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JONI B. HANNIGAN
Managing Editor
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| The Polston family with their four daughters, six adopted sons, two sons-in-law, and grandchild; back row from left: Adam Voran-23 (Michelle’s husband), Rachel-19, Kevin-15, Cheryl-21, Brian Burnett-25 (Diana’s husband). Front row from left: Michelle Polston Voran-23, Michael-6, Joel-5 (in front), Ricky with Jeremiah-3, Deborah with Jonathan-1, Brandon-8, Diana Polston Burnett-25, and Brock Burnett-2 (grandbaby). |
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TALLAHASSEE (FBW)—Adoptive and foster parent Deborah Polston was named the Point of Light in recognition of Adoption Awareness Month by Florida Gov. Charlie Crist Nov. 12.
Polston and her husband, Ricky, are parents to 10 children, six of whom were placed through the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.
“Deborah is a shining example to all Floridians through her work to promote adoption and advocate for children,” said Crist in a news release. “Her tireless efforts are helping to provide permanent, nurturing homes for children throughout our state.”
In a recent story by FBCH, Deborah Polston spoke of her family’s journey to begin the adoption process.
Their family started 25 years ago with four biological daughters, Polston said. As the girls grew older and the “empty nest” years were on the horizon, the couple looked at adopting a “very large” group of sibling brothers.
“My husband and I spent several years praying about what we should do. Eventually it was the sibling groups that gripped my heart,” Polston said in the story. “The biggest challenge most of these kids have in getting adopted is their numbers. Most people are not willing or able to take on more than one child at a time.”
Ever an advocate for adoption, Polston said it’s not necessary for everyone to do it the way the Polston’s have.
“You don’t have to adopt a large sibling group like we did,” she said. There are thousands of children in our state alone waiting for a forever family.”
Polston is a licensed foster parent through the FBCH, with her husband, Ricky, who was named to the Florida Supreme Court by Gov. Crist in October.
She speaks to churches, civic groups, the media and the Florida Legislature on behalf of foster children. Polston encourages families to pursue special needs adoptions by directing them to agencies for MAPP (Model Approach to Partnerships in Parenting) preparation and training and by introducing them to waiting children through stories and photo listings. Polston’s Web site also links families to the Governor’s “Explore Adoption” initiative, which is located at http://www.adoptflorida.org/.
“Deborah Polston encourages families to adopt and is an advocate for children in need of a loving home,” said Jim Kallinger, Chief Child Advocate, Executive Office of the
Governor in a news release. “But more than her encouragement or advocacy, Deborah is known for being a very good mother.”
The Governor’s Points of Light Award recognizes a Florida resident who demonstrates exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly.