Meet the Candelora Family!
Adoption is not always easy through Foster Care, but it is always from the heart.
When children grow up, many parents deal with “empty nests” in various ways – leisure time, book clubs, golf courses, travel. Fortunately for three young children, Debra and Salvatore Candelora approached this phase of life by refilling their nest!
Bionca and her younger brothers Bruce and Brandon came to the Candeloras in foster care at ages seven, four, and two, and they never left.
This sibling trio has blossomed in the stability of their permanent adoptive home. Now age nineteen, Bionca is preparing for her future. She aspires to be a movie editor. Bionca’s dedication to succeed in all her Senior classes is impressive considering she had no formal education prior to age seven and a global pandemic. Compassionate and nurturing, Bionca has even worked in an orphanage in Ecuador.
Bruce, age 16, takes pride in being an uncle, and he is gentle and nurturing with his little nephews and nieces. Bruce loves school and sports. Bruce is currently playing High School Baseball and plans to play pro ball. He is looking at colleges now to prepare his way. Bruce is an avid New York Yankee fan.
Fourteen-year-old Brandon is a bucket of positive energy. His teachers report that Brandon brightens every room with his smile. Brandon’s dedication to school work shows in his recently having tested out of special education. Like his older brother, Brandon also loves baseball. He played on the All-Star team composed mostly of eight-year-olds. Brandon dreams of becoming a fireman “like Uncle Tony.”
Debra and Salvatore have four adult children and they are now eagerly awaiting their fourth grandchild. Until recently the younger three children’s older teen sister resided in the Candelora home. The family has just begun to do foster care again. Clearly, the Candelora family has flexible boundaries and no shortage of love!
This busy family enjoys many outdoor activities together: bike riding, playing at the park, and of course throwing a ball. They often visit the adult children who reside in New York. Mom states, “My grandson loves being with our younger kids.” Favorite family vacation spots are Florida and Lake George. The Candeloras have established traditions that they hold dear. These include autumn foliage-viewing rides, visits to the Yankee Candle Shoppe to see Santa, cutting down their own Christmas tree and family game nights.
Debra and Salvatore had only positive experiences in working with their local DCF to become foster and adoptive parents. They felt consistently informed and supported. The Candeloras cite their “open adoption” relationship with their children’s birth family members as tier greatest challenge. Debra writes, “We know it is best for our children to have those connections, but it is not always easy for us.”
The Candeloras used the Federal Adoption Tax Credit to purchase a van for family travels. They appreciate post-adoption services, such as funding by CAFAP (Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents) for extra activities. The children have all benefitted from post-adoption therapy.
Debra and Salvatore ask members of Congress to institute a “Foster Parent's Bill of Rights” in all states to allow foster children normal childhood experiences. As an example, Debra points out that in states without this policy, foster children are not even allowed to attend sleepovers.
In reflecting upon their past six years, Debra and Salvatore say, “Adoption has changed the children’s lives, but it has changed ours even more. It is the best choice we have ever made.”
