Atticus, Natalie, and Ross #

Sibling Group

Ages: 12, 9, 10

Primary Diagnosis: ADHD, Behavior, Limb differences

Listed: Nov 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, Siblings

Meet “A, N & R” – three siblings who are longing for a family where they can grow up loved and together. A is a 12-year-old boy who does well in school and gets along with others. He has vision loss in one eye, but that has not seemed to slow him down! His sister, N, just turned nine years old. She has diagnoses of a mild intellectual delay and minor behavioral issues. N is described as mobile and energetic. She enjoys playing with her classmates and while she may learn more slowly than her peers, she is making continual progress. Their brother, R, just turned ten years old. R likes to color, watch TV, and ride on scooters and bicycles. He has diagnoses of a mild intellectual delay and ADHD as well as a congenital foot deformity for which he has undergone some treatment.

Erik #

Boy, Age: 1

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Defect, Craniofacial disorder, Genetic Condition (non-DS), Hydrocephalus

Listed: Oct 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Diagnosis: Congenital anomaly syndromes primarily associated with short stature. General disease: Hydrocephalus, unspecified. Pulmonary valve stenosis. Congenital anomaly syndromes with predominantly facial involvement- suspected Noonan Syndrome

Erik rolls from stomach to back, can sit unassisted, and is beginning to put weight on his legs when placed in a standing position. He can move forward in a baby walker. He turns his head when his name is called and reacts to familiar caregivers. He loves simple “baby games” such as a caregiver pretending to sneeze or making animal sounds. He will laugh out loud when engaging in these activities with a caregiver. He makes eye contact and smiles in response to someone talking, or singling to him. He reaches for toys and can transfer small objects from one hand to the other.

Liam #

Boy, Age: 3

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Arthrogryposis

congenital multiplex arthrogryposis

Listed: Oct 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Liam works with a physical therapist every day. The PT also acts as a primary caregiver most days and is the adult that Liam is the most familiar with in the orphanage. Liam has recently gained head control and can now lift and hold up his head when on his stomach. He reaches for toys and other desired objects. He attends to toys and electronics (will focus on a video on a phone). He rolls to try to get to toys on a mat. He is very attentive to his environment. He drinks from a bottle and eats pureed foods from a spoon. He prefers fruit puree and other sweeter flavored foods. A team member who visited him said, “He is a lovable little guy who shows lots of potential and ability for emotional attachment.”

Merl #

Boy, Age: 9

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Spina bifida

Listed: Oct 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Merl was moved to a group home in late 2022 and began attending school.

He can sit independently and crawls using his upper body. He independently navigate his environment in a wheelchair. Since having the opportunity to attend school, he has begun to process in his development. He is beginning to “catch up” to same age peers in several areas. He talks very well and understands what is said to him. He is described as, “positive, lively, sociable, compassionate, caring, and considerate to others.” He enjoys listening to music. He can navigate a tablet independently. He enjoys being around other children and being outside. He can name his friends and shows empathy toward the children with more severe disabilities that live in the home with him. He seeks out attention from adults. His report notes that he currently lives in two “different worlds”, as he attends school where he is exposed to a stimulating environment full of peers he can converse and interact with, but he resides in a group home where all the other children have much more significant disabilities.

Otto #

Boy, Age: 6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays, Limb differences

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

He was born 3 months prematurely and spent one month hospitalized and one month in a center before
being released to his family’s care.
In March 2022, an emergency call was received, and Otto was taken to the hospital. Life-saving measures
were required. He was blue and had to be aspirated. He was severely malnourished and anemic. His legs
and hands were frostbitten and necrotic and amputations had to be performed. He remained hospitalized
for a month and then was released to the Center.
The child has amputated lower limbs below the knees. He is in the process of learning to walk with
prostheses and with the help of a walker. He mainly moves in space "on his knees" and by crawling. In the
way of "kneeling" and with his hands, he skillfully climbs on surfaces of different heights. The child does
not have four fingers on his right hand, but he reaches and grabs larger objects with the help of his thumb,
he has a tweezer grip with his left hand. He likes personal attention from an adult and expresses pleasure
by smiling and laughing when teased. There are no indications of aggressive behavior. Passive part of
speech – does not understand, does not follow commands and instructions, does not address by name.
Active part of speech – no meaningful word, does not form a sentence. Does not interact with peers.
Expresses pleasure (by smiling, laughing) only to a very familiar adult.
The primary wounds have healed. Prostheses are put on for several hours so that he can get used to them
and accept them. He is put in a walker for about 4-5 hours. Moderate mental retardation. Condition after
severe protein calorie malnutrition. He likes classes with a teacher, speech therapist, and music therapist.
The child lags behind developmentally; he does not speak. There is a need for complex rehabilitation –
speech therapist, pedagogue, rehabilitator, and timely replacement of prostheses with growth. Team
monitoring of the child's health, physical and neuro-psychological development continues.

Jodie #

Girl, Age: 3

Region: Eastern Europe

A syndrome of congenital anomalies with predominantly facial involvement. Suspected syndrome Prader-Willi syndrome. Severe delay in neuropsychological development.

Listed: Sep 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Videos show Jodie crawling on all 4s, exploring her environment, playing with toys and interacting with orphanage staff.

She is described as a radiant girl. She always has a smile on her face. She observes the games of the children from her group. She likes listening to children’s songs and dances. She rarely cries. Individual attention from an adult brings her happiness.

Griffin #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Down syndrome

Listed: Sep 2023

*** I am eligible for a $15,000 Older Child Grant! For more information or to inquire about this child, please email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Griffin is physically healthy and doing very well developmentally. He speaks in sentences and, despite some articulation issues, can communicate his wants and needs clearly. He is toilet trained and performs other self-care tasks such as brushing his teeth and dressing. His gross motor skills are well-developed. He walks, runs, climbs, etc. His fine motor skills are also developing. He holds a pencil and can draw lines, circles and some simple objects. He actively participates in games and other activities with other children. He enjoys playing outside: swinging on the swing, playing in the sand box, and playing group games with other children. He plays with toys: stacks blocks, looks at books, paints, etc. He is receiving special education services and therapy services at a community program.

Felicity, Kayla, and Yuki

Sibling Group

Ages: 13, 10, 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, Siblings

Felicity, Kayla, and Yuki are two sisters and a brother in need of a family. They live in a group home for children without disabilities.

Felicity was born in December 2009. The dominant emotions are the positive ones. She demonstrates active social behavior. Sometimes she still demonstrates weaker control of emotions. When frustrated, she reacts with irritation. There is no data for anxiety, depression, or aggression. She is doing well with the maternal language. There are some minimal grammar mistakes. She is able to lead and maintain dialog. She can express sequentially and logically her thoughts and feelings. She is able to express emotions though non-verbal communication. She demonstrates positive self-evaluation. She has the typical characteristics of an extrovert. She enjoys watching TV, drawing, playing computer games as well as playing outside. She is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within society. She can attune her behavior towards the requirements of the situation. She participates in games and in the communication of her peers. She is mostly taking the central role. She does not step back from her goals easily. During the school year 2022/2023 she graduated from eighth grade, a class with professional profile. Considering the neglect in her birth family she has some gaps in the knowledge which are expected for her age. At school she works with a resource teacher. She has self-serving skills. She has habits for maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. She has skills to participate in collectively organized household tasks. She wants to be adopted.

