From Trauma to Advocacy: Twin Brothers Share Journey Through Foster Care, Loss, and Purpose

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Disclaimer: This story contains details of child abuse that may be upsetting to some.

A Difficult Beginning Before Birth

The lives of twin brothers Davon and Tavon began under deeply challenging circumstances.

Their biological mother, Patricia, was using drugs during her pregnancy and did not receive medical care throughout that time.

She was reportedly unaware that she was carrying twins until the moment of delivery.

According to their account, Davon was born first, and medical staff later discovered Tavon during the same procedure.

Fragile Infancy and Immediate State Intervention

The twins were born extremely small, weighing only about two pounds each.

Medical tests showed exposure to crack cocaine, which led to their classification as drug-exposed infants.

Child protective services became involved immediately after their birth.

Despite attempts by extended family members to gain custody, they were ultimately placed into foster care.

Adoption and a New Identity

At the age of two, the twins were adopted by the Woods family.

With the adoption came changes to their names and legal identities.

Davon’s birth name, Daquane Shamar Jacobs, became Davon Sammie Woods.

His brother Tavon Lamar Jacobs was also renamed Tavon Sammie Woods.

Growing Up With Unanswered Questions

Childhood was marked by confusion and uncertainty about their origins.

The twins described feeling disconnected from their biological background and identity.

They had many unanswered questions about their past and their families.

This lack of clarity contributed to emotional struggles during their formative years.

Allegations of Abuse in the Home

The brothers have described their upbringing as emotionally and physically difficult.

They stated that they were often disciplined harshly and rarely felt emotionally supported.

According to their account, verbal abuse and strict treatment were frequent parts of daily life.

They recalled feeling voiceless and unseen within their household environment.

Emotional Struggles and Mental Health Challenges

The emotional toll of their experiences deeply affected their mental well-being.

Davon has shared that he attempted suicide multiple times during childhood.

He explained that his brother’s presence was a major reason he continued to endure difficult circumstances.

Their bond became a critical source of emotional support during their most vulnerable years.

Early Exposure to Risk Behaviors

By the age of eleven, the twins began smoking and drinking as a way of coping with ongoing stress.

They described living in fear and being hesitant to speak openly about their situation.

The emotional weight of their environment made it difficult to focus on academics.

As a result, their performance in school suffered during this period.

An Unexpected Reunion at Age Seventeen

At seventeen, the twins encountered a turning point while visiting a shopping mall in Sumter, South Carolina.

During a stop at the mall, a man approached them and commented on their resemblance to his cousin.

After sharing their biological last name, the man identified them as relatives who had been searched for over the years.

This unexpected interaction led to reconnection with members of their biological family.

Emotional Complexity of Meeting Biological Relatives

The reunion with their biological family was deeply emotional and unfamiliar.

They described the experience as both significant and disorienting.

According to their account, their expectations of emotional connection were not fully met.

The situation introduced new emotional layers rather than immediate closure.

Life After High School and Career Aspirations

After graduating high school, the twins pursued education in modeling and acting.

They remained involved in those fields for several years.

Despite these efforts, unresolved emotional pain continued to influence their life choices.

Their experiences highlight how trauma can shape long-term decision-making.

Struggles With Street Life and Coping Mechanisms

During late adolescence, they became involved in selling drugs between the ages of eighteen and nineteen.

They described turning to substance use, nightlife, and risky behavior as coping mechanisms.

These actions were framed as attempts to escape unresolved emotional pain from their past.

They later reflected that their upbringing left them without a clear understanding of love or stability.

A Tragic Loss That Changed Their Direction

In 2016, the twins experienced a devastating loss when their younger brother was shot and killed at the age of seventeen.

This event marked a significant turning point in their lives.

The tragedy intensified their desire to leave behind environments associated with violence.

It also deepened their awareness of the consequences of their lifestyle.

Relocation and Continued Exposure to Danger

The brothers eventually moved to Georgia in hopes of starting a new chapter.

However, they reported that their environment remained unstable and dangerous.

They witnessed acts of violence and encountered life-threatening situations.

These experiences reinforced their realization that major life changes were necessary.

A Turning Point Through Faith and Community

A visit from their sister and brother-in-law introduced them to church during a pivotal moment.

Although initially hesitant, they decided to attend instead of engaging in harmful habits.

This decision marked the beginning of a significant transformation in their lives.

They began attending regularly and described a renewed sense of direction and purpose.

Finding Purpose Through Helping Others

The twins shifted their focus toward advocacy for children in the foster care system.

They expressed a desire to be a voice for young people experiencing neglect and instability.

Their mission became rooted in preventing others from facing similar hardships.

They emphasized the importance of allowing children in foster care to experience a stable childhood.

Working With Youth in a Group Home

The brothers later gained employment at a group home known as AMIkids.

They reported that many of the children quickly connected with them due to shared life experiences.

The twins dedicated significant time to mentoring and supporting the youth.

They described forming strong bonds with the children during their time there.

Concerns About Institutional Treatment of Youth

During their employment, they raised concerns about policies affecting the children’s well-being.

They reported restrictions placed on the youth, including limited access to personal funds and off-campus activities.

The brothers stated that they contacted state authorities and organizational leadership regarding these issues.

According to their account, their complaints did not result in meaningful changes.

Job Loss and Continued Commitment to Advocacy

Tensions at the facility eventually led to their suspension and later termination.

They believe their dismissal followed disagreements about scheduling and their continued presence with the children.

After leaving, they expressed concern for the youth they had mentored.

They stated that many of those children later faced significant struggles without consistent support.

Choosing Advocacy Over Financial Stability

Davon later secured employment earning a stable monthly income.

Despite financial comfort, he chose to leave that position to focus on advocacy work.

He described the decision as a commitment to supporting vulnerable youth.

The brothers now view advocacy as a lifelong mission.

A Vision for Systemic Change

Their long-term goal includes creating large-scale support facilities for children in foster care.

They aim to provide safe environments, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

The brothers have expressed plans to travel widely in support of children affected by systemic failures.

They emphasize that their work is driven by lived experience and empathy.

A Message Rooted in Resilience and Purpose

Their story reflects a journey shaped by trauma, loss, and eventual transformation.

From early hardship to advocacy, their experiences highlight the long-term impact of childhood instability.

They now focus on being voices for children who feel unheard within the foster care system.

Despite the challenges they endured, their mission underscores resilience, accountability, and the pursuit of meaningful change.