Quinton and Gilda Jones had a very full life with their three children, Denyse, Chelsea and Quinton, Jr.. But, Gilda’s big heart and love of caring for children pushed her to open up the family’s home to a foster child from United Methodist Family Services (UMFS).  The family soon added a teenage mother and her infant daughter Jasmine to their home. 

Jasmine has lived with the Jones’ since she was 14-months old and when she was eligible for adoption, the Jones jumped at the chance to make her a permanent member of the family.

“The entire family was onboard and it wasn’t really a choice to not adopt her,” said Quinton Jones. “What else would we do, she had grown up in our family. She fits right in and even looks like my biological children.”

Balancing out the needs of all of their children has proven to be the most challenging aspect of adopting a child.  The Jones’ made sure to let all of their children know that their needs, no matter what they might be, are important.  Despite this challenge, the Jones’ have found the most rewarding part to be having a younger child at home. Denyse (23), Chelsea (18) and Quinton, Jr. (17) are all moving into adulthood while Jasmine has just started middle school.

“It’s really nice to still have a young one at home as the other kids are growing up and moving