A Grandmother’s Story

By Tom Morris, Branch Director, Danville
“Caring”, “devoted”, and “positive outlook” all describe the circle of care found in the families of DePaul Family Services. The foster parents who work with our agency provide an incredible service to our community and more importantly to the children in their homes. These and other traits can be clearly seen in J’Nell Cotton’s home.

J’Nell,s professional life was that of an LPN working with mentally challenged adults in Greensboro, North Carolina and in Lynchburg and Rustburg, Virginia until late 2002. At that time, she moved to northern Pittslyvania County, where today her life and land are filled with horses, dogs, and donkeys.

J’Nell saw that the work she loved and her experience could be carried beyond a facility and into her home. At that point, her goal was to become a foster parent. When asked in her application to DePaul Family Services what children’s age group, gender, race, and level of disability she could best serve, the answer was simple, “it does not matter.” J’Nell is especially proud of her five children, all of whom she describes as giving and caring persons. Young in spirit but wise by years, this grandmother & great-grandmother has seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In August of 2004, this grandmother, nurse and loving person took into her home a child with a guarded medical prognosis. The child’s condition was fragile according to all the professionals associated with her care. The most that could be expected was to monitor and hope that her condition would stabilize. Cathie Martin, Social Worker in Danville, simply described J’Nell’s accepting nature and ongoing care as being that of “an angel.”

Many obstacles were overcome by this foster parent’s determination and drive to care for the child. A ramp had to be built in order for the child to be able to leave her home. Cathie and J’Nell worked hand in hand to make this occur. J’Nell purchased a handicapped accessible vehicle and adapted her home to meet the child’s needs. Many of the adaptations for the child came from her own pocket.

As time passed, the bond among J’Nell, her family and the child grew stronger. Since the child’s birth family members were not available, it was apparent to J’Nell that she and her family would become this child’s family. There was no doubt in her mind as no other option was available.

At DePaul Family Services, we find people that give of themselves unselfishly and devote their energy, time, resources, and love far beyond expectations. J’Nell and her family are making a lifetime commitment to the child by applying to adopt. J’Nell’s circle of care became a circle of love which will not be broken.

When discussing this article J’Nell shared, “If I had more years to my life, I would have a whole house full of similar children.”

Thank you J’Nell!