EAST CHICAGO | More than 100 former foster children, adoptive families, staff, friends and volunteers gathered for the third annual reunion of Nazareth Home children.

Nazareth Home, a not-for-profit foster home in East Chicago, provides individualized care 24 hours per day for medically compromised children who are referred by the Department of Child Services.

Staff and volunteers were excited to see Anthony Monaghan, who lived at Nazareth Home from birth until he was 3 years old. He was adopted by Pat and Dar Monaghan, who have adopted six "special needs" children, including Anthony, who has cerebral palsy. Anthony was a favorite baby of many Nazareth Home volunteers, including Bill and Elaine Jonaitis.

They had a special bond with Anthony and would often take him to their home for holidays and other occasions. "We are so excited to see Anthony again, and he is doing so well. He has such a sweet disposition."

Another Nazareth Home baby attending the reunion was Nathaniel Dixon. Upon leaving Nazareth Home, Nathaniel went to live with his grandmother, Melody Dixon.

Nathaniel is enrolled in First Steps for speech therapy, but his grandmother says "he is ‘smart as a whip' and very analytical. I thank Sister Barbara for all that they did for Nathaniel because his mother just wasn't capable of taking care of him."

Dixon is planning to adopt Nathaniel, as well as his older sister.

In the 15 years since opening, more than 100 children have made their home at Nazareth Home, some just for a few days, others for several months, and some for several years. Of the children, 36 have been adopted, 23 have been placed in long-term foster care, and the remaining 58 were reunited with parents or family members.

For more information on Nazareth Home, events, or volunteer opportunities, call Kristen at (219) 947-8542.

- THE TIMES