According to current statistics, nearly 8,000 children in Tennessee alone are awaiting reunion with their families or placement in a permanent home, out of the nearly 424,000 children nationwide who are in foster care. Many children in the state do not have the loving homes they need because, sadly, there are fewer than 4,000 foster families.

Andrew, a twelve-year-old Nashville boy, was one of those children. Until he came upon the Gills, a unique foster family, Andrew had spent the better part of his life living with several families.

Joc, the son of Kevin and Dominique Gill, was already close friends with Andrew. The boys got along right away and spent their days playing games, going for walks, and generally having a wonderful time together. Kevin and Dominique, recognizing the close relationship between the boys, decided to formally adopt Andrew into their family by filing for adoption.

Andrew was unaware that a drastic change in his life was about to occur. One day, while strolling around the park with Youth Villages employee Molly Parker, Andrew was stunned by the news that his foster parents were adopting him. Andrew, ecstatic, consented right away to join the Gill family permanently.

These days, Joc and Andrew are brothers in addition to being excellent friends. This touching tale serves as a helpful reminder of the strength of love and the value of creating a lasting family.