“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I have had the privilege of working with April Whiteside and Reverend Mable Allen since February 2015. Ms. Whiteside and Reverend Allen have been licensed foster parents for many years, specializing in caring for medically fragile children. Children are defined as “medically fragile” when they have a physical condition and are dependent on medical care to survive and thrive.
Fortunately, Ms. Whiteside is a Registered Nurse (RN) with experience caring for medically fragile children. When she and Reverend Allen received a phone call regarding a newborn baby named Jeremiah Elijah with medical needs, they knew it was meant to be!
![Whiteside Family](/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Whiteside-Family-Pic-2.jpg")
Jeremiah was pre-exposed to drugs at birth, as well as other communicable diseases. Because of this, he has gastro-intestinal difficulties that make it a challenge for him to sleep laying down. Ms. Whiteside, Reverend Mable, and their two roommates would take turns having sleepless nights rocking and holding Jeremiah so he was comfortable. Despite his medical diagnoses, Jeremiah is currently thriving in their care.
Jeremiah entered this loving home as a son and brother when he was adopted by Ms. Whiteside in August 2015!
Ms. Whiteside and Reverend Allen consistently put Jeremiah’s needs before their own. They also have legal guardianship over an eight-year-old severely medically fragile little girl, Nevaeh. Nevaeh loves being a big sister to Jeremiah so much!
It was an absolute pleasure working with Ms. Whiteside and Reverend Allen. It is easy to tell that their love for children is genuine. Being foster parents is no easy task, especially when the child has severe medical needs. Ms. Whiteside and Reverend Allen have generously opened their home and their hearts in caring for these extremely delicate and special children. Jeremiah is in the absolute best possible home for him, and is doing extremely well despite the challenges he faced right from the beginning.
–Michelle Norman, Adoption Specialist
Are you interested in learning more about becoming an adoptive parent, foster parent, home provider, or simply how you can support children and families in need? Please contact us!! A member of our supportive and caring team is ready to speak with you.
(888) 625-8669