Kayla was born in December 2012. She is an emotional child. She does not demonstrate aggression. She is empathic towards the problems of the other kids. She is eager to help her peers if they need it. She is doing well with the maternal language. There are some minimal grammar mistakes. She is able to lead and maintain dialog. She can express sequentially and logically her thoughts and feelings. She can express emotions though non-verbal communication. She is building a positive self-evaluation. She has the typical for her age curiosity and she demonstrates characteristics of an extrovert. She enjoys watching cartoons, drawing, playing board games and computer games as well as playing outside. She is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within society. She can attune her behavior towards the requirements of the situation. She is adjusting well in the group of her peers. She participates with big interest in all organized games and events. She can step back from her own goals and actions in line with those of her peers. She can wait for her turn to come. Considering the neglect in her birth family she has some gaps in the knowledge which are expected for her age. She is able to read and write under dictation. She makes minimal mistakes. She is well oriented into her school. During the school year 2022/2023 she graduated from fourth grade. She has self-serving skills. She has habits for maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. She wants to be adopted.

Yuki was born in February 2011. In December 2012, Yuki was a victim in a road accident and suffered a right lower leg fracture. Considering the changes that happened in his life, the adjustment process into the residential facility and in school went with some challenges. In November 2022 he was consulted with pediatric psychiatrist who put the diagnosis for “Other mixed behavior and emotional disorders”. His condition is being followed and therapy may be prescribed as well as work with psychologist. Now he is calm, he is acting with respect towards peers and adults. He observes the rules. With desire he performs all the given tasks in school and in the residential center. The speech and the language skills are well-developed. He was raised in a bilingual environment where d both Bulgarian and Turkish language. He can lead and maintain dialog and he provides enough verbal information. During conversation he communicates freely, he enters contact easily. He is able to express emotions though non-verbal communication. He demonstrates positive self-evaluation. He has the typical characteristics of an extrovert. He enjoys playing on the computer, playing soccer and going for walks outside. With desire he participates in the group activities. He performs the tasks according to his abilities. He likes being praised and to feel helpful, to be in the center of the attention. He is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within the society. He can adjust to new conditions. When disappointed he reacts emotionally. He participates in the games of his peers. Not always able to adjust his goals and actions around those of his partners in the game and he may react emotionally and enters into conflict. He finds challenges accepting the failures. During the school year 2022/2023 he graduated from sixth grade, a class with a profile in boxing. He works with a resource teacher there, After the incident he had he has been educating remotely. He is doing well and within the timeframe. He has self-serving skills. He has hygiene habits, but he needs to be reminded. He participates with desire in the activities related to maintaining environmental hygiene. He wants to be adopted.

Irio and Hamilton

Sibling Group

Ages: 14, 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

Listed: Sep 2023

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

There is a grant of 7800 euros toward foreign fees (with the agency) and this specific adoption agency will assist with applying for more.

The brothers have been in foster care for many years now and they are such great kids. They want to have a family and to be together as brothers. Next year, because the older one will become 14 in the summer, they will have to move to another town because of his school. There are no options for foster families there and they will have to go to an institution. The social worker is very hopeful this won’t need to happen and that they will be adopted instead.

IRIO – He is social and communicative. He easily makes new friends. In most cases his relationships with the children and the adults are good. According to the foster parents, he communicates well with the children and the adults. They describe him as a well-mannered child, who can assess different situations and adjust his behavior with them. He is aware that there are many social roles in society, which warrant a certain behavior. He participates adequately in the games of his peers. He can follow the instructions and the rules. He prefers games with physical activity, but he can participate in some role plays, too, and symbolic games (he gets into the role of a policeman or a criminal). He seeks the attention of the other children. He enjoys drawing, riding his bicycle, and games with a ball and other sport games. He only likes to be alone if he is using the computer. He fits in well among his peers.

HAMILTON – The boy is calm, observant, and curious about the surrounding world. He is attached to his brother, who is placed in the same foster family. Together they take care of each other, communicate, and play. He talks about his biological family calmly and talks about how they used to live. He did not like the conditions in his home then. He is attached to the foster family, their children, and their grandchild. It is hard for him to accept the pain of others and is always ready to help. When in conflict situations he defends his opinion, he is stubborn. He follows the rules at home and at school. He sometimes presents himself with stubbornness, but he does not argue and is not aggressive. He has an idea of good and bad, and for punishment and justice. He shares his experiences with the foster family and respects them. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and dancing.

Axel #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Autism

Autism, mental delays

Listed: Sep 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Axel has been assessed to have atypical autism against the background of a mild degree initial mental disability. Satisfactory general state of health. Ali understands and follows simple instructions. He imitates speech. He communicates non-verbally by pointing at things. He enjoys in his own way activities such as making things from playdough or clay. He does not get involved in the play and activities of the children in the group. Ali seeks contact with adults and peers in his own way by slapping or by caressing their heads. His play doesn’t match his age. Ali shows no interest in toys or blocks. He prefers to look at pictures and to watch educational videogames with animals. He prefers to do something alone. He likes being alone and does not seek attention. In the 2021/2022 school year Axel studied in the first grade at the elementary school in the town. He has a resource teacher as additional support. He studies under an individual plan for his education. His self-service skills are partially formed. He can eat on his own and prefers to eat with his hands. He needs support and care.

Maddox #

Boy, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays

Listed: Aug 2023

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

He resides in a family-type home for children with disabilities. Until the age of 8 years, he was raised in a family environment, with evidence of physical aggression against the boy by the stepfather. He has had multiple changes of foster families. Maddox has moderate mental delays.

To some extent, he maintains friendships. He wants to impose himself on the other children. Seeks encouragement and approval. Responds to praise and scolding. Sometimes he imposes his wishes, and when he is not satisfied, he shows aggression. In general, good integration in the team, good communication skills. Irritable at times. Follows verbal instructions and briefly answers questions. Makes eye contact. He also enters into verbal contact, but is poorly informed, quickly diverts the topic to something interesting for him. When asked a question, he answers shortly after a certain time. He understands the speech of others. Maddox often talks too much, at a slow pace, unable to listen during a conversation. In communication and communication with other children, Maddox experiences difficulties. He does not have well-developed skills for observing order and discipline. Involves and participates in the life of the family-type home for children with disabilities and beyond – celebrations, theater and concert visits, walks, excursions, camps, sports events, etc.

