Happy Mother's Day

To all moms and moms to be,

Wishing you a very Happy Mother's Day!

Adoptive Families Top 10 Articles

Periodically, Adoptive Families Magazine publishes their top 10 articles. Two of the articles on the most recent list are: Where Did I Come From and In My Daughter's Room. As we all experience our personal journey to parenthood and beyond, reading the reflections and emotions of other parents helps to guide and support us, we hope that you will enjoy these articles as well as the others on the list. For the complete Top 10 List, click here.

Memories of Gladney's 125th Celebration

By April Uduhiri, Caseworker

In 125 years, the Gladney Center has touched so many lives in positive ways. I am always impressed and amazed after spending time in Gladney’s Fort Worth office, but this trip was really special. Hearing stories about Gladney from adoptive families, board members, and Gladney staff (past and present) just reminded me why I am so proud to work for this amazing organization. The whole weekend was a whirlwind of activity and the Texas staff did a fantastic job with planning the events for the celebration! My favorite moments were getting to meet adoptive families on Saturday at the Coming Home event at Gladney’s campus. It was especially heartwarming to meet some of the China families that I have worked with and see the families that have been created through this program! 125 has been a memorable year so far and I know Gladney will continue to do great work building more families throughout the next 125 years!

Family Fun at Gladney's 125th

By Mary Chapman, Caseworker

The 125th Anniversary Celebration this past weekend was truly about the families that have been created thanks to adoption.

My favorite part of the weekend was seeing so many happy families having fun together - whether it was screaming down the hills of the massive roller coasters at Six Flags, making crafts and enjoying the petting zoo at the Coming Home event on Gladney's campus or dancing the night away at the Gala.

It was a wonderful reminder that the hard work put into the adoption process completely pays off!

Celebrating Gladney’s 125

By Rebecca Pollack,  Taiwan Program Caseworker

My first trip to Gladney’s Texas Campus will be difficult to beat.  The New York Asia Program Team arrived in Dallas/Fort Worth on Thursday afternoon. We loaded our bags in an SUV, piled in, drove straight to Skittle at Six Flags Over Texas and jumped out! I hardly had time to be nervous (or prepare for the Texas heat) as I began meeting Gladney Families, staff, and board members. Roller coasters turned out to be great ice breakers! Everyone seemed to be having a great time, running from one Texas themed ride to another, winning Texas sized prizes, and resting to catch some Texas themed entertainment.

Friday was a whirlwind of meeting more co-workers who I e-mail with often, but have never met in person. As we toured Gladney’s main campus, our guide made the scene come alive with Gladney’s rich history and her own personal stories. Seeing the residence for birthmothers was a unique opportunity and further showed how committed Gladney is to helping pregnant women in need. The women who live there have a computer lab, gym and pool onsite. They share “family meals” and have areas to study, read, and relax. I was very impressed with the facility. My favorite part of the main campus was the “adoption museum” in the visitor’s center. I could have spent hours staring at the collection of photographs and reading stories, but we were a busy bunch!

We had lunch with Gladney Family Association (GFA) volunteers and leaders where Gladney directors told us about the status of various Gladney programs and services. Later, we rejoined GFA leaders at a happy hour. These families are enthusiastic about Gladney and helping other adoptive families. Meeting these loyal members was greatly encouraging.

Saturday was the big event, “The 125^th Anniversary Coming Home Party” at the Gladney Center Campus. Children and families gathered to celebrate with Gladney staff and volunteers. There were dancers, face painting, jumpy castles, a petting zoo, crafts, photo booths, a train ride, and more! The day flew by as we helped kids make Chinese lanterns, met families, and soaked up the sun. We watched traditional Ethiopian dancers, a dragon presentation, line dancers, and ballerinas. After such an exciting day, we had no time to be tired as that evening was the Gala!

Dressed to the nines, we joined Gladney families, donors, and honorees at the 125^th Anniversary Gala held at the Omni Hotel. The event was spectacular! While the entire weekend was amazing, the Gala really drove home how outstanding Gladney is. You could feel the passion for Gladney and for adoption. It was remarkable to be surrounded by such inspiring families and individuals. I am honored to work for Gladney and be part of this wonderful organization. Gladney really is a place “Where Hope is Born”!!

Adoption Grant Tips

Hope was recently adopted through Gladney's Guang Ming Program

Adopting can be very expensive, but there are numerous grants that adoptive parents can apply for. Hope and Austin's families received multiple grants that helped to bring their children home! Click here for some helpful tips suggested from both moms with answers to questions like: "There are many grants out there and available, but where to start?!", "Now that I found possible grants... what next?"

Austin was recently adopted through the Taiwan New Hope Program.

She's Amazing!

Jia Hong was born in China and adopted through Gladney's China program in 1999. She is now a super skier! This winter Jia achieved a fantastic second-place finish in the Vermont State Championships, the regional final for EQS mogul competition. Jia attends school full time at the Killington Mountain School. She began skiing with her family when she was 3 years old. It is evident that Jia not only loves the sport, but that she has become an accomplished competitor! Click here if you would like to read more about Jia in the Killington Mountain School Newsletter.