
05/10/2025
A Story of Compassion, Trust, and Family
Last year, 33-year-old Jesse Whitten and his wife, Ashley, adopted a little girl—an extraordinary journey built on kindness, trust, and heartfelt connection. Jesse, a police officer with the Santa Rosa Police Department in California, had encountered many individuals while on duty, but one meeting would change his life forever.
During his patrols, Jesse met a pregnant homeless woman battling drug addiction. Deeply moved by her situation, Jesse and Ashley stepped in to help, taking her to a rehabilitation center. Touched by their kindness, the woman made a profound request—she asked if they would consider adopting her baby.
The couple, already parents to three young daughters, took time to reflect. On February 9, the woman gave birth to a baby girl named Harlow. When hospital staff asked if she wanted to place her baby in foster care, she responded with a different request: she asked them to call Jesse and Ashley.
On August 30, the Whitten family officially welcomed Harlow as their daughter. Ashley shared that although Harlow’s biological mother deeply loved her child, she knew she couldn’t provide the life she wished for her. However, after witnessing Jesse’s compassion and care, she trusted that he and Ashley could offer Harlow the future she deserved.
This touching story is a powerful reminder of the impact of empathy, trust, and love. Harlow now has a family committed to caring for her with unwavering kindness and devotion.