COLEMAN PLANS TO FOSTER PARENT FOREVER Throughout her life, Karla Coleman loved being around children, particularly as a mentor to young girls. As an adult, she decided to use her love of children to make a positive difference by becoming a foster parent.
Little did Coleman know, she would end up providing a permanent home to three children National Adoption Day is a day of celebration of adoptive families and an opportunity for courts to open their doors and finalize the adoptions of children in foster care. Since 2000, nearly 40,000 children have had their adoptions finalized on National Adoption Day, celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Above, Alexis gets comfortable with new mom Karla Coleman and a family friend. At left, Coleman and Alexis during adoption proceedings in Shelby County Chancery Court.
in need. Coleman celebrated National Adoption Day this year by adopting her foster daughter, 2-year-old Alexis. Alexis was placed in foster care at birth, having tested positive for cocaine. Youth Villages helped Coleman become Alexis’ foster mother when the baby was just 2 months old and attempts to unite her with birth family members had failed. Two years later, she can officially call Coleman “Mommy.” By joining the Coleman
“I became attached to these children. I didn’t want to see them bounce from home to home.”
family, Alexis also gained a sister and a brother, who both also were adopted from foster care. Coleman adopted her
level. Coleman is excited for Alexis to start preschool in the fall at Immanuel Lutheran School, where Mikhail is currently a first-grader. Coleman credits Youth
Mikhail, now 7. “I became attached to these children,” Coleman said. “I didn’t want to see
Coleman said. “He’ll give
Villages for making the fos-
her kisses and tell her. ‘I love
tering and adoption process
you, Lexi.’”
easy. She says Youth Villages
Despite the setbacks she
provided her with the right
oldest daughter, Kaylin, now
them bounce from home
faced at birth Alexis has
training and preparation she
18, when the girl was 9. In
to home. I wanted them to
come a long way, Coleman
needed to care effectively
2004, Coleman became a
have some permanency.”
says. She has been through
for her children.
foster parent again through
Coleman says Alexis calls
Youth Villages, fostering and
her older brother “Bubba.”
eventually adopting her son,
“Mikhail loves Alexis,”
6
speech, occupational and
With the help of her case-
physical therapy and is now functioning at her age
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