CHARLOTTE, N.C. — November is Adoption Awareness Month, and Mecklenburg County is doing its part to honor families and kids. An important goal for the Mecklenburg County Child, Family and Adult Services Department is connecting foster children to a loving family.
As part of National Adoption Day, families gathered at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse to celebrate the connection between kids and a caring family.
"It celebrates the commitment and bond that these families have shown to these young people and just overall love and the care and compassion that they have for these children," said Mackenzie Brailsford, a senior social services manager for the department.
Brailsford and his team strive to help provide a key need for every child. This year, the department helped get 97 foster kids connected with loving families.
“Our children deserve to be in homes and environments that are nurturing and that promote for their safety and well-being," he said.
Brian James understands that need; his family has three children they support.
“It puts everything in perspective," he said. "It shows that very, very often you don't know what you're getting out of it, but you see somebody say, 'Hey, I'm a part of your family,' and the rights and responsibilities within. It's everything.”
James said it was all about expanding their family and love to kids that need it most. His daughter, Alina shared what family means to her.
“Someone that cares about you and they actually cherish you for who you are in a big house," said Alina.
Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.