Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report Fiscal Year July 1

Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
Fiscal Year July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012
Table of contents
From our Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Our people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Activities and milestones . . . . . . . . . . 4
Advocating for adoption in Olympia . . . . . 5
An NWAE Family Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What you can do to support our work . . . . 8
Our programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Our in-kind sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Our donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
NWAE – Fiscal Year 2012 . . . . . . . . . . 11
For more than 30 years, Northwest Adoption Exchange (NWAE) has helped thousands of Northwest children find
adoptive homes. Our photo and profile galleries showcase foster children in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.
Featuring compelling photographs and thoughtfully written profiles, this service provides the critical exposure needed
to connect waiting children with permanent, loving families.
Our staff responds personally and proactively to all inquiries and questions. And we offer resources and programs that
support both caseworkers and families as they prepare for and navigate the adoption journey. We also prepare and
support older foster children to help them transition to adoptive homes from group care, residential care or foster care.
We find loving, adoptive families for the children in foster care;
We support the families who come forward to accept this challenge;
We educate and advocate for excellence in child welfare.
NWAE is a division of Northwest Resource Associates, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.
From our Director
This has been a year of triumphs and successes as well as hard fought campaigns; we have placed 262
children in adoptive families where they will thrive, and retained the adoption recruitment services in
Washington State that were in jeopardy.
Recently I had the pleasure of hearing a young man speak at the National Angels in Adoption Awards and
it caused me to reflect on the work that we do at the Exchange and why we do it. This young man was
a graduate of the foster care system and told the story of his journey through foster care and residential
homes until he aged out of the system at age 18. He made a lasting impression and his words will always
stay with me. He said, “We think it takes a village to raise a child, but it only takes one person to save the
life of a child.” Through the intervention of one person, a teacher, this young man told us how he was
literally saved at the age of 16 and was able to turn his life around. He has now gone on to graduate from
college, work as a congressional aide and will attend law school.
Notice that I did not say his teacher “adopted” him. Although we always strive to find adoptive homes for
children, sometimes it may not happen. Yet there are “angels” among us who make a difference. As the
young man said “It just takes one person.”
We do not all have to adopt children in order to make a difference in their lives. There are many things
that make a difference, sometimes one person at a time. This year I have seen so many people make a
difference to the Northwest Adoption Exchange and to the lives of the children we touch.
There were those who contacted their state legislators to tell them what the services of NWAE have
meant to their families, and requested that these services continue to be provided. Because of their
voices, because many spoke up, one by one, our services are still here for the waiting foster children and
families who wish to adopt them in Washington State.
There were those who volunteered at Kids’ Fest and outreach events, who donated their time
and professional services. There were businesses that gave freely of dollars and in-kind donations.
There were those who came out and were super stars at our silent auctions. There were those who
volunteered on committees to plan events and procure auction items. There were those quiet heroes
who gave generously in our annual pledge drive. And “generous” to me means any donation that is
heartfelt; the amount does not matter, it all makes a difference.
One by one, each in your own way, you made a difference. It does just take one person.
Thank you for making a difference this year.
It is an honor to do this work with the time and resources you have entrusted and afforded us, on behalf
of the children and families of the Northwest.
Sincerely,
Kelly DeLany, MA, LMFT
2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
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Our people
Tom Stoneham
FUNDRAISING
ADVISORY BOARD
President
Brian Andersen
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Karen McInerney
Vice President
Mike Croyle
Ken Crawford
Michelle Excuriex
Secretary
Mary Nelson
Michael L. Reese
Treasurer
Cindy Orr
Mike Croyle
Jeff Pritchard
Jamie Mittet
Jana Sanford
Robert J. Hunner
Executive Director
NWAE STAFF
Kelly DeLany, MA, LMFT
Director, Northwest Adoption Exchange & OR/WA Adoption Division
Patrick Weber, BA
Program Manager, Washington Adoption Resource Exchange (WARE)
Activities and
milestones
Kendra Morris-Jacobson, MA
Program Manager, Oregon Adoption Resource Exchange (OARE)
Bryna Desper, BA
Project Manager, Washington Special Recruitment Project (SRP)
Tyler Helbach, BA
Operations Manager, Northwest Adoption Exchange
Wednesday’s Child Coordinator
Jo Ann Trick, BA
Events Coordinator, Kids’ Fest
Program Manager, Washington State Foster Parent Information Center
Maggie Cotton, BA
Communications Coordinator
FALL KIDS’ FEST - TACOMA
November 5, 2011
NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY
CELEBRATIONS
November 19, 2011
WASHINGTON STATE
BUDGET PASSED
May 2, 2012
Stephanie Pride, BFA
Website Coordinator
Amber Louis, BA
GIVEBIG!
