Florida Couple Adopts Seven Siblings After Seeing a Thanksgiving News Story

They wanted to be a blessing—and ended up becoming one of Florida’s most inspiring families.

When DaShoan and Sofia Olds of Marianna, Florida, first talked about adopting, they imagined welcoming one child into their home. But fate—and a Thanksgiving newscast—had much bigger plans for them. The couple was watching WECP-TV when a story aired about seven siblings who had been separated into four different foster homes and were searching for a family who could keep them together.

“It was a done deal from the day we saw the story,” Sofia recalled. Married for 13 years, the couple hadn’t been able to have children of their own, but both felt an immediate calling. “Before we even met them, it was a done deal. When I saw that picture, it was a done deal for me, honestly. We looked at each other and said, we’ve got to do this. It’s time. There’s no maybe—we have to do this,” Sofia told People magazine.

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A Thanksgiving Miracle

The children—Necia (12), Eric, Erica, Zavian, Dava, Keyon, and Reggie—had been living apart for months, scattered across the state. The oldest, Necia, had started to lose hope that they’d ever share a home again. “We thought we would never be adopted, but I thought this was a really good blessing for us,” she said in an interview with WECP-TV.

After contacting the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Olds were quickly matched with the group and began the adoption process. On June 2, all seven siblings officially moved into the Olds’ home—filling it instantly with laughter, noise, and a lot of love. The move marked the start of the family’s mandatory 90-day adoption placement period, a step toward full legal adoption, which they expect to finalize in September (Good Morning America).

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“We’re Going to Do All of It”

For the Olds, parenting seven children overnight has been a joyful challenge. DaShoan, a high school math teacher and football coach, and Sofia, a social worker, say they’re approaching their new family life with purpose and patience.

“We’re going to build their faith up, we’re going to build them educationally,” said DaShoan. “We’re going to get them active in sports or an activity—something extracurricular. And we’re going to love each other. So, we’re going to do all of it.”

Their days now begin with bustling breakfast routines and end with prayers and bedtime stories. Sofia says she’s learning to balance structure and affection. “These kids have gone through more than most adults ever will,” she told USA Today. “Our job is to show them stability, consistency, and unconditional love.”

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Love That Multiplied by Seven

Adopting a large sibling group is rare but deeply meaningful. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, fewer than 5% of adoptions involve sibling groups of four or more, largely because of the financial and logistical challenges (HHS, Adoption and Foster Care Analysis Report, 2024). Yet experts emphasize the emotional benefits of keeping siblings together, which can provide crucial support and continuity for children who’ve experienced trauma.

“They’ve already lost so much,” Sofia explained. “If we can give them back each other—and a home—that’s everything.”

Community members have rallied behind the Olds family, donating clothing, groceries, and furniture to help them settle in. Local schools have also provided extra support to ensure each child has what they need to thrive academically and socially (Today.com).

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A Testament to Faith and Family

As the Olds prepare for the adoption’s finalization, their story continues to inspire people nationwide. It’s a story of resilience, faith, and the kind of love that multiplies instead of divides.

“We thought we were just going to help one child,” DaShoan reflected. “But God had seven waiting for us.”

Congratulations to DaShoan and Sofia Olds—proof that when love leads the way, families don’t have to be born together to belong together.