Photographer: Ralph Granich
Marjorie and Jakeel
Marjorie and Jakeel
Marjorie is an energetic and creative woman who is a special education teacher. She grew up with foster siblings, and foster care seemed to be a very natural way of life for her. Six years ago, while teaching at a school for developmentally disabled children, she became 7 year old Jakeel's teacher. Jakeel had been living in a Group Home since age 5 age five, after an unsuccessful relative placement. Marjorie was Jakeel's teacher for 2½ years, and came to love him. When she learned that there were no family members available to raise him, and that he might end up growing up in foster care, she stepped forward to be his family. Jakeel was placed in her home with a plan of adoption in February 2007 when he was 11 years old. Marjorie's mother moved out to California last winter to live with Marjorie and help her raise Jakeel. Marjorie is a remarkable woman who is an inspiration to us all! She has not only committed to Jakeel, but also to an open relationship with his biological extended family, some of whom may be with us today to celebrate his adoption. Jakeel’s adoption was completed at Alameda County’s Annual Adoption Day on November 21, 2009.