Donnie & Shacara Johnson

are adopting a child from United States of America

We Finally Have Eli — Now We Need Your Help to Make It Official

We’re Donnie and Shacara Johnson, and our hearts are so full — because we finally have Eli with us. He’s the sweetest, most energetic, full-of-life 2-year-old boy, and from the moment we met him, we knew he was meant to be part of our family.

Right now, we’re caring for him under a temporary guardianship. But we’re still in desperate need of help to finalize his adoption. We’ve raised a portion of the funds, but we still need to cover the remaining $3,700 in attorney fees to make his adoption legal and permanent.

This journey has been filled with joy, faith, and deep purpose. After 23 years in the Army, Shacara is preparing to retire, and Donnie has stepped fully into the role of dad. But due to recent layoffs at Donnie’s job, we are currently living on one income. Still, we are committed to giving Eli the stability, consistency, and love every child deserves — for a lifetime.

Why Your Support Means So Much

Adoption is a blessing, but it’s also costly. Your gift directly helps us cover: • Final attorney and court fees • Required legal documentation • Steps to secure Eli’s place in our forever family

What Your Gift Makes Possible • A safe, loving home with two devoted parents • A little boy growing up surrounded by siblings, cousins, and a strong, supportive village • A legacy of intentional parenting, healing, and unconditional love

If you’ve followed our story, you know how deeply we’ve wanted this. Even if you can’t donate, please share our story and lift us in prayer. We believe Eli was meant to be raised by a village—and we are honored to call you part of that.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us on this journey.

With love, Donnie & Shacara Johnson

Adoption Status

Completing Paperwork

Updates

  • Update 8

    Still fundraising

    June 23, 2025

    While we do have Eli at home, we only have temporary guardianship until the Home Study is finalized. However, we are still short on the remaining attorney fees. If we don’t come up with the fees by July 24, we will have to return him to South Carolina until we can pay the attorney. That’s the timeframe that the temporary guardianship expires. If you can help in any way, please donate.

  • Update 6

    Still fundraising

    June 23, 2025

    While, we do have Eli at home. We only have temporary guardianship while the Home Study is being finalized with that being said we are still short the rest of the attorney fees and if we do not come up with the fees by July 24, we will have to return him to South Carolina until we are able to pay the attorney because that is the timeframe that The temporary guardianship expires if you are able to help in anyway please donate.

  • Update 4

    He is in our care

    June 17, 2025

    We are so grateful to those who have donated so far. We are still $3700 short of closing out the attorney fees, which would allow us to finalize the adoption.

    He has settled in so well, and we have been overjoyed since he arrived home.

  • Update 3

    Still working on attorney fees

    May 16, 2025

    We are currently actively working to secure the remaining attorney fees before picking up Eli. This ensures that we avoid any potential debt and have everything finalized.

  • Update 2

    Attorney retained

    May 13, 2025

    We have now retained an attorney but we are still needing assistance to pay attorney fees and court fees.

$1,800 raised of $5,500 goal
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Donations 15

  • Anonymous gave $10
  • Deidre Redmon gave $100
    Congratulations on growing your family!
  • The Moye Family gave an undisclosed amount
  • Anonymous gave an undisclosed amount
  • Anonymous gave an undisclosed amount
    Congratulations Auntie on board
  • Anonymous gave $500
    Sounds like you might know Jesus or some way to know the love that Jesus teaches and a child raised in that love is so blessed thank you for your willingness to do this
  • Anonymous gave $500
  • Nakia Dennis gave $300
    That refund check came in a clutch 🙏🏾
  • Ronnika Harris gave an undisclosed amount
    I’m so excited for yall!! Can’t wait to meet Eli!
  • Danielle Reed gave $20