Cordell was taken into foster care at the age of 10. Still a little boy in many ways, but one who had already seen and suffered so much. The courts quickly determined that termination of parental rights was in the best interest of Cordell and his 7 younger siblings. Although Cordell was now safe, he was missing what every little boy needs most; a stable family that could support him and inspire him to believe he could be anything he wanted to be.
Sadly the years ticked by and Cordell was moved from one foster home to another. Most times each new foster home meant a new school and new friends. Cordell’s younger siblings began to be adopted and little by little Cordell began to lose any hope that he would ever have the forever family he so desperately wanted and needed.
Then in 2011Cordell, now 16 years old, was placed with the Everett family. David Everett, a high school football coach and Michelle Everett, a school teacher, were new foster parents and ready to be there for a child in need. They decided from the beginning to treat Cordell as one of the family. He did not have to prove himself, he did not have to earn their trust. He had it from the beginning and it was up to him to keep it. Although he tested the boundaries a few times Cordell soon realized that could be a place to call home.
As Cordell’s sense of security began to strengthen, a bright, charming and athletic boy began to emerge. Cordell, who had always been a C average student, really began to shine. He started getting mostly A’s on his report cards, became the star player on the school football and basketball teams, was elected to the student council, and is now picking Colleges. It is because of the stability, support, and guidance David and Michelle were able to share that Cordell is now visioning a future full of possibilities. That future includes adoption by the Everett’s but both they and Cordell feel that is simply a piece of paper. He is already a part of the Everett family and that will never change.