Welcome to familywanted.org. Find your family in our global village. Whether you are a functional, intact family or an individual seeking stronger ties, we welcome you.
Our mission:
To establish a support system for individuals and families affected by estrangement or other relationship loss by finding new familial connections.
Founder, Jenna MacFarlane's story:
Several years ago, I lay in bed listening to the radio. The story was about an elderly Italian man seeking family by placing an ad in his local paper. After reading many responses, he selected the woman who was to become his new daughter. She made a long journey to collect this man. Never having flown or traveled by subway, she breezed through, because, she said, she was coming to get ‘him.’
This story struck me. Estranged for over ten years with no hopeful reconciliation in sight with my own family, this man had done what many of us wished we had the guts to do. Advertise and get a new family.
A couple of years later, I moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. My new home represented a fresh start. It was exciting, though I was lonely, longing for the warm embrace of friends.
With the Italian man’s story as my inspiration, I placed an ad in the newspaper. Local coverage was given. As my post office box bulged with a loving outpouring, my hands shook as I read the stories of courage, encouragement and offers of family. I called the couple whose letter spoke the loudest. We met shortly thereafter. Even after the first dinner together, I knew that something profound had taken place.
My new parents taught me about unconditional love, patience, commitment and promise. As a result, I have hope. I smile more and count my blessings.
As my lessons are forthcoming and the promise of a bright future great, I now realize that if you have the courage to ask, people will respond. It is never too late to capture what was thought lost. It is never too late to learn something new. And it is never too late to wonder ‘what if?’
In the last two years, I have learned how to be a better person. I have let go of many fears. I have learned how important it is to be part of a family. Family is the foundation for who we are and where we are going in life. Family is the place where I live and call home. Most importantly, I would not know what it is to feel loved.
I believe in the power of second chances. Most of all I believe that miracles are born of desire, because I did not believe in the power of family before.
And now I do.
Jenna MacFarlane
Charlotte, NC
February 2007