Meet the Clore Family!

It doesn’t take birthing a child to love a child as your own 

After having had four children, Akella and Emmit had no intentions of expanding their family. Emmit was helping to support his two sons who resided with their mothers in a different state. He and Akella were busy and content raising their two daughters, De'ja and Ka'ia.

Believing that their family was complete, the compassionate Clores decided to explore programs in which their skills might benefit children in difficult situations. They became particularly interested in mentoring. Akella laughingly explains how they ended up adding five more children to their family. “We became mentors and we took it to the next level.” De’ja and Ka’ia were ages 7 and 5 when Akella started mentoring; and they were in their teens when, years later, their parents became foster parents.

The Clores started fostering their son Josh, at age 12, and they adopted him at age 14. Josh is the oldest of Clores’ adopted children.  Now age 16, Josh is an excellent student and an avid basketball player. 

After Josh’s arrival, the Clores agreed to foster a sibling group of three: Donovan, Courtney, and Maliyah. Akella had met the older two because they attended the same grade school as other children the couple had previously been fostering. (An astute school guidance counselor had introduced them, perhaps sensing that the Clores might be helpful to these children the near future.)  Shortly afterward, Akella and Emmit were approached to provide “urgent care” for the family that was fostering the trio. Then, when the birth parents’ rights were terminated, the Clores made known their interest in adopting. Donavan was 10 years old, and his sisters were 6 and 4 when they became Clore family members. Now ages 14, 10, and 8, these three children are successful in school as well as on the basketball court. Maliyah and Courtney also participate in dance and softball, while Donovan enjoys playing football. 

Two years ago, the Clores welcomed their Godson Tyree as a resident in their home. Emmit had mentored Tyree, who ended up forming a close friendship with their son Josh. 

.The original Clore children, daughters De'ja and Ka'ia, have formed strong attachments to their younger brothers and sisters. Akella writes, “All of our kids have learned that it doesn’t take birthing a child to love a child as your own.”  Now age 22, De’ja lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and baby son, Avery.  Now age 19, Ka’ia, who lives at home, just graduated from Empire Beauty School and received her Master Cosmetologist license.

Asked about helpful post adoption services, the Clores report, “Mental health therapy was a must. Counseling has made a major impact on our family. It helps everyone to understand one another.” 

If Akella and Emmit could make one request of policymakers, it would be for more help to families after they adopt.