Photographer: Robert Houser
The Carpenter Family
The Carpenter Family
Ina Carpenter didn't let her disability stop her from fostering up to ten children at one time. Ina has multiple sclerosis (MS). Her big heart and determination to keep her grandchildren together resulted in her adopting Devina when she was 12, Devin at 4, Jamella at 2, Tomeka at 7 months and Nicole at 1 month old. Ina gave her life for them and got joy and love in return. She would do it again in a heartbeat. Adopting made her life whole. She believes there are a whole lot of people out there who could fulfill their dreams of having children through foster care or adoption. Ina says to those considering adopting or fostering, "Open up your heart and home to someone who doesn't have it."