Evelyn Santiago

Joshua (b. April 2010) is a youth with a spirited personality and charming sense of humor who is adored by those that care for him.  Joshua is vocal but non-verbal in that he can communicate with sounds, gestures, and via a communication board. Joshua can be charismatic and when he is feeling playful, he often reaches out for a person’s hand in an attempt to play peek-a-boo.  Joshua loves to eat and is willing to try all sorts of food.  Joshua also enjoys watching cartoons and playing games on the tablet.  Although Joshua is developmentally delayed, he can understand basic instructions and identify certain letters and numbers.  Joshua’s spirited personality and strong will reflect the survivor inside him.  If you believe your family might just be the one for Joshua, let us know.  We await Joshua’s transition into a forever family!

Samaj and Sa’Diyah are closely bonded siblings with different interests and play habits than the other, yet both are quite active!

Samaj (b. May 2016) is into Pokémon and has even created some Pokémon cards of his own.   He also likes playing outside, particularly riding bike or playing basketball.  Samaj enjoys reading and does well in school. He also likes playing video games and watching movies or TV shows, particularly Pokémon-related ones.

Sa’Diyah (b. June 2017) enjoys being outside and running, so track may be part of her future.  Sa’Diyah also likes playing board games and expressing her creativity through making bracelets or other arts & crafts projects. Although Sa’Diyah has different interests than her brother, she will seek him out to play.

Paola is an active girl who enjoys playing outside, and if there is a pet dog that needs walking, she is often quick to offer to do so.

Fortunately, Paola doesn’t have access to another animal she loves … the shark! She does, however, enjoy reading books about sharks and shares that her favorite is the hammerhead shark.

Paola enjoys board games, and she even found one called “Shark Bite” that she likes to play with others.  You can also find Paola building LEGOS, painting and putting puzzles together.

Paola has a sister with whom she shares a strong bond and with whom it will be important for Paola to maintain visits and contact on a regular basis.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the child’s needs, the adoption matching coordinator will only consider families approved within the state of California. We appreciate your understanding.

Joshua (b. Nov. 2009) is a bright and creative teen with a warm and engaging personality. He’s got his own sense of style, and he shared that he wants to be a fashion designer when he grows up. Joshua tells us that he has a unique sense of style and loves to express himself through creativity, especially through fashion. He wants his designs to be inclusive of all body types and to showcase a diversity of expressions.

Joshua has a sweet and gentle demeanor and is open to all family constellations — emphasizing that the elements he is looking for in family are those who are caring, supportive and encouraging. While finding a tribe who will provide guidance to help him achieve his dreams is priority, Joshua also hopes he and his future adoptive family will enjoy traveling together.

Photo credit: Peter Valli

Vanessa (b. January 2022) is very active and loves to run around and climb objects. She could benefit from gymnastics-like classes and/or plenty of playtime to release her excess energy. Vanessa struggles to fall asleep.  Vanessa enjoys watching Coco Melon and has been observed trying to sing along to the songs. Vanessa’s vocabulary is currently limited to single syllable words, but her pre-school teacher has reported that Vanessa loves to sit around with her peers during reading time.  She knows the alphabet and the numbers up to 10. Vanessa is learning to eat different foods and working on toilet training.  Vanessa does present as delayed in several milestones and is eligible for Regional Center services. She also presents as shy if she doesn’t know someone, but once she begins to recognize and become familiar with someone, she loves to show affection.  Vanessa sometimes wears a helmet because she will bang her head when having a tantrum and she does exhibit some self-stimulatory behaviors like flapping her hands.

Kaliana (b. March 2024) is a lovely little girl with a cheerful smile.  Kaliana is very delayed developmentally as she cannot balance her head upright, her right side is weak, and she cannot fully rollover. Kaliana appears to recognize the caregiver’s voice, as she smiles when the caregiver speaks to her. Kaliana is fed through a G-Tube. She has seizures but they are controlled with medication. Kaliana requires a nebulizer and is receiving follow-up services for her vision.  She seems to be able to track movement as well as people’s voices. Kaliana smiles and makes noises when she is enjoying something.

Nevaeh (b. May 2011) is a lively one with equal parts charm and sass. Nevaeh’s interests include getting her nails done, experimenting with make-up, and being with her friends.  Disneyland has a special place in her heart and she lights up with the magic and excitement of the park.  Nevaeh is working on how she responds when things do not go her way, and she benefits from extra help when it comes to her education. Nevaeh would benefit from a family that is consistent and nurturing, while also offering guidance, establish healthy boundaries, and provide consistent emotional support.

Photo Credit: Peter Valli