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November 28, 2019
DENVER Since 1926
DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
Families by
choice
Twenty-three children adopted in Denver during national celebration BY KAILYN LAMB KLAMB@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
O
n the second floor of the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse in Denver, the sounds of laughter and running feet filled the hall in front of the courtrooms. Mascots from Denver’s sports teams hugged children, while other people posed in front of a camera for a family portrait. For 14-year-old Jassir, dressed in a suit and tie, it was a special time. For many in Denver, Nov. 8 was a normal day. But for 23 children and their now official families, it was adoption day. Jassir said that as soon as he entered the building, he could feel the “vibe” of the other families — a feeling of happiness, and even relief. Now, Jassir could join Morgan and Jeff Richards in their home with a sense of normalcy, no more meetings or paperwork. In the eyes of the law, he was now their son. “We’re a family of four when we leave the courthouse today,” Morgan said. Dozens of people came to support the Richards family at the courthouse. Members of Jassir’s biological family joined in as well. Jeff said that the day meant they were not only accepting Jassir into their lives, but his family too. Although the adoption process can have its ups and downs, Jassir said he was always “focusing on the big picture” and getting to the final stage. Jassir first began living with the Morgans last summer. But he knew the Morgans were the right fit when he first matched with the family through the Denver Human Services program. “I could feel it,” he said of their bond. Denver has been celebrating National Adoption Day for the last 15 years. In that time, 753 kids have been adopted during the one-day event in Colorado. SEE ADOPTION, P8
Jassir Richards talks with one of his siblings before his adoption at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse in Denver. Jeff Richards said that adopting Jassir into their family also meant accepting all his biological siblings PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB and other family members.
Jenn Lundin hugs Jassir Richards after the court finalized his adoption by the Richardses. Lundin has worked with Jassir as his assigned lawyer since he was a young boy. During the proceedings she spoke about his growth over the years.
Jeff Richards wears a purple ribbon for Denver Adoption Day. The Richardses wanted to adopt Jassir to be a sibling to their other adopted child, 16-year-old Teagan. There is a high need for families like the Richardses who are willing to adopt teens.
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
“How often do we find ourselves shouting out about our disappointment and then only quietly murmuring about our gratitude?” Michael Norton, columnist | Page 6 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 6 | LIFE: PAGE 17 | CALENDAR: PAGE 4 VOLUME 93 | ISSUE 3