May 2, 2012
Specialized Recruitment Staff
Tamara Sandygren, BA
Development Assistant
Events & Volunteer Coordinator
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2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
BOWL FOR THE KIDS!
April 16, 2012
SPRING KIDS’ FEST - SEATTLE
May 19, 2012
Advocating for adoption in Olympia
This past winter the Washington State Legislature debated a proposed budget that completely
eliminated funding for the Northwest Adoption Exchange and the adoption recruitment services
we provide Washington foster children.
Determined to preserve this crucial service,
we went to Olympia to ask legislators to
stand up for foster children. We asked
families to let their legislators know how
adoption had changed their lives and their
children’s lives. We heard from social workers
who rely on recruitment services every day,
and we were touched by many who told us
they were writing to share why they support
the Northwest Adoption Exchange.
Donor Spotlight
ALASKAN COPPER & BRASS COMPANY
AND ALAKSAN COPPER WORKS
For over 20 years Alaskan Copper & Brass Company
and Alaskan Copper Works have proudly sponsored
Kids’ Fest adoption parties. Their continued support
allows NWAE to host a spring and fall event each
year. Every child has the right to a permanent, loving
family and we are grateful to them for helping us
pursue this goal.
Speaking on behalf of the 348 Washington
foster children we served in this past year,
we were able to secure 50% of our previous
funding, ensuring that Washington foster
children would continue to receive the adoption recruitment services they need and enable us to help
find families for them.
The support we received energized and inspired us, and while we know that we will have to do more
with less we are more excited than ever for the opportunity to find new and innovative ways to support
adoption in the Pacific Northwest.
“We want to express our sincerest thanks to you and your wonderful team for making
another Kids’ Fest such a memorable time.” - Douglas McBride, adoptive parent
2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
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“Doing Wednesday’s Child reports
for the past 26 years with the
help of organizations like the
Northwest Adoption Exchange
has been the most rewarding part
of my broadcasting career. There’s
nothing better than working with
dedicated professionals who care
about children and using the power
of the media to see those children
placed in loving adoptive homes.”
- Jay Hildebrandt, KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls
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2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
An NWAE Adoption Story
When Mike and Jim, a Washington couple, finally saw “T” on the Oregon pages of the Northwest
Adoption Exchange, they had been considering starting a family for years. As a psychologist and
teacher, they felt their backgrounds had equipped them with “the tools necessary to provide a loving,
stable home for a son who may have had a difficult or inconsistent first few years of life.” Adoption from
the foster care system seemed the best choice based on what they thought they could offer a new
child. When introduced to the NWAE website, they were initially struck by “how easy it was to use,” and
thought the site provided a solid resource
for learning about waiting children,
especially with the expanded photo and
video options.
“T’s” seasoned caseworker, Shari, read
their homestudy and immediately
recognized their potential – Mike and
Jim were a fit to a “t.” She reflects, “The
NWAE was an extremely helpful tool in
identifying this wonderful family who
was able to both meet ‘T’s’ special needs
and facilitate ongoing contact with his
great-grandmother.” Each time Mike and
Jim received new information about “T”
from Shari, their excitement grew.
“T’s” Idaho Wednesday’s Child video, produced by Jay Hildebrandt at Idaho Falls’ KIFI-TV, was particularly
instrumental in bringing “T” to life. It reinforced Mike and Jim’s feelings that “T” was “an excellent
match and the right choice to form our new family.” When they got the official call that they had been
selected as his adoptive parents, Mike and Jim were elated to say the least! Upon meeting their son,
their emotions catapulted from initial nervousness to “abundantly overjoyed.” Shari, “T” and his greatgrandmother were equally thrilled to embrace Mike and Jim.
Now all together and doing “extremely well,” including cherished and regular visits with “T’s” greatgrandmother, Mike and Jim share their hopes for others: “We cannot know what the future will bring for
our family or for other waiting families, but our hope is that anyone considering adoption will explore
the foster care system and shun the stereotype that these children are ‘damaged’; or that the only option
is adopting an infant. Our hope is that all children waiting to be adopted are able to find happiness and
health in their lives.”
“T” himself, who had longed for a father figure in his life, is doubly ecstatic: “I got a dad and a daddy!” As
for “T’s” great-grandmother? She boasts proudly, “I couldn’t be happier…they adopted me too!”
“The potential for great deeds are inside all children; it is up to us as
parents to provide the tools to bring them to light.” - Mike, adoptive parent
2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
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“As a current foster and foster-to-adopt parent in Washington state,
this is an answer to our prayers. Thank you NWAE for supporting
families like ours to find our forever family!” - Katie Owen
What you can do to
support our work
GET INVOLVED
Intern in our office; volunteer at our fun, community outreach events;
or become a valued member of our Fundraising Advisory Board.
