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WILKES-BARRE — Fourteen-year-old Nahmir is hoping for a “forever family.”

The teen made his way through an adoption match event at the Children’s Service Center on Saturday, sharing stories about the Philadelphia Eagles, his shoe size and his life.

In foster care since 2008, Nahmir said he was hoping the event would provide a “fresh start” for him.

In addition to the Children’s Service Center and Luzerne County Children & Youth Services, about 10 agencies from around the state were on hand to offer information about their programs. The Pennsylvania Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network strives to link these agencies to expedite the adoption of children waiting for permanent homes.

Rebecca Nallon, adoption supervisor at the Children’s Service Center, deemed the event a success, with 12 families that had registered and others who were “walk ins.”

Duane Benedict, of Montrose, attended with his wife, Janice, and his three children: Cinnamon, 15, Vienna, 13, and Toby, 5.

Duane Benedict said about a year ago, the family had begun considering adoption and that the event was eye opening for him.

“We got a chance to interact with the children available for adoption and the staff that works with them,” he said. “That’s so much better than just seeing a face on a page or online.”

The Benedict children fully participated in the event, quick to share a story about last summer’s blueberry festival and their participation in it as a family.

“Family,” Benedict said, “is important.”

Nallon said the event even provided a quiet area on the second floor for children waiting to be adopted to spend time with families, playing board games and getting to know each other.

Chelsea Lutz, from the Children’s Home of Reading, offered synopses of children available for adoption.

One group of seven siblings, some handicapped, would like to remain together.

One young man, 15, would like to be an only child in a quiet environment and keep in touch with his other siblings.

Some liked science, some liked art, some liked after-school activities.

Each shared a need to be part of a family.

The event was all about bringing children and families together that would best fit each other, with soup and sandwiches providing a cordial environment and a chance for conversation.

Luzerne County Children & Youth’s Corrine Carper, at the event to provide information about foster parenting and adoption, said the need for foster parents is a continuing one.

“Every day, the need is there,” she said. “Every day.”

Janice Benedict, of Montrose, browses through literature at the adoption match. She, her husband and three children wants to qwelcome a foster child aged between 3 and 11 into their home.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ttl120416adoption-1.jpg.optimal.jpgJanice Benedict, of Montrose, browses through literature at the adoption match. She, her husband and three children wants to qwelcome a foster child aged between 3 and 11 into their home. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Larry and Krista Trakes, of Morea, look through information on foster children. They couple, who have no children of their own, want to foster a child and are awaiting approval to begin the process. The couple never attended an event like the one Saturday in Wilkes-Barre, and they were looking forward to meeting different children looking for families.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ttl120416adoption-2.jpg.optimal.jpgLarry and Krista Trakes, of Morea, look through information on foster children. They couple, who have no children of their own, want to foster a child and are awaiting approval to begin the process. The couple never attended an event like the one Saturday in Wilkes-Barre, and they were looking forward to meeting different children looking for families. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

A sign at Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley advertises the Fall 2016 Adoption Match Event on Sunday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ttl120416adoption-3.jpg.optimal.jpgA sign at Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley advertises the Fall 2016 Adoption Match Event on Sunday. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Duane and Jamie Benedict, of Montrose, browse through biographies of foster children. The couple hope to adopt a child between the ages of 3 and 11 into their family.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ttl120416adoption-6.jpg.optimal.jpgDuane and Jamie Benedict, of Montrose, browse through biographies of foster children. The couple hope to adopt a child between the ages of 3 and 11 into their family. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Nahmir, a 14-year-old looking for a family, talks with Brian Bender and his 1-year-old daughter, Lila, about school and his favorite sports teams at an adoption match event Saturday at Children’s Service Center in Wilkes-Barre. Bender and his family, which include him, his wife and seven children, are looking to foster teenagers in their Harrisburg home.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/web1_ttl120416adoption-5.jpg.optimal.jpgNahmir, a 14-year-old looking for a family, talks with Brian Bender and his 1-year-old daughter, Lila, about school and his favorite sports teams at an adoption match event Saturday at Children’s Service Center in Wilkes-Barre. Bender and his family, which include him, his wife and seven children, are looking to foster teenagers in their Harrisburg home. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader
Foster kids, prospective parents get chance to mingle

By Geri Gibbons

[email protected]

LEARN MORE

For more information on adoption, contact:

• Children’s Service Center: 570-826-6524.

• Luzerne County Children & Youth Services: 570-826-8710.

• Statewide Adoption and Permanency Network (SWAN): 1-800-585-SWAN.

Reach Geri Gibbons at 570-991-6117 or on Twitter @TLGGibbons.