In 2012, CMomA launched our Adoption Grant Gifting Program. We put the word out to partnering agencies and organizations to let them know, “WE HAVE MONEY TO GIVE” to worthy and wonderful childless women, men and couples adopting special needs and older orphaned children. The number of special, new families to whom we’ve awarded adoption grants is growing steadily. You can read about some of our past adoption grant recipients here.
Our Grant & Gifting Program has eligibility requirements that take into consideration the story of both the childless want-to-be parents and the orphaned children wanting and waiting for a place to call home. We are delighted to share a bit about CMomA’s sixteenth grant recipient. Her name is Nicole Patterson, a 41-year-old woman from Florida who adopted a 13-year-old girl from Jamaica, named Donae.
Nicole was born in Jamaica. She was raised by her grandfather, who she describes as teaching her everything. While attending a cooking school in Ocho Rios she met Jody Earle, Donae’s mother. Though both young women faced many struggles, they persevered successfully earning their degree and becoming the best of friends.
After working in Jamaica for several years, Nicole wanted to increase her job skills and work in America, so she applied in a work exchange program. After each contract finished, she would return home to Jamaica to visit Jody and her family. In 2005 she decided to stay in America to seek a better life and opportunity. She married in 2006 and soon after tried to build a family. She had a least 3 miscarriages which created much stress in the relationship. After 5 years they ultimately divorced.
In 2008 Jody became very ill and was dying. Nicole tried to be there for her and sent money for their food and for Donae’s clothes. On her deathbed, given the fact that the father was not involved at all with the children, Jodi asked Nicole to please continue to help her two daughters. Nicole promised to take care of them and has been sending support from the US ever since, with as many visits as she could afford.
March 2017: We received Nicole’s application for a CMomA grant, seeking assistance to pay the remainder of the agency fees, lawyer fees, post-placement reports, and supervision. On her application Nicole shared with us:
“Donae is 13 years old. She is a very smart child. I took care of her as if she was my own from the day she was born. I am the one who named her. I held her; I fed her; I bathed her. After Jody’s death, her mother looked after the girls and I would help financially. In 2016 the grandmother passed away. I’ve always had so much love and attachment for these kids. I want to see them grow up into healthy, successful adults. I can only afford to adopt one at this time. Since Donae is older, she needs guidance, and then she can be a role model for her sister. I want to bring her home to raise her properly, and help her understand that she has a family, someone who loves her and will take care of her. God blessed her with greatness in and out. I can’t wait for her to have all she has ever needed to achieve the highest goals that life has to offer. I cannot have any children. This is my path; to grow my family. I have so much love to give and know that Donae would have a good home with me.”
July 2017: Right before Nicole left to go and bring her daughter home this beautiful message she sent to us…
August 2017: Nicole is on her way to bring Donae home.
“Good morning, I’m so super excited at this moment, getting ready to go get my daughter, thanks so for your help god bless CMomA”
September 2017: Nicole wrote:
“Hello CmomA family… just letting you know that my daughter Donae has arrived in the USA! We are giving God thanks we have life, and to CMomA…a big thank you! I couldn’t have completed this journey without the Cmoma foundation.”
October 2017:
Nicole wrote: “We are so grateful for CMomA foundation. Words can’t explain how happy we are. Without CMomA, we could not have completed our journey. God bless you Dr. Cole and your foundation” Nicole & Donae.
Donae wrote: “Hi Dr. Marcy Cole this is Donae. I am here sharing some happy moments and I am so exciting to be here. I am doing well in school my grades are excellent and I am enjoying myself. Thanks for helping my mom with me on this journey.”
It is our mission at CMomA to bring those, who may have difficulty adopting, together with children and teens needing and deserving a family. Thank you to Nicole for all the love and support you have extended and for being a shining example of how powerful love is to heal and make dreams come true. Donae…you are clearly a beautiful and blessed young women, with a bright future. Go on and “Shine your Light”. We feel privileged to bear witness.
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