: a real, legal, forever family.

Both of her biological parents have passed away. She hasn’t had contact with any other family members in nearly a decade. We’ve been her stability, her safe place, her parents in every way but on paper. And yet, because of complicated state laws, we’ve spent the last two years going in circles. North Carolina won’t take jurisdiction. Florida says North Carolina still has it. Nobody seems to want to claim responsibility for a child who so clearly needs and deserves a permanent home.

Finally, we’ve found a path forward: a private adoption. But it comes at a steep cost. We've been told that legal adoption is only possible through hiring a private attorney. Before we can even begin, we’re required to complete a $2,200 home study. In total, we need to raise nearly $9,000 to cover all the legal and procedural steps required.

That’s why we’re reaching out to you, our friends, family, and compassionate community. We know times are tough for many, but we’re asking for help to give this child the one thing she’s dreamed of: belonging permanently. legally. and officially.

Every dollar, every share, every prayer gets us one step closer to making that dream a reality. This isn’t just paperwork, it’s a chance to finally give her the security and peace of knowing that she is home, forever.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring. And thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us bring her home for good.

With love and gratitude,

Aj and Lisa Chase