CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — Elisia and Tecumseh Manuel are no stranger to growth — the Valley family adopted three children, all under the age of three, in a span of just two years. And the Manuel family wants people considering adoption or fostering in Arizona to take inspiration from National "Just Do It" Day.
"Just do it!" Elisia Manuel said with a smile. "Just do it. Get involved."
The couple met a 7-day-old baby boy first, adopting their oldest. Four months later, they received another call, introducing them to a baby girl. Their daughter was born just eight days after their son.
A year later, the Manuel family welcomed another baby boy — their son's biological brother.
"It changed my life and it changed my family's life," Elisia Manuel said. "I'm just so blessed."
The Manuels and their children were brought together through the Gila River Indian Community. Indigenous children make up 10% of the nearly 10,000 children in the foster care system in Arizona. The state's goal is to keep children connected to their culture and heritage, according to the DCS website.
"Just how our children connect to music and song and cultural related items," Elisia Manuel said. "It allows that connection."
Elisia Manuel, who is also a foster care recruitment manager for StepStone Family & Youth Services and founder of Three Precious Miracles, said there are plenty of resources available that can answer your questions if you’re interested in fostering. To learn more, head to the Arizona DCS website.
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