CSB honors those who took in baby in need of a home

By Ed Runyan

The 32-year-old Warren woman changed her life drastically to take custody of her cousin’s daughter.

WARREN — It didn’t take long for Gary and Melissa Davis of Warren to fall in love with the baby girl named Shyann, who was born to a mother in jail July 1, 2007.

After taking the necessary steps to serve as foster parents through the Trumbull County Children Services Board, the Davises were notified that they had been selected to take the newborn girl.

The Davises took her home July 5.

They understood that Children Services tries to place children with family members where possible and that a family member still might come forward.

The baby’s mother also asked that the baby be placed with a family member if possible.

Within several months that did occur, as Stephanie Kelson of Warren, the mother’s first cousin, decided she wanted to take on the challenge.

In December, Kelson took the initial steps — called a home study — to become certified to take custody of the girl.

Such steps are difficult, said Colleen Lyden, the CSB caseworker who worked with her.

“She rearranged her work schedule in order to have visitation with Shyann and the agency. She wanted to have frequent visits to begin to bond with Shyann,” Lyden said during a luncheon at St. Demetrios Banquet Center on Tuesday called “Rising Up and Moving On.”

“Long away from the diaper-changing days, Ms. Kelson was unfazed by the return to sleepless nights, diapers, car seats and bottle feedings,” Lyden said.

In May of 2008, Kelson took permanent custody of Shyann.

“Her only concern was making sure that Shyann was safe, had everything she needed, and most importantly, that she was with family,” Lyden said.

But Tuesday’s luncheon, sponsored by the Children Services Board for the 10th year, was not just to honor Kelson, 32, for becoming a parent to a baby in need.

The Children Services Board also honored the Davises for providing another link in the girl’s family history.

The Davises had hoped to adopt Shyann, but when a relative came forward to take custody of her, they gave the new mother all of the support possible, Lyden said.

“Ms. Kelson was deeply touched by the love and care shown to Shyann from Gary and Melissa Davis,” Lyden said.

“The Kelsons and Davises maintain frequent contact so that Shyann can relate to both families and minimize her feelings of separation.”

Today, the Davises look upon the 19-month-old the way one might feel about a godchild, they said.