When Candy’s case first came to Raise the Future in late 2024, her world had already been turned upside down more times than most teenagers could handle. After years of instability, multiple family placements, and long separations from her siblings, she and her brother, Anthony, were the last two still in state custody.
Candy’s story is one of courage, deep loyalty, and the unshakable pull of family.
Finding Her Voice
Sydnie, a recruiter with Raise the Future, was assigned to Candy and Anthony’s case. At first, Candy didn’t want to talk. After all, so many adults had come and gone from her life, making promises they couldn’t keep. Sydnie understood that trust had to be earned, so she showed up, quietly and consistently.
When they finally talked, Candy made one thing clear: she wanted to go home to her aunt Maria. Maria had cared for Candy through most of her childhood and was the only person she ever called “mom.” Even after time apart, Candy’s love for Maria never faded.
The Power of Listening
Sydnie promised Candy that her voice mattered and that she would advocate for what Candy wanted most, to be with Maria again. While the necessary paperwork and background checks were underway, Sydnie worked with the caseworker to make sure Candy could start having short visits. Those small moments of connection meant everything.
As Candy spent more time with Maria, she began to open up. The walls she had built slowly came down. Sydnie also helped reconnect Candy with another aunt, Julie, who had taken in her younger brother, so Candy could begin rebuilding sibling ties as well.
Coming Home
By March 2025, DCFS approved Candy’s move back to Maria’s home. The transformation was immediate. With Maria, Candy smiled more, engaged more, and began to rediscover the joy that had been missing from her life. Six months later, on September 9, 2025, Maria officially adopted her.
From the moment Sydnie met Candy, she knew that Candy’s sense of family was her guiding light. All she needed was someone to listen and believe in her enough to make that wish come true.
A Future Defined by Love
Candy’s story is a reminder that every child deserves the chance to be heard and to feel at home. For Candy, that home was always with Maria.
As Sydnie shared, “Candy knew what she wanted and never wavered. Seeing her joy after being reunited with Maria reminded me why this work matters; every child deserves to feel chosen and loved.”
In Honor of National Adoption Month
Every November, we celebrate National Adoption Month to raise awareness for the thousands of children and teens still waiting to find permanent, loving families. Candy’s journey reminds us that adoption is more than a legal process; it’s a connection built on understanding, listening, and love.
At Raise the Future, we believe every young person deserves that same chance. Together, we can help make stories like Candy’s possible.
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