For further information, please call 877-343-2856 or email matching@afamilyforeverychild.org

The Maddox Family

We would like to adopt a child who is less than 5 years old. We are open to boys or girls. We feel we can accommodate a sibling group of up to 3 kids. Almost any ethnic background will blend in with our family. We are open to children with many, many special needs. We do not mind having contact with the child\'s biological parents (by email or by phone or by mail or in person ) provided the parent was/is not abusive to the child. We do not mind having continuing contact with the child\'s former foster parents, by email or by phone or by mail or in person . In general, Brian and I would like to adopt a child or sibling group. It's that simple. We want to welcome a child or children who are capable of love in to a loving home. We want to give a home to those who are ready to be loved and have fun unconditionally.

Introduction

Our names are Amanda and Brian Maddox. I am currently 38 years old. My husband is currently 39 years old. We do not yet have any children. We enjoy spending time together and with our large extended family. With a large state park close to our home, we enjoy watching the natural wildlife and hiking on the trails. We are both very creative and enjoy making many different types of crafts. Brian also enjoys working with the local national parks with their historical interpretation events. I enjoy cooking, gardening, and playing with the dogs in the back yard. I also enjoy reading and working with children who are struggling with reading. We attend a local church where we often assist with servicing the needs of the community. I work full-time for Lawrence county school system as a Teacher and have a flexible work schedule. My partner works full-time for Natchez Trace Wildernes Perserve as a Guest services and has a flexible work schedule. Both Brian and I have grown up in different religions. Brian grew up and remained very active in a Baptist church, while I grew up in an Episcopal church where I was also very active. When we moved to Lawrenceburg last year we chose to try a Methodist church that we really enjoy. We have become active in the church and the activities they have to support the needs of our community, like the community garden, Coleman Cafe, and many other event to help raise money and awareness for community needs.

We love to watch and attend a good University of Tennessee football game. As for movies, TV shows, and music we are pretty open. We tend to stay away from the more offensive items. We have a large collection of all types of movies. As for music, we listen to everything. We love to visit a wonderful festival in Chattanooga, Tennessee called The Three Sisters bluegrass festival. It has been so much fun. They entire family meets up there. It is so child friendly and everyone has something they enjoy. Brian and I have a very comfortable home within a peaceful neighborhood. We love to spend time in our beautiful, fenced in back yard where the dogs love to run and play. We have great areas to sit outside and have dinner or relax while cooking dinner on the grill. On breezy afternoons, we have a wonderful porch swing that is used a lot. We love to watch movies and play games with friends on the weekend. We often spend time with my parents and other local family members having dinner together and enjoying our time together.

Home and Community

We live in the State of Tennessee. Our home is a single family home. We live in a Country/Rural neighborhood. We are good friends with our neighbors. We have two dogs and one cats .

As a family we will have so much to do together. We will attend the children's sporting events and school activities. We attend the local fair and other town festivals throughout the year. We like explore new places near our home and visit local parks for afternoon picnics. We work together to create traditions together. We attend church and support events that they may have. There is so many things we will do as a family. Read books and watch movies. Plant and take care of the garden. Spend as much time playing outside in the beautiful sunshine. Going to special events at places like the local library. Visit other family members and enjoy time with them. There are many activities that children can become involved in our community. We attend a very active church that has a wonderful children's program. We have many different sports opportunities in the community. Lawrenceburg has opened a new children's museum and has opportunities for dance lessons at the local Rotary park. We have a wonderful state park and a nice golf course. Rotary park has an incredible playground and area where children can safely ride their bike. Throughout the summer the local high school has many different types of camps that children can choose to participate in. We also sit in between to major cities. One being Nashville, Tennessee's capitol, and Florence, Alabama. There are many different types of experiences for children to have in our community. The schools in Lawrenceburg are rated within the top 15 of the state. The schools are focused on doing what is best for the children. Our student get to have many different experiences. As a high school student, the children can chose many different academic routes. They can go for a basic college bound academic journey where they can even begin to complete some college credits during their junior and senior years. Students can also choose a more technical route. We have nursing, business, cosmetology, graphic arts, wielding, plumbing and electric, agriculture, and construction. We have worked very hard to provide all of our students with option to gain the needed skills to be able to support themselves after graduation.

Parenting Experience

Neither Brian nor I have any or have had any children of our own. We have both had experiences with children through our families, friends, and jobs. I have nannied for a few families and even had a large group I babysat for when getting my education degree in Georgia. Brian and I have a loving and supportive relationship where we are able to create the same in our home environment. We both have the ability to love unconditionally and to give the children a place where they feel they can be themselves. We have an incredible support system throught parents, siblings, and many cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. We both work hard to be patient and understanding and to support each other in achieving our dreams. Brian and I enjoy being active and having fun. Challenges in anything a person does can be difficult. Keeping on open mind and working as a team provides better opportunity to build tools to use in different situations. Staying calm and taking time to get to know the child instead of just trying to fix them will help tremendously. Leaning triggers and knowing how the child needs you to respond will make most situation more smooth. Children thrive when they know and understand expectations and when the adults in their life provide consistency. Together all involved must build trust and allow it to grow and be supported through different events in their relationship. Brian and I have completed 23 hours of PATH(parents as tender healers)classes to become approved foster to adopt parents in the state of Tennessee. The class were medication and administration, CPR and first aid, understanding the child welfare system, impact of trauma, effective discipline, and cultural awareness. I also have my undergrad and masters in education with 10 years experience in elementary and high school education. Most of my experience in low income communities.

Support

In our community we have many different resources. We have already been invited to a foster care and adoption support group. We also have a organization called Kid's Place that is devoted to children and resources needed to help them heal. We are so lucky to not only have supportive families but we also live in an unbelievable community of church, friends, support groups, and our jobs.

Motivation to Adopt

I have always known children would be apart of my life. Brian and I agreed early in our relationship that we both wanted to have children. Unfortunately having children naturally is not in the cards for us. We both suffer from infertility. We allowed no time to waste for us to begin the process to become foster to adopt parents. The experiences I have had teaching has led me to see the need for loving home for our children. It just seemed natural to take this step. Brian and I know that we can give the kind of family these children need. A family of love and guidance. We can provided fun and consistency. We long to hear the putter patter of little feet across the floor, or giggle from a funny story. We are ready to be there in the good time and the bad. We are ready to love.