He likes to participate in various role-playing games. He has difficulties in communicating and interacting with other children. Prefers to dominate other children. He lacks the skills to play with them. Irritable at times. When he is restless, his behavior is slightly provocative. Has a tendency to get annoyed with children. When he is calm, he prefers to play with toys by himself. He likes to draw while explaining what he is doing at the moment. He likes
watching cartoons.

In the 2022/2023 school year, Maddox is a 7th grade student. He studies in a mass class with a resource teacher for children with special educational needs. He has a positive attitude towards the learning activity. Can write the letters he knows – printed and handwritten. The child has many gaps and lags behind in his educational level, according to
his individual skills and abilities. He loves to draw and is quite good at it. He has not mastered the minimum knowledge for his age, he cannot read. He attends two centers for accompanying social services – psychological support and social rehabilitation and speech therapy.

Maddox has developed elementary hygiene habits – he washes his hands, face, teeth, bathes with help. Performs daily household activities under instructions but needs reminders and control. Works willingly, but sometimes does not comply with instructions. Maddox does not have an opinion about adoption.

Nilo #

Girl, Age: 11

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Limb differences

Cognitive Delays

Listed: Aug 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Nilo resides in a professional foster family. She has a congenital absence of her right forearm. Nilo is educated according to the Individual Study Plans of Students with a lower degree of complexity than the educational minimum for the calendar age, tailored to her individual needs. At a moderate pace, with individual help and guidance from the
teacher, she acquires knowledge, skills and competences foreseen in the individual curriculum for each subject of the individual curriculum. The girl distinguishes between the categories of good and bad, she knows generally accepted rules of behavior in social communication. She defines and expresses own desires and needs in words.

Nilo has diverse interests.

Nilo experiences attachment to children and therapists. She is sad when separated from someone. She seeks contact with adults, classmates and older students and engages in joint activities with them, she participates in role-playing games. She has mastered the social role of a student and classmate. Nilo helps her classmates when she sees that they are having a hard time. The comfort zone is the classroom and Montessori room.

The child communicates verbally, expresses wishes, and is often persistent about them, especially about things that spark her interest. When asked a question, she needs time to think about it and reproduce an answer; she constantly asks questions and seeks approval. The answer is not always adequate to the situation. She doesn’t always
understand the meaning of what was said and the execution of a relevant instruction.

Nilo likes a variety of toys, and she possesses different ones. She can play with other children and is cooperative, she shares her belongings. Nilo has developed self-service skills and readiness for academic work. She has established hygiene habits. She eats independently; dresses and undresses; unfastens and fastens; puts on and takes off shoes; she knows the parts of clothing. She can’t tie shoelaces.

She can say that she is in a foster family and that the foster mother raised her. The girl partially understands that foster care is temporary. She listens and accepts information related to the possibility of being adopted and meets potential adoptive parents, but still, she cannot imagine living in a different place.

Ivory #

Girl, Age: 14

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays

Listed: Aug 2023

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

She resides in a family-type home for children with disabilities. Ivory is enrolled in the Center for Special Educational Needs. During the academic year 2022/2023 she was a student in the sixth grade. The educational activities are based on an individual program and are conducted on site at the family-type home for children with disabilities by a resource teacher. She is also enrolled in a half-day service at a Day Center for the support of children with severe multiple disabilities. She works with a speech therapist, psychologist, rehabilitator, etc. She knows how to write letters and numbers, having previously repeated them by outline.

Ivory walks steadily alone. She goes up and down the stairs by herself, tapping the banister. She is mobile – she runs, climbs, and jumps. She has developed fine motor skills. Manipulates objects as intended. She knows how to braid, string beads, etc. Her movements are careful. Can arrange puzzles, constructor sets, and mosaic. Flips through books, turning the pages slowly and carefully. She holds a pencil with a proper grip, colors slowly, trying not to go beyond the outline of the picture. The intellectual level is lower than normal for her age. She understands the information she is given, but it needs to be presented in short and simple sentences. The imagination is developed. Her speech consists of simple sentences that are difficult to understand.

She is mostly calm. She has imitative behavior. She can be persuaded by words. Accepts contact from adults – acquaintances, behaves reserved towards strangers. At times, she is insecure in unfamiliar situations, but she adapts relatively quickly. Unease is mainly expressed in hand-biting, plucking, and shouting. She is a calm and radiant child. She is adaptive, sociable, and willing to play with children. She likes to help with housework, very often showing childish stubbornness when refused by an adult. Ivory likes to play with stuffed toys and do hair. She has favorite animations and shows that she follows with interest. When the weather is right, she likes to swing on the swing in the yard. She likes to dance. She prefers to do mostly puzzles. She often plays with mosaics or colors.

She eats slowly, neatly, and independently. She can drink by herself from a cup and a bottle. She can wash her body and hair, but still needs adult supervision and assistance. Ivory can dress and undress herself and folds and arranges her clothes. She can tie her shoes. Ivory still does not know how to choose her clothes according to the season and coordinate them by color. She can wash her face and teeth by herself, but still needs the support of an adult. She can wash her hands on her own with minimal help. In the evening, she falls asleep alone and her sleep is peaceful. She controls her physiological needs.

Ivory wants to be adopted.

Saber #

Boy, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Epilepsy/ seizure disorder, Global developmental delays

Listed: Aug 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Saber is a sweet little boy. His main diagnoses/conditions are: epilepsy – grand mal seizures. Infantile cerebral palsy – spastic quadriparesis, severe degree; ROP; cataract in the left eye – condition following surgical treatment; brain cysts; hypotrophy; mixed specific disorders of the psychological development; severely impaired general condition, with severe delay in all areas of development. He is fed via nasogastric tube. He needs constant care, active monitoring by a pediatric neurologist, an ophthalmologist and a physiotherapist.

Sweet Saber truly deserves a wonderful family! He expresses emotional conditions through mimics. He understands when an adult is in the room and he looks for him with his gaze. He smiles when someone speaks to him or when he is jested. He does not interact with other children, but individual attention by an adult brings him pleasure which he expresses through smiling.

Please help us find this smiley little boy his forever family!

Miriam #

Girl, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Global developmental delays

Listed: Aug 2023

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Miriam was born at 28 weeks gestation in early December 2007 in an emergency birth after a placental abruption. She spent five months in the hospital, then lived with her birth family for nine months before entering state care in February 2009. Miriam has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, affecting primarily the left part of her body, and a glioependymal cyst. She takes medication to address anxiety. Her development is delayed.

After complex surgical intervention, Miriam walks independently and can go up and down stairs while holding on to a railing and sits without support. She uses primarily her right hand and is independently able to eat with utensils, drink from a cup, brush her teeth and use the restroom. She requires assistance with bathing. Miriam is well oriented in the spaces, routines and among the people of her group home. She is emotionally stable but likes to be the center of attention and may show jealousy when other children are prioritized. Although she appears to have an unspecified speech/articulation disorder, Miriam is able to communicate verbally, constantly and curiously asks questions, and can participate in dialogues.

Miriam attends an auxiliary school and says she cannot imagine her life without the opportunity for education. Her academic knowledge is on a preschool level: she can count to 20 and name all the letters of the alphabet as well as identify colors and everyday objects. She works with more focus in a one on one setting but can get overwhelmed when tasks are too demanding. She needs many repetitions to acquire new skills. Miriam’s thinking is concrete and situational and her greatest delays are cognitive.

Miriam is friendly, sociable and trusting. She interacts preferably with adults, but also establishes warm connections with peers and joins group activities. Although she is reported to be selective with her relationships, she is well attached to her social worker. She likes to listen to music, play games, and spend time with the group home’s parakeets and yard dog. Through the services of a non-profit organization, Miriam has the opportunity to go swimming and indoor rock climbing both of which she enjoys very much.

Miriam’s social worker and family therapist note that Miriam is willing to learn new things and would make continued and noticeable progress in a family that can offer her more appropriate interventions and individualized resources as well as a warm and loving home. Seven years ago, Miriam experienced a disrupted adoption procedure, but her care team believes now that she is more mature, she would understand better the meaning and benefits of adoption and would seriously consider a family interested in making her their daughter.

Miriam has waited for a forever family for over eight years. A family interested in adopting Miriam must file their I-800A with USCIS before her 16th birthday in early December.

Bless #

Girl, Age: 4

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays

Listed: Aug 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Bless was born in June 2019. She resides in a Home for Medical and Social Care.
Bless was born from a pathological pregnancy, 3rd degree premature, experienced fetal asphyxia and congenital measles infection with subsequent spasticity of the 4 limbs, oral automatisms, severe retardation in neuro-psychic development, blindness as a result of retinopathy of prematurity.

She does not respond to sound signals. She does not blink. She often suffers from respiratory diseases. Bless turns from her back to her stomach and vice versa but prefers to remain in a supine position. From a supine position, she pushes herself up with her legs and shoulders and moves into space. She obliges herself in a passive sitting position in a walker. She has control over her head. She steps on her toes, but there is no support for her legs. The child holds a toy placed by the adult in her hand, puts it in her mouth, but for a short time. Undeveloped impressive and expressive vocabulary. Increased sound sensitivity. Spontaneously utters vocals and guttural sounds. She does not pay attention to her surroundings. The child is fed by an adult. She falls asleep on her own. She is completely dependent on the adult.

Archibald #

Boy, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Hydrocephalus

Listed: Aug 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Diagnoses include severe prematurity, including damage to the central nervous system –
hydrocephalus; a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was implanted. There is a lag in physical and
neuropsychological development.

Archibald cannot walk independently. He moves by pushing when placed in a walker. Stands up on his own and stands on his feet when in his crib. He can get out of bed by himself. He can go around the whole game room. He can sit for about 15-20 minutes. In terms of fine motor skills, he can pick up a toy himself if it is nearby; he plays for a long time and prefers to manipulate with his left hand. If the toy is at a distance, he tries to reach it. He likes musical toys. He recognizes adults. He has a good emotional tone, he enjoys contact with adults he knows; he loves when they praise him. He gets angry if his toy is taken away and tries to keep it in his possession. Archibald cannot speak but he makes long sounds. In interpersonal relationships he shows preferences for certain adults and initiates contact with them. He plays with toys. The child doesn’t have independent household hygiene habits. He is calm when changing and bathing, as well as in his sleep. Archibald does not take an afternoon nap, he eats everything. He is very stubborn and when he decides that he wants to pick up an object, no matter how heavy and large, he does his best. He still uses a diaper, potty several times a day. His sleep at night is
peaceful. He has daily kinesitherapy and sessions with a teacher. He is followed by a
neurosurgeon.

Isaace #

Boy, Age: 3

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Epilepsy/ seizure disorder

homozygosity, Tracheostomy

Listed: Aug 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

This sweet, three-year-old boy has a long list of special needs – Spastic cerebral palsy. Other and unspecified seizures. Congenital laryngeal stridor. Tracheostomy. DNA analysis – homozygosity of UFM1 gene. Feeding via NG tube only. Yes, Isaac needs full care and always will, but he also needs a family to provide that care and the love that every child deserves. Is he your precious son?

Lorielle #

Girl, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

Potential Kidney issues

Listed: Aug 2023

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Lorielle is a sweet girl who needs a family that will help her discover her self-worth. In 2018 she was diagnosed with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (a kidney condition) and bilateral nephrolithiasis. However, more recent exams did not duplicate these findings. A family interested in Lorielle should still be prepared for this diagnosis. Lorielle is described as happy, energetic, and curious, but she, like many teens living in an orphanage environment, has a mixed maturity, and struggles with tackling challenging tasks, regulating her emotions, and accepting responsibility for herself and her actions. She needs the structure and consistency of a forever family who is willing to patiently encourage her into adulthood.

Nikki #

Girl, Age: 13

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

Listed: Jul 2023

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Nikki is very social, bright and intelligent girl. She is able to express verbally her emotions, interests, concerns and ideas and she is very well-spoken and has a rich vocabulary. She shared that her favorite subjects at school are physical education and English. She shared that she enjoys being around friends and she has many of them both at school and in her group home. She is not a conflict person and she starts every conversation and interaction with very positive intentions.

She shared that her passion is currently drama performances and classes and she has already some experience playing on stage at the local theaters. Nikki says that if she has to choose she would prefer the stage rather than playing in a movie because she likes to have interaction with the audience. However she has a favorite movie and it's a movie which she admits she watched like hundreds of time – Titanic. She shared that she likes Leonardo Di Caprio and Angelina Jolie as actors.

Nikki seems to be one very sensitive and romantic soul, she enjoys more peaceful activities, she likes the rain and she admits that some movies make her cry. However she does not spare any smiles and she loves to smile and have fun with her friends. Nikki likes the colors black, red and purple, she said that pink is definitely not a favorite color. She said that she is not a picky eater and she likes all kinds of food. She shared that she does not like lamb meat. Nikki enjoys the music of the singer Arianna Grande and she dreams to visit Paris one day.

Nikki's hope is that she will have a family. She was adopted years ago through the national adoption process but her parents seemed to be much older and at the end they saw that they feel much more comfortable without having a child at home, they had a hard time creating emotional bond with her and they disrupted the adoption after four years. Nikki seems to have processed the trauma from that separation and she now realizes that what happened maybe was in her interest as she felt undesired in their home.

Since 2021 she is in the current group home and she is now looking in the future and the possibility to have a new family. She said that it does not bother her if the family is from another country even though she admits she will feel sad for leaving her friends and the people who take care for her now.

When asked about how she is imagining her family, she said that she wants they to be good people and to treat her well. She is ok with both having other siblings or not. Nikki shared that she loves animals ( her favorite is a cat) and she would like her family to like animals too. Nikki believes that you can tell a lot about the people just watching them how they act and interact around animals and that it is always a good person the one who admits that likes animals.