Contact us to learn more about volunteer and internship opportunities.
STAY INFORMED
Sign-up online to receive email updates from NWAE
at www.nwae.org.
DONATE
Not all of us can be adoptive parents, but every one of us can make a
difference in the life of a child. Your gift of any amount supports every
waiting child. Make a donation, host a party or inspire your workplace
to give! Visit www.nwae.org to donate.
LEAVE A LEGACY
If planning for your estate, please consider making a gift to NWAE for
future generations. Our Estate Planner can assist you in supporting the
children who need your help the most.
SHARE WITH US
We welcome your feedback and ideas about our website, and about
our services and programs.
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2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
Our programs
NWAE OVERSEES THE FOLLOWING ADOPTION
AND FOSTER CARE PROGRAMS
Washington Adoption Resource Exchange (WARE)
www.warekids.org features photo and profile galleries of waiting foster children and available adoptive
families in the state of Washington. This password-protected website is a collaborative effort between
NWAE and the state of Washington Children’s Administration.
Oregon Adoption Resource Exchange (OARE)
www.oare-kids.org features a photo and profile gallery of waiting foster children in the state of Oregon. This
password-protected website is a collaborative effort between NWAE and the state of Oregon’s Department
of Human Services.
Washington Specialized Recruitment Project (SRP)
SRP is a specialized program of NWAE that focuses on specific waiting foster children in Washington
state. Partially funded by the state of Washington Children’s Administration, in collaboration with
NWAE, SRP combines enhanced outreach with targeted search efforts in order to recruit adoptive
families for these children.
Kids’ Fest
Kids’ Fest is a safe, festive party hosted by NWAE semiannually. The event is an opportunity for legally free
Washington children waiting in state foster care for adoption, and eligible-to-adopt Washington parents
to get acquainted. For over 20 years, NWAE has planned and managed Kids’ Fest under the corporate
sponsorship of Alaskan Copper & Brass Company and Alaskan Copper Works.
Washington Foster Parent Information Center
Our call center offers comprehensive information about the foster care and adoption process in
Washington State. We also host and maintain a statewide recruitment database that is used by local
recruitment specialists.
Media Outreach and Partnerships
We work to keep families and supporters informed about waiting children and relevant news in the fields of
adoption and foster care. Besides featuring children on our websites, we also take advantage of local media
outlets in order to find prospective families. By moving beyond the internet, we increase visibility for waiting
Northwest foster children.
Wednesday’s Child Filmings
News anchors Robyn Nance (KXLY-TV, Spokane) and Jay Hildebrandt (KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls) interview and film
waiting foster children in fun and exciting locations. These segments are featured on Wednesday night
evening news broadcasts, and are also included in the child’s profile on our websites. They give insight into
a child’s personality, behavior, their likes and dislikes, and what they are looking for in a family.
Saturday’s Child Column
For 30 years, this Seattle Times column has weekly featured a waiting child in need of an adoptive family.
PARTNER PROGRAMS
Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC)
Through a contract with the state of Oregon’s Department of Human Services, ORPARC provides ongoing
support, education, information, assistance, and referral services to DHS post adoptive families and assisted
guardianship families statewide.
Alaska Center for Resource Families (ACRF)
The ACRF provides training, referral services, individual support, and information to those who are
interested in becoming foster parents, adoptive parents, relative caretakers or guardians. Through onsite,
distance education, and teleconference training, ACRF provides the training necessary to become foster
parents or to meet on-going training requirements for maintaining a foster care license.
2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
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Our in-kind sponsors
Charles Adams
Buca di Beppo
Italian Restaurant
Dwight E. Funai
Neil Nelson
V.F Outlet
Hillclimb Chiropractic Clinic
Cindy Orr
Kelly Whitlock
Island Vintners
Jeff Pritchard
Sharon & Jim Wilford
David Lawrence
Karen Rall
Tasha Wood
Magpie Jewelry
Karen Reinholt
Alona Young
Audrey McLain
Pat Rhoads
Christian Morales
Tami Sandygren
Esther Change
Ken Guy
Caroline McShane
Mary Smith
Rae Cheney
Barbara Hagen Anderson
Christian Morales
Jim and Joyce Stockdill
Thomas Conquergood
Brian Hahn
Peter and Mary Naughton
Tom Stoneham
Zakiyyah Cordell
Hiro and Loretta Hayashida
Norma Nelson*
Joseph Straus
Kathy Countryman
Mike and Marcie Healey
Mary O’hara
Benton Strong
Ken Crawford
Barb Helbach
Mary O’Sullivan
Lauri Taft
Phyllis B. Crooks
Mike and Mary Helbach
Richard and Eileen Okada
Jennifer Tarrats