Jimmy, born in 1994, and Ashley, born in 1995, are in need of a forever family.

Ashley and Jimmy have a team working with them who are committed to identifying a forever home where the children can be together and experience the security and love that only a permanent family can provide. They have been through a lot together, and keeping them together in an adoptive home is very important.

Jimmy has a good sense of humor and during the past year he has really begun to enjoy the outdoors. In the past he has preferred playing video games and playing with his Gameboy. However, his current foster parents have encouraged him to play outside and to try different activities. As a result, he now enjoys riding his bike and swimming. Jimmy also takes therapeutic horseback riding lessons.

Ashley is quite adventurous and loves playing outside with her friends. She too has enjoyed taking horseback riding lessons. In addition, she is beginning her second year of participating on a swim team. During the past year her foster family has provided the opportunity for her to have many different experiences and have found her to be open to trying just about anything. She has enjoyed going camping, skiing and swimming. She has requested a family that is active and “energetic.”

Ashley and Jimmy enjoy animals. In addition to their affection for horses, they have also done very well with the dogs and cats that they have lived with throughout the years.

Jimmy and Ashley both struggle a bit in school. They both receive special education services. Their adoptive parents will need to be actively involved in their school programming as well as in assisting the children with their schoolwork in the evenings.

Ashley and Jimmy will do best in a family that is very patient and has time to do activities that will help them to bond as a family. Spending individual time with each child is also important. Their family must realize that the children will test their commitment. Participating in therapy that is focused on building their relationships is also strongly recommended.

An adoption subsidy is available for the most appropriate family. Jimmy and Ashley are two of the 157 children currently in Maine Department of Health & Human Service’s care who are seeking an adoptive family.

Based in Gardiner, A Family for ME is a nonprofit program that works in collaboration with Maine DHHS to find foster and adoptive families for Maine children in care. For information about Jimmy and Ashley or other children available for adoption, please contact A Family for ME toll free at 1-877-505-0545 or visit www.AFamilyForMe.org and see the Heart Gallery of photographs of some of the many children awaiting a forever family.