Adopted Teen Becomes Advocate For Adoption

DENVER (CBS4) - The Adoption Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding families for children living in foster care. Last year, they served more than 1,000 children by recruiting, educating, and supporting families.

Seven years ago, The Adoption Exchange found a family for Chantelle, and now she's growing up to be an advocate for adoption.

LINK: The Adoption Exchange

"Not only did The Adoption Exchange get me a family … it's the perfect family," said Chantelle.

Chantelle is 15 years old now and has watched her family grow to include 6-year-old Adian, who was also adopted, and 5-year-old Drake. She's got the stability and love she always wanted.

"I lived with my birth mom, probably, until I was 4 … and that was really hard," Chantelle explained.

"There are so many kids that are still waiting, and I think it's an obligation as a society and as a community to break the cycle," said Rebecca, Chantelle's adoptive mom.

Life hasn't always been easy in her new home, but Chantelle's parents got her tutors and help so she could succeed.

"When she first moved in we had a hard time reading and writing. It was all a struggle. Now she's in AP classes and an engineering program," Rebecca explained.

As she gets older, Chantelle shares her story and is becoming and advocate for adoption.

"Family to me is the most important thing in life," Chantelle said.

Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.