60-Year-Old Single Dad, Sent To Foster Care As A Kid, Raises Seven Adopted Children On His Own

Apr 25, 2019 by apost team

60-year-old foster dad Joe Toles is proving definitively that family doesn’t end with blood. Born to a 15-year-old teen mom, Joe spent his childhood and teen years in the foster system and knows firsthand how difficult the system can be for children.

Despite being a gifted athlete, no one in Joe’s life was there to encourage him to pursue his passion. When he was on the verge of dropping out of high school, Joe’s track coach stepped in, giving the young teen a sense of stability and purpose in life. With the proper guidance, Joe was able to earn an athletic scholarship to Auburn University.

According to the New York Post, Joe is now the adopted dad to some of the most vulnerable children in the foster system. Joe is helped in his mission to give every chance to the most at-risk youth by You Gotta Believe, a non-profit that helps the foster system place teenagers that require special attention to loving homes.

You Gotta Believe has matched Joe with all of his children since he began fostering in 2009. Joe has adopted six children including Xavier, Jonathan, Ronny, Creemel, Kamren, and Cinsere.

apost.com

All of Joe’s children have been adopted from 2009 to 2018. Joe is currently in the process of adopting Jhon, a 20-year-old with learning disabilities, from the Dominican Republic.

“There’s never going to be the perfect time to start or expand your family,” the told The Post. “But this feels like the right thing to do.”

Needless to say, Joe is an amazing person, and his work is even more amazing when one considers the fact that he is a single dad and two of his kids have special needs.

Speaking with reporters, Joe says that he feels that as a parent, it is his duty to guide his sons. While he can’t tell them what to do with their lives or pick their path, Joe says that he will always be there to lend a helping hand and see them through their darkest times.

“Adopting an older child gives hope to somebody who probably doesn’t have much hope at that moment,” he says. “No matter how old they are, they need a home base and to be part of something.” said Joe.

What do you think of how Joe has adopted so many kids from the foster care system? Have you ever fostered or adopted a child? Let us know in the comments and don't forget to spread the positive vibes by showing this story to your loved ones.