Q: I’ve heard some things about foster care and adoption, and I’m curious – but hesitant because our family is already so busy. Somebody told me that your organization strongly supports foster adoption. Why do you think we should get involved?
Jim: This is an issue close to my heart because I was an orphan myself in elementary school – both of my parents died by the time I was 12. I know what it feels like to drift through life without the anchor of a parent’s love. So, I empathize with the 140 million children worldwide who just want to call someone “Mom” and “Dad.”
When we hear the word “ orphan,” many of us envision poor kids in developing nations’ slums. That’s certainly a serious global issue that deserves much more attention. But there are over 120,000 adoption- eligible children in the United States’ foster care system. They dream of real homes filled with love and laughter; they crave acceptance and a place to belong. That’s why Focus on the Family established the “Wait No More” campaign.