ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — It was a life-changing day for more than a dozen children in three Central Florida counties who officially joined their forever families on Friday, which is also National Adoption Day.
Chaz and Shakira Cullor officially added 17-month-old Ezra to their family Friday, after first adopting his big sister Ella two years ago.
Read: Toys for Tots 2020 Information
“The fact that they are siblings, to me, it’s still mind-blowing that we were able to complete it in that fashion.” said adoptive parent Chaz Cullor. “It feels destined and meant to be.”
The Cullors joined eight Orange County families who sealed their bond with a new son or daughter in the 9th Circuit Court of Florida’s first virtual version of National Adoption Day.
Read: Meet John: A young man that has found a loving family to call his own
Today’s ceremony also included the circuit’s chief judge, an adoptive dad himself.
“My wife and I were the lucky ones; we needed her more than she ever needed us,” said Chief Judge Donald Myers of 9th Circuit Court of Florida.
Read: It’s a boy! Rare Bornean orangutan Born at ZooTampa
“Embrace Families” oversees adoptions in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, a process that has gone from taking years to just months, and all at no cost.
Glen Casel, Embrace Families CEO said, “Today’s a great day to celebrate the success that can happen, but it really is something that people should understand everyday.”
Meet Tonka: Orange County dog looking to find forever home after spending 215 days in shelter
Over the past year, more than 4.500 children in state care found forever families. Here in Central Florida, hundreds more are available for fostering or adoption right now.
Each week, 9-Family Connection partners with Embrace Families to introduce you to one of the kids in our forever family series.
Click here to follow their stories and find out how you can become a foster parent.
Cox Media Group
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