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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — This month, we get to meet a sweet boy with a sweet tooth who hopes you can help him find a family. 

Thinking about 8-year-old Jovani could put a smile on anyone’s face. He’s been through a lot, but he is ready for parents to show him the love he gives in return. 

Jovani was so excited to spend some time at Yogurtini on the Plaza. One of his favorite things to do is go out for ice cream. He was overwhelmed by all of the choices, finally settling on a mix of cotton candy and cookies & cream.

He’s looking for the right set of parents — just like his perfect mix of frozen yogurt flavors. 

  • Picture of Jovani picking out yogurt flavors.
    Picture of Jovani picking out yogurt flavors. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography
  • Picture of Jovani digging into cotton candy and cookies n' cream.
    Picture of Jovani digging into cotton candy and cookies n’ cream. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography
  • Picture of Jovani and Sherae eating frozen yogurt.
    Picture of Jovani and Sherae eating frozen yogurt. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography
  • Picture of Jovani smiling.
    Picture of Jovani smiling. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography

Jovani came into foster care around the time he was five years old. In that time, he’s lived in a few different placements, but around a year ago he was placed with his current foster mother. He’s really enjoyed living with her in a caring and supportive environment. He would do best with patient parents who can give him structure, but also lots of hugs. 

He is in the third grade and loves math. He looks at it like a game and is always trying to get better at it. He’s not sure what he wants to do when he grows up, but he thinks he would like math to be involved. 

Besides his schoolwork, he also enjoys Pokémon, video games and joking around. He’s always got a good punchline and is ready to make you smile. This kid is hilarious! With Jovani, you will never be bored. 

His foster mom said he is a perfect gentleman. He always opens the door for her and wants to help around the house. She said having Jovani around the house is a blessing, and she hopes a forever family will love him as much as she does. 

Jovani has been through a lot, but even through the rain, he can smile and look forward to the future. Even through a storm — this kid is sunshine.

  • Picture of Jovani and Sherae running in the rain.
    Picture of Jovani and Sherae running in the rain. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography
  • Picture of Jovani smiling.
    Picture of Jovani smiling. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography
  • Picture of Jovani smiling.
    Picture of Jovani smiling. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography
  • Picture of Jovani and Sherae hugging.
    Picture of Jovani and Sherae hugging. Photo Credit: Rebecca Lassiter Photography

A note from Sherae:

Thank you for sharing all of our kids’ stories. The more we see a story shared, the more calls come into Jackson County to help them. Sometimes we get no responses for a child, but sometimes we get hundreds. Even five families for one child is a big deal. So, please share Jovani’s story — it could change his life.

Thank you for supporting Thursday’s Child because all kids deserve a family.

Want to adopt him?

If you’re interested in learning more about how to adopt Jovani, please get in touch with Megan Fisher, the Adoption Coordinator for Jackson County at 816-889-2144.

Interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Missouri?

  • Cornerstones of Care specializes in Standard and Career Foster Licenses at  1-855-SRV-KIDS (855-778-5437) or visit its website.
  • Crittenton Children’s Center (Saint Lukes) focuses on medical homes, homes that can accommodate sibling groups, and homes for older youth (age 12 and up).
  • If you are interested in learning more about this organization please reach out to Virginia Fatseas at (816) 986-5209
  • Missouri Alliance offers elevated needs training (Level A & B) to our Resource Families.  They also train our foster parents in TBRI (Trust Based Relational Intervention) as well as SOS (Signs of Safety).
  • If you are interested in learning more about this organization please reach out to Karie Scott-Roark email: KRoark@MA-CF.org.
  • Great Circle Behavioral Health for Children & Families does foster care licensing for prospective foster parents.
  • If you are interested in learning more about this organization please reach out to Jaqueline Brown at (816) 255-1503 or Jacqueline.Brown@greatcircle.org

Interested in becoming a foster or adoptive parent in Kansas?

Want to see more children who are looking for a family?

Want to become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster children in the metro?

According to CASA’s website, a court appointed special advocate make a life-changing different for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Each volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interest in court.

Its volunteers help judges develop a fuller picture of each child’s life. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decision for each child.

Missouri

Kansas

Want to reach out to Sherae?

For business inquiries or questions that are unable to be answered through this article, you can reach out to Sherae Honeycutt, the host of Thursday’s Child, by email at sherae.honeycutt@fox4kc.com.