Fostering a child represents a significant opportunity to positively impact a young person’s life. Foster parents are characterized by their compassion and dedication, consistently prepared to extend their hearts and homes to children who require love and support.

Lamont Thomas, a resident of Buffalo, New York, has dedicated the past two decades to fostering children. In an interview with Good Morning America, he recounted the experience of welcoming his first foster child, stating, “Initially, I was assisting some friends who had lost their child to the system. I subsequently pursued certification and became a foster parent. I have continued this journey ever since.”

Believe it or not, Lamont has fostered more than 30 kids, five of which he officially adopted. So with his two biological children, Anthony and LaMonica, he became a father of seven. 

The first kid Lamont adopted is Michael Thomas. He’s now 27 and recalls the time he became part of the family. 

“He was my third foster home and it ended up being my forever home,” Michael said. “He [knew] my biological parents.”

“Lamont never turned [a child] away,” Michael added. “They either aged out or went back home to their own families.”

Lamont, responsible for the care of seven children on his own, had resolved to cease any further adoptions. However, he encountered a particularly unique situation that prompted him to reconsider his decision.

Five siblings, aged 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1, who were the offspring of one of Lamont’s foster children, were placed into foster care themselves. Lamont felt a deep sorrow that these children had to endure the same fate as their parents, and his heart ached upon discovering that Zendaya, Jamel, Nakia, Major, and Michaela had been separated. They were not only taken in by four distinct families but were also relocated to four different cities.

Sadly, that meant one thing, that they wouldn’t be raised together. 

That’s when Lamont stepped in. He just couldn’t let the siblings spend their childhood without being by each other’s side so he re-certified as a foster parent and adopted all of them. 

Some of Lamont’s older children had already left the family home and established their own families, which reassured him that he was making the right choice by dedicating his time to the new member of the family.

“I struggled to hold back my tears,” he recounted regarding his adoption day with Judge Lisa Rodwin. “Every day, I reflect on it, and my eyes fill with emotion. The challenges we faced to achieve this were significant.”

This remarkable single father had now taken on the responsibility of raising 12 children. He recognized that the journey ahead would be challenging, yet he was prepared to embrace it.

“They infuse me with new energy,” Lamont expressed. “They are wonderful children, full of affection. They deserve to grow up together as siblings, and that was my mission.”

Everyone who knows Lamont says he’s the most special person they’ve ever met. He made huge impact in the life of every kid that has ever been part of his family, and now he’s doing the same thing for their kids as well. 

LaMonica expressed admiration during the morning show, stating, “It is remarkable that he is taking on all of them. He goes above and beyond for everyone. He is truly an exceptional individual.”

Michael further noted that Lamont felt a deep calling to foster children, believing he could never turn away anyone in need of parental affection.

“We have all matured now. It is hard to believe that he has chosen to start anew,” Michael remarked. “Lamont has been a tremendous support for me. I would not be the person I am today without his influence in my life.”

Lamont does not seek any rewards for his efforts; rather, he hopes that his experiences will motivate others to engage in the fostering system, as the demand for foster families continues to grow daily.

“I wanted to make a difference by being a difference,” he shared. “And I love what I do.”

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