At the Nov. 3 gala, Founder/CEO DeAnna Alonso announced “A Family for Me,” CMFCAA’s new initiative to secure permanent homes for Missouri’s adoptable children. This program features a monthly 2-minute TV segment on KMIZ-TV 17, spotlighting a child from the Missouri Heart Gallery.
For years, Alonso has dreamed about creating such a program at CMFCAA. The first segment can be seen here. It was shot at Pumpkins Galore in Wright City, featuring Denzel, who said he wants a family that “really cares. A family that wants to invest in me, and I want a family that actually truly loves me.”
He said he would one day like to go to Los Angeles and to Disney World.
At the gala, Alonso started work to make that last dream come true by raising $600 for the trip to Disney.
CMFCAA is partnering with KMIZ, the Children’s Division from the Missouri Department of Social Services, and The Missouri Heart Gallery, which features photos and profiles of adoptable children.
The mission of “A Family for Me” extends beyond matching the highlighted children with families; it also aims to raise broader awareness about children available for adoption through the Missouri Heart Gallery. Additionally, the program seeks to foster stronger collaboration with other agencies through referral networks.
During each TV feature, KMIZ anchor Marissa Hollowed will join the showcased child and their caseworker at an engaging venue, such as a local park, pizzeria, or even Midway Golf & Games, as suggested by KMIZ. The segment will include footage of the children enjoying themselves, along with interviews with the child and/or caseworker. The conversations will focus on the children’s personalities, interests, and the type of family environment in which they would thrive.
Inspired by St. Louis-based Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition’s long-running “A Place to Call Home” series on KSDK-TV 5, “A Family for Me” aims to emulate its success. “A Place to Call Home” recently celebrated its 21st anniversary, placing 500 children in forever homes. To view one of their segments, click here.