Demi #

Girl, Age: 16

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Older Child

Listed: Jul 2023

**** I am eligible for a $500 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount. To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

We have a video of Demi which shows her happy, responsive, and hopeful disposition and her great desire to have a family. Ask to see it!

Demi has resided in a group home for 4 years. Her case was stuck in the system, and she was just recently registered for adoption. She gets along well with peers and adults. She can be a leader. She has good self-awareness and positive self-esteem. She is honest and able to admit her mistakes. She has no anxiety or depression.

She loves to dance, participate in role plays, symbolic games and art activities and she has the required skills and desire. Due to not having early academic exposure, Demi is a student in sixth grade. Her knowledge, skills, and competencies do not correspond to the expected at this grade and she is enrolled in resource teaching. Bulgarian is her second language. She has a good attitude in school though.

She is independent, she has good hygiene habits and skills for self-serving. Demi is prepared for the adoption procedure, she is positive about it, she is seeking future with good living conditions, where her needs will be met, she will feel secure, she will feel love and to be part of something, she will experience respect, and she will be able to assert herself as a person.

Nancy #

Girl, Age: 3

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy

Listed: Jul 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Nancy has lived with an experienced foster family since birth. The foster mother was very proactive in getting therapy and services started for Nancy at a very young age. Nancy does not speak, but she understands everything, recognizes people from her immediate environment, laughs with her voice when she likes something. When holding someone’s hand, she can take a few steps. She can crawl and tries to stand up on her own by holding onto a stationary support. She turns easily from back to stomach and vice versa. She sits up and eats from a spoon.

Abram #

Boy, Age: 15

Region: Eastern Europe

Mild Mental Impairment

Listed: Jun 2023

*** I am eligible for a $2,000 Grant! ***
This grant is offered by Reece’s Rainbow, for children in this specific country. Grant funds are dependent on available funding. For more information, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Abram is a handsome, 14-year-old boy. He has a diagnosis of mild mental impairment. His sister has already been adopted, and he worries that he may never have a mom and dad of his own. He does well in school, needing fewer educational supports as he matures. He is described as calm, communicative, and helpful. He enjoys team sports. Does your family have room for a soccer player?

Josie #

Girl, Age: 6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Defect

Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Congenital heart malformation – high-degree pulmonary stenosis, atrial septal defect II type; Condition following balloon angiovalvuloplasty;

Listed: Mar 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Family history: mother with thalassemia minor

Josie currently lives in a group home. She is very small for her age. She can turn from her back to her stomach. She tracks objects with her eyes and reacts with smiles and positive movements/expressions when an adult interact with her.

Polly #

Girl, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Autism

Listed: Feb 2023

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Polly has been given a diagnosis of childhood Autism and is on several medications. She is now in a day program for children with disabilities and is receiving therapy services. As a result, she’s made progress in all aspects of her development. Polly speaks using simple words and small sentences. She understands everything said to her and can follow 2 and 3-step directions. She is able to express her wants and needs either through words or gestures. She asks questions. She learns new tasks best when a combination of verbal directions and visual demonstrations are used. She prefers playing alone and can play or work on a task for 10-15 minutes at a time uninterrupted. She plays appropriately with toys that interest her: coloring, building with blocks, kitchen/household toys (play kitchen, etc). She feeds herself with a spoon and drinks from an open cup. She’s toilet trained during the day, but still has some accidents when sleeping.

Thomas #

Boy, Age: 11

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Congenital Heart Defect

Infantile Cerebral Palsy; Functional heart murmur; Hemangioma on the right chest ; cognitive delays

Listed: Nov 2017

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Thomas lived in an orphanage for the first 4 years of his life. He was then moved to a group home with 10 other children with disabilities, where he lived for another 4 years. He made developmental progress while in the group home, but was still not receiving the 1:1 care and attention that he needed. He was moved into foster care at age 8 and has made significant gains in all aspects of his development since then.

Thomas can communicate verbally with words and short phrases. He also uses gestures and pointing to objects, in order to communicate his wants and needs to his foster family.
He is a sociable child who enjoys the company of other children, particularly his friends with whom he loves to play. He is so full of energy, enjoying running, climbing, and riding his bike (which is fitted with stabilizers). He particularly likes to kick a ball around in the garden with his friend and play with balloons. On outings to the park and the zoo, he takes great interest in everything he sees but loves most of all anything with wheels.

His motor skills have improved recently and he is able to do more complex activities without being told how. For example, when his jacket sleeves are inside out he turns them the right way round before dressing himself. He takes great interest in many different kinds of toys. He loves the rides in the school bus every day. He is in a small class group. He is independent with self-help skills such as dressing, undressing, toileting, eating and drinking.

Hanelle #

Girl, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy

Strabismus

Listed: Nov 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Hanelle was admitted to the Group home in March 2021. The director of the home reported that since then the child has improved significantly – she has become stronger, she has started to eat better; she can now turn her self from the back to the abdomen. There is no support for the legs – when they put her on her feet. If she is put to sit, leaning on pillows, she stays in this position stably. She does not receive any therapies. She has better head control, now.

The child has adapted to the new environment. At first, she didn’t want to eat. She is eating well now. She likes to be paid attention to, held in her arms and rocked, she likes to be massaged. She seeks attention and tries to attract attention to herself by making sounds. She smiles, even laughs out loud at the teasing of adults. She reacts when they talk to her and when she hears her name.

She started eating better. She eats pureed common food with both a pacifier and a spoon. They feed her. She prefers to eat sweet things. Hanelle loves mashed fruits and vegetables. They give her adapted and vitamin-enriched milk with biscuits. Drinks water from a pacifier; can’t drink from a glass.

Elon #

Boy, Age: 8

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Arthrogryposis

Arthrogryposis, delays in development

Listed: Oct 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Elon walks independently. He feeds himself and cleans up after his meals. He does not talk at this time, but understands what is said to him and follows simple instructions. He responds to his name. He interacts appropriately with adults and with other children. He attends to tasks and works well 1:1 and in a small group.

Raydor #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Possible Autism, Premature

Listed: Sep 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Raydor was previously listed on Reece’s Rainbow as Randy.

Raydor’s birth mother was addicted to Heroin and took Methadone during pregnancy. Raydor was born premature and spent the first 5 months of his life in the hospital. Raydor knows his alphabet, numbers and colors in both his native language and English. He can do simple addition problems (single digit plus single digit and single digit plus double digit). He speaks in 2 word sentences and memorizes poems. He loves to build houses and other things with Legos and will stay focused on this task for long periods of time. He plays independently and with other children. He enjoys music and often tries to imitate melodies. Raydor has some behaviors that are commonly seen in children on the Autism spectrum. He has not had any type of formal evaluation for Autism.

Katrina #

Girl, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays

Listed: Sep 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Katrina’s physical development and gross motor skills are age appropriate. She talks, but has some difficulty with articulation. Her fine motor skills are developed, but slightly delayed. She is diagnosed with mental delays. She knows and names the colors. She knows the letters of the alphabet and she has started reading. She already counts up to 30 and she writes some numbers. She knows the days of the week, seasons, left vs right, body parts, and can follow directions using instructions such as over/under, front/back, etc. She plays well with other children and enjoys attention from adults. She likes to work on a magnetic board, kinetic sand and active cards. She already colors in a contour and she is very diligent when connecting lines. She can cut and glue ready elements. She can read and the fact that she is being praised for that makes her very happy.

She follows the directions of an adult in relation to the hygiene and household activities. She can dress and undress her. She washes her hands and feeds herself independently, she makes attempts for self-serving. She takes care her belongings. She keeps her materials from school in a certain place.

Rose #

Girl, Age: 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs, Speech Delay

Mild Mental delays and speech delays

Listed: Jul 2022

*** I am eligible for a $2,000 Grant! ***
This grant is offered by Reece’s Rainbow, for children in this specific country. Grant funds are dependent on available funding. For more information, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

Rose was removed from an abusive home at 9 years old and could not even speak the language of her birth country at that time. She now speaks in sentences, understands everything that is said to her and has made rapid developmental progress. During the visit with our team member, she was talking about the Mom and Dad that she’s waiting for and having a fun time posing for all the photos (see below). She currently lives with an older foster couple, who she calls grandma and grandpa. They have worked with her to teach her many self-help skills. She’s now in school and doing well working with a resource teacher.

Owen #

Boy, Age: 7

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Listed: Jun 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Owen walks, runs, goes up and down steps and has good coordination between his upper and lower limbs. He has well developed fine motor skills. He is able to manipulate with objects of different size, as well as with different writing utensils. He is able to thread, inlay and assemble with support. He can move objects with his hands. He has a well developed auditory and visual memory. His attention is stable when he is interested in an activity. He is able to memorize, retain and reproduce information related to his daily activities. He is attending a day program and making good progress there. He is happy and interactive. He does not have any behavioral concerns. He speaks in sentences of 3 or more words, can communicate his wants/needs and answer questions. He enjoys playing with other children and participates in group games.

Michey #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Defect, Craniofacial disorder, Down syndrome

Internal hydrocephalus – post Ventriculoperitoneal shunt condition. heart condition – complete AVSD with partially closed chambers. Cleft palate -surgically corrected. Post bacterial meningitis condition – unspecified and acute pyelonephritis. Delays in all aspects of development.

Listed: Jun 2022

*** I am eligible for a $15,000 Older Child Grant! For more information or to inquire about this child, please email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Michey walks while holding one hand of an adult. He can take 2-3 steps independently, but is not yet walking independently. He can pull up and cruise along furniture and objects, and also crawls and scoots on his bottom very quickly to get where he wants to go. He has a very short attention span. He lived in an orphanage for the first 7+ years of his life and received very little intervention or opportunities to learn skills. He’s now living in a group home, where he’s receiving therapy and instruction in basic skills. He enjoys listening to music and playing outside on the swing.

Sadie #

Girl, Age: 4

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Progressive ossifying fibrodysplasia

Listed: May 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Sadie has limited movement in her neck, back and hands/arms (due to limited movement of the shoulders). She has more range of motion in her left arm vs her right. She compensates for her limited mobility. She stands on her toes to reach objects (when she cannot extend her arms) and holds on to a support to bend down or she seeks assistance from an adult. She walks, plays with toys, and interacts with her environment. She can put together wooden puzzles, stack rings and perform other basic tasks. She can take the cap off a pen and tries to draw shapes. She interacts with familiar people. She initiates games such as peek-a-boo. She will point to things she wants to communicate her wants/needs. She dances along to music. She can say some simple single syllable words such as ma-ma, but mostly communicates with gestures. She lived in a home with a younger child for a while and did well with the younger child. The foster family limits her interactions with other people, because they are afraid she will get hurt, due to her physical limitations. She plays well with other people, when she is around them. She does not go to preschool due to the fear her foster family has that she will be injured. She shows a preference to certain objects and TV shows (Peppa Pig and Masha the Bear).

Videos from May 2022 show Sadie walking, playing with toys, putting a puzzle together and interacting with adults. The videos show Sadie’s physical limitations.

Dean #

Boy, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Blind / VI, Hydrocephalus

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Internal hydrocephaly: state post implantation of a VP shunt. Quadriparetic syndrome. Cortical blindness. Cataract. Rickets. Protein energy malnutrition.

Listed: May 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

This is the case of a male child born from a pathological pregnancy with very low weight and indications of congenital cytomegalovirus infection. In the early neonatal period posthemorrhagic internal hydrocephaly was found and at the age of 2 months a VP shunt was implanted. Due to malfunctioning of the shunt, it was replaced when the child was 9 months old.

Dean is in a stationed impaired general state of health with a severe quadriparetic syndrome, pseudobulbar paresis and cortical blindness. Also, total cataract of both eyes has been found which cannot be treated surgically due to the severely damaged state of health of the child. He is fed via a nasogastric tube. He is severely delayed in his physical and neuro-psychic development. His condition is being monitored by medical professionals.

Nevan #

Boy, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Defect, Hydrocephalus

State after intraventricular hemorrhage. Internal hydrocephaly: VPA inserted. Cortical blindness. Congenital heart abnormality: type 2 atrial septal defect (persisting foramen ovale). Hypospadias. Bilateral cryptorchidism. Delayed physical development and severely delayed psychomotor development.

Listed: May 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Nevan was born prematurely, to a young mother. He had a difficult neonatal period, with use of mechanical ventilation.
The child has a severe impairment of the central nervous system: posthemorrhagic internal hydrocephaly; a VPA shut was inserted in April 2018; later it was twice revised. The child is in a stationed impaired state of health. ECG: Persisting foramen ovale with positive natural evolution; no therapy needed.

Nevan will need observation by a neurosurgeon, pediatric cardiologist; he needs specialized care, physical therapy and kinesiotherapy.

The child turns his head towards sounds. When placed on his side by adults and with help, he can turn the lower part of his body and flip from back to front and vice versa. When awake he is placed in a baby chair. Coefficient of development: 8.
The boy laughs loudly when teased; he is happy when hearing the voice of a known to him adult that he likes. He reacts to the tone of the voice of the person speaking to him. He grasps a toy but does not manipulate with it. He falls easily asleep and sleeps well. He is fed with a bottle. He is calm when being changed and when being bathed.

Augustus #

Boy, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Hydrocephalus

Internal hydrocephalus: state after implantation of a VP-shunt; epilepsy; spastic quadriparesis; cortical blindness; delay in the neuro-psychic development

Listed: May 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Augustus was born full term, and was found that he has internal hydrocephalus; at the age of 4 months a liquid drainage valve system was implanted. The child lies in bed; he has spasticity in his limbs and his active and passive movements are limited. He depends completely on the care provided by adults. He receives kinesiotherapy. The child is subject to observation by a neurologist and by a neuro-surgeon.

The child’s lower and upper limbs are highly spastic and are with diffuse muscle hypotonia. His fine motor skills are not developed. He does not grasp a toy given to him. Atanas holds his hands bent in fists. He is seriously delayed in his psychomotor development. The boy reacts to tactile stimulation by adults. When teased, he does not smile. He is unable to interact with the other children. Atanas depends completely on the care provided by adults. He is fed by a bottle. From time to time he cries when given a shower. He sleeps well.

Orion #

Boy, Age: 4

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Congenital Heart Defect, Hydrocephalus

Premature, Congenital Heart Defect, strabismus, hydrocephalus, general delays

Listed: May 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Special needs: Prematurity III stage Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; persistent foramen ovale; peripheral pulmonary stenosis; moderate communicating hydrocephalus; retinopathy of a prematurely born child; convergent strabismus.

This is the case of a male child, born prematurely III degree (1180 g), with a complicated perinatal history and pathological neonatal period. Subsequently he developed moderate communicating hydrocephalus and is delayed in his motor and mental development; there are changes in his tone and reflexes.

The child was diagnosed with a congenital heart malformation (persisting foramen ovale and PAC), which required therapy for a certain period of time. His cardiac status has improved. Given the severe prematurity, he has retinopathy of a prematurely born child and strabismus. The ophthalmic status is being monitored. The boy needs to be followed up by a pediatric cardiologist, a neurologist and an ophthalmologist. A systematic motor rehabilitation is conducted.

The child can flip from back to front, he is unable to sit, he is unable to rise on his feet on his own. The boy reaches out and grabs with his hands and can hold toys for a short time. He follows with his eyes and turns his head after moving toys and people; he smiles when they talk to him gently; he winces and listens to a loud sounds and reacts briskly when familiar adults are talking to him. The boy pronounces sounds and random sound combinations. The child is completely dependent on the care of adults. Diapers are used.

Update Aug 2023:His long list of medical issues are all related to his premature birth; his weight at birth was just over 2.5 pounds. His medical needs include: bronchopulmonary dysplasia; pulmonary hypertonia; persistent foramen ovale; peripheral pulmonary stenosis; persistent arterial canal (collateral); periventricular leukomalacia; and retinopathy of a prematurely born child. This bright boy can hold toys and play with them purposefully. He begins to babble and recognizes familiar people, greeting them with smiles and laughter. He is calm but expresses displeasure by crying when he is unhappy or his needs are not being met. He is not yet able to feed himself, and though he can roll from front to back, he does not yet sit or stand unassisted.

Bodie # (Barron)

Boy, Age: 6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Endocrine disorder, Global developmental delays

Listed: Apr 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Bodie has a diagnosis of moderately impaired general condition which requires constant adult attention and supervision. He was born prematurely. He has congenital hydronephrosis grade 3 of both kidneys with congenital mega-ureters and is underdeveloped in his neurological and mental development. He does not make eye contact and does not have developed speech — although he does not use words, he hums and shouts to express himself. He is interested in toys but without creative play. He began sitting independently at 2 years 9 months. He stands but cannot walk independently, and uses diapers day and night due to kidney condition, and requires constant adult supervision for his daily needs. Additional photos and a brief video are available upon request.

Bodie responds to his name with a smile, to sounds and noise. He keeps an eye on the movement of people and objects in the room. He is described as a calm and pleasant child. He is well attached to his caregivers and responds well to them. When given attention, he reacts positively and with a smile. Most of the time, the child is energetic and physically active. It is difficult for him to stay in one place, constantly moving and exploring.

The child expresses his joy by erratically clapping his hands and by making noises. When held by the hand he makes several steps. (was previously also listed as Barron).

Ethan Adrian #

Boy, Age: 8

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Deaf / HoH, Hydrocephalus

Bilateral neuro-sensory hearing loss; hydrocephalus (controlled without a shunt); developmental delays; reflux; premature; Cerebral palsy, spastic form – moderate degree. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia /BPD/. Delayed physical and psychomotor development.

Listed: Mar 2022

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Ethan is well developed for his age. He is a warm and curious little boy. His best toy is a ball. He laughs and shouts every time he got his ball. Ethan is a cheerful and peaceful child. He likes the other children. Observes and manipulates with toys. He knows how to charm his caregivers and receives lots of attention.

With a familiar adult, Ethan has a good emotional tone – he enjoys a hide and seek game and sometimes gives his hand for “hello”.

He cannot walk yet, but he sits, crawls and staying straight caught for fixed support, showing progress in his motor skill development. The child has flat feet with valgus deviation of both feet – it was recommended to wear orthopedic shoes. Ethan stands up on his own until he is caught on a fixed support, stands on tiptoe, does not step aside, placed in a walker, moves short distances; pronounces long sound combinations.

Brody #

Boy, Age: 8

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Deaf / HoH

bilateral deafness-choclear implant on the ride side; Moderate mental delay with autistic characteristics; Strabismus

Listed: Sep 2021

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Brody walks independently. He is able to navigate stairs and playground equipment at the park. Most of Brody’s delays seem to be related to being unable to hear and communicate his wants/needs. For example, the foster family reports that he is not aggressive, but he does demonstrate frustration at being unable to communicate with them to express his thoughts and what he wants. He uses some gestures to communicate, such as opening the refrigerator to express that he is hungry. He is supposed to be under the care of a specialist to work with him now that he has the cochlear implant (and to continue to develop his communication skills), but this has not been consistent due to COVID restrictions and the fact that the family must travel to another town for Brody to see the specialist. The foster family does report that Brody seems to be able to hear now that he has the implant and they have seen improvements with the implant in place. Brody does attend a day program for children with disabilities and has recently become more interested in the other children.

Emma #

Girl, Age: 7

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Global developmental delays, Hydrocephalus, Other Special Needs

Condition after herpes-viral encephalitis. Hepatitis caused by CMV. Hypotrophy. Hydrocephaly – of mild degree. Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. Delayed neuro-psychological development.

Listed: Sep 2021

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Emma was recently transferred to a group home where she can receive more specialized care to help her continue to develop and receive appropriate medical care. She is receiving monthly blood transfusions at this time for her anemia. She had surgery to correct clubbed feet in 2020. She can sit unassisted, stand next to a stable support, walk around fixed supports and walk while holding the hand of an adult. Videos from May 2021 show Emma playing with an electronic toy. She is pushing the button to get the toy to make a sound. Her fine motor skills are not well-developed at this time, due to her spasticity. Emma responds positively to adults and other children. She smiles and laughs when adults interact with her.

Zeek #

Boy, Age: 4

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Hydrocephalus, Spina bifida

Spina Bifida; shunt placed for hydrocephalus

Listed: Sep 2021

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Zeek is being taught to use a wheelchair. He can currently turn, but has not yet mastered going forward and backwards. He is also learning to pull his torso up and move around when in his bed or on the floor. He can physically handle toys. He picks them up, transfers them between hands, looks for them and retrieves them if he drops them. He can push buttons and activate sensory toys. He follows simple directions such as “give me”. He plays peek-a-boo. He enjoys interacting with the staff. He will hold out his hand for a hand shake, make kissing noises, and reaches to be held. He uses his hands to show how big he will grow up to be when asked by an adult. He is pronouncing sounds and syllables.

Updated May 2022: Zeek was recently moved from a large orphanage to a small group home, where he’s now receiving more interaction and attention. His language skills have started developing. He can now say several words. He enjoys interacting with staff and responds when he receives attention. He enjoys music.

Mitchell #

Boy, Age: 6

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy

cerebral palsy – an ataxic form

Listed: Jul 2021

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Mitchell walks independently with an ataxic gait. He talk using simple words and simple sentences. He plays with toys. He shows interest in his environment and everything happening around him. He seeks contact with familiar adults.

Photos and videos are available through the agency.

Tyson #

Boy, Age: 6

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Deaf / HoH, Hydrocephalus

Listed: Apr 2021

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (with hearing aid); shunt due to internal hydrocephalus; spastic cerebral palsy

Tyson was born premature and had several complications after birth. He can sit on his own with good balanced reactions. He crawls following the correct motor model. He stands up and walks sideways vertically. He can walk when one of his hands is held and has more control when it’s his right hand being held. He can stand up straight without falling for 2-3 seconds. When walking with a walker, he begins to bend his knees. He purposefully grabs a toy that is handed to him and can switch it from hand to hand. He shows an interest in musical toys and enjoys them. He has started making sounds and simply syllables such as “ma-ma”. He enjoys having someone sing to him and likes to receive hugs. He eats from a spoon. His overall development is delayed.

Photos and videos from August 2020 are available through the agency.

Danny #

Boy, Age: 5

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Hydrocephalus, Spina bifida

Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus-shunt placed

Listed: Nov 2020

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Danny loves being in the playroom at the orphanage. He plays with toys and gets very excited when adults interact with him. He enjoys listening to music. He participates in therapy each day to work on learning new skills.

UPDATE August 2022: He pulls to a stand in his crib. He crawls using his arms to drag his lower body (“army crawl”). He has a lot of upper body strength. He participates in group activities. He plays with toys. He pushes the buttons on toys, “dials” a toy phone, etc. He follows simple directions. He says a few simple words. He responds to his name. He enjoys listening to music. He eats from a spoon and drinks from an open cup. He tries very hard to be more mobile, despite his lower paralysis. As a result, he has broken a bone in one of his legs. The staff tries to keep him sitting in a chair where he can see everything going on in the room and participate in activities, without risking further injury to his leg. He interacts with other children sitting around him.

Brett #

Boy, Age: 9

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

Mental delays

Listed: Jul 2020

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Brett lived with a foster family from birth to age 4. He did not attend preschool or receive any interventions during that time. The family was not experienced in how to work with him. He was placed in a small group home at 4 years old. He has thrived in this setting. He has learned many new skills and continues to make improvements in all aspects of his development. He communicates using words and simple sentences. He understands everything said to him and can answer basic questions. He takes care of all his personal hygiene independently (brushes his own teeth, hair, dresses/undresses himself, is toilet trained, etc). He can count to 10, recognize colors and shapes, work puzzles, say his name and age, and also say the names of the other children living in the home. The staff at the group home believe that his mental delays are mild and state that this is because he made such rapid progress once he was placed in the group home and began receiving instruction. The foster family had reported behavior issues, mainly an inability to concentrate. The staff reports no behavior problems and stated that he just needed attention and appropriate instruction. They describe him as very affectionate.

Jax #

Boy, Age: 12

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Other Special Needs

hyperkinetic conduct disorder and a mild mental delay

Listed: May 2015

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Mothers

He has been living with a foster family since 2013.

He has a systolic murmur along the precordium; hyperkinetic conduct disorder and a mild mental delay. The child started walking on time, but his speech is underdeveloped. The child cannot stay focused for a long time while playing. He understands and follows simple instructions.

The agency has current medical reports available for serious inquiries.

UPDATE March 2017: previous Diagnosis of Atypical autism that was changed to hyperkinetic disorder, very interested in motor activities. Responds to positive interactions and praise from familiar adults, but can become anxious in new situations or if a familiar caregiver is not around. He seeks comfort from familiar adults and can become sad if one leaves.

Jesse #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy, Hydrocephalus

Jesse has Moderate external hydrocephalus; Arachnoid cyst – cortical atrophy; Infantile cerebral palsy – spastic quadric paresis; Hypotrophy; Delays in the neuro-psychological development; Severe mental delay.

Listed: Jun 2015

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers, MACC Availability 2023

Sizable Grants $2,500+

Update November 2015: He demonstrates interest in musical and mechanical toys. He will play for a short time – studies a toy, puts it in the mouth, transfers it from one hand to the other. He likes activities involving music. He recognizes familiar areas of the orphanage and understands his daily routine related to familiar tasks such as eating. He is very happy when interacting with familiar adults.

Update 2018: Jesse attention span is short-lived and unstable in relation to objects and people. There is some sharing with a close adult. Jesse responds when called by name. His memory and speech are poorly developed. When happy, he laughs loud and when anxious, he cries. Sometimes he pronounces unspecified sounds and separate syllables. He is sensitive and emotional and tends to be nervous around strangers. When given a toy he reaches out and takes it. He is working on the pinch grip. He hasn’t mastered fully the ability to move a toy from one hand to the other. Jesse is fed with a spoon and sleeps calmly through the night. He cannot control his physiological needs. Jesse is entirely cared for by the team in his orphanage.

(Jesse was also previously listed as Andy)

Kollen #

Boy, Age: 10

Region: Eastern Europe

Primary Diagnosis: Cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy- mixed form (impacts his legs); delays in development

Listed: Sep 2014

**** I am eligible for a $5000 Older Child Grant ****
Grant funds depend on available funding; the link above, shows the current available amount!
To inquire about this child, email childinquiry@reecesrainbow.org ***

Available to Large Families, Available to Older Parents, Available to Single Fathers, Available to Single Mothers

Kollen has started taking independent steps. He also crawls, sits, pulls up to a standing position holding on to a support, stays up for a short time without support, and walks holding on to two hands. His fine motor skills are improving. He fits in 3 cups, winds and unwinds toys on screws, “reads” books. He plays well with toys and explores their functions, imitates activities demonstrated to him, knocks on door before going in, claps his hands, stamps his feet, shows where his belly is. He eats with a spoon and attempts to do it independently. He is a calm and quiet child, makes a good eye contact, smiles, delights in interaction, recognizes and differentiates between the adults, has an emotional bond to a caregiver that works 1:1 with him. He pronounces sounds and syllables and currently says 3 words. He also used gestures to communicate his wants and needs.

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