Jefferson County celebrates Adoption Day with 7 new families
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With a resounding bang of Judge Friesz’s gavel, Caleb Ford’s adoption day was officially sealed. -
One-year-old Raiden Johnson and mom Armaini, of Port Neches, celebrate his adoption day alongside friends and family. -
Sweet Charlie Williams was in awe of the Christmas magic filling the courtroom as The Honorable Gordon Friesz grants her an official and forever family with her mom Jami. -
The Adoption Express Train Depot issues eight golden tickets aboard the Jefferson County Adoption Express on Nov. 17, during the 23rd Jefferson County Adoption Day celebration. -
After years of watching their mothers organize the Jefferson County Adoption Day celebration, Lumberton High School freshmen (left to right) Evan Jenkins, Madden Dean and Graham Jenkins put on their aprons and chef hats, embracing their roles as supporting cast members in The Polar Express. -
Sixteen-year-old Rome Dunbar stood proudly next to his dad Raven as his adoption became final during the 23rd annual Jefferson County Adoption Day celebration. Sixteen-year-old Rome Dunbar stood proudly next to his dad Raven as his adoption became final during the 23rd annual Jefferson County Adoption Day celebration. -
After more than two decades of granting local adoptions, retired Judge Larry Thorne attended the Jefferson County National Adoption Day celebration as a spectator, witnessing 317th District Court Judge Gordon Friesz take his place behind the bench for his inaugural year.
On the morning of Nov. 17, the Jefferson County Adoption Express embarked on its 23rd annual journey, carrying with it the hopes and dreams of eight children holding golden tickets.
The Honorable Gordon Friesz, presiding judge of the 317th District Family Court, assumed the role of conductor for this magical event that would transform the second floor of the Jefferson County courthouse into a winter wonderland, inspired by the enchanting holiday film, “Polar Express.”
As the families gathered in the courtroom, a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air. Judge Friesz, serving as the conductor, welcomed each family with warmth and compassion. Among them was one-year-old Raiden Shane Johnson, cradled in the arms of his overjoyed mother, Armaini Johnson.
The courtroom witnessed a heartwarming moment with the entire room as witnesses to their solemn oath to love, support, pray for, and babysit Raiden, free of charge. The courtroom erupted in laughter as Friesz jokingly reminded them, “You swore under oath, so no takebacks,” granting the first adoption of the day.
The smiles continued as Kevin and Checquoline Roach officially adopted their grandson Za’Ron, the fifth of his siblings to find a forever home. Kayla Francis celebrated the adoption of Asiyah Gilbeau, while Jami Williams cradled sweet little Charlie, officially welcoming her into her family. Raven Dunbar’s adoption of 16-year-old Rome Dunbar marked a poignant moment, emphasizing the significance of adopting older children, as noted by Shari Pulliam, Senior Director of Community Engagement with Texas Family Care Network.
Sisters Lucy and Olivia, ages 4 and 12 respectively, twirled with joy as they were adopted by Deborah and Willie Dempsey.
“I’m finally getting my dad’s last name,” exclaimed Olivia, her joy evident as she showcased ribbons in her hair, a touching tribute to their original social worker Angela and their late Memaw.
Caleb Ford, surrounded by nearly three dozen family members and friends, stood proudly before the judge with parents Bradley and Autumn by his side. With a resounding bang of Friesz’s gavel, Caleb’s adoption day was officially sealed.
“This is the best day of the year, and the very best thing we do down here,” said Friesz reflecting on the day.
Friesz once served as a pro bono attorney before winning the 317th District Court seat in 2022.
National Adoption Day served as the backdrop for this heartwarming event, a collective national effort to raise awareness for the more than 113,000 children in foster care awaiting permanent, loving families. The event is celebrated in all 50 states including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, and involves more than 400 events annually, finalizing adoptions and celebrating families who adopt. In the past 24 years, more than 75,000 children have found permanent homes on National Adoption Day.
This is the 23rd year that the Jefferson County Bar Association has organized the adoption day event which plays a pivotal role in making these dreams a reality.
Seven local attorneys — Jolei Shipley, Doneane Beckcom, Sheigh Rhodes, Colette Shelander, Jonathan Stovall, Tonya Toups, and Debbie Wester — generously volunteered their time and talents to represent the adoptive families.
The Jefferson County Bar Association Foundation waived filing fees and covered the cost of new birth certificates, ensuring that the new families don’t incur any legal expenses in their journey to provide forever homes for the eight deserving children.
“This is my 19th year organizing the event, and it still gets me every time,” remarked Bonnie Dean of the Jefferson County Bar Association.
The annual adoption day stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and the transformative journey that brings families together. As the Jefferson County Adoption Express continues to roll on, it leaves behind a trail of joy, unity, and the promise of a brighter future for these children and their forever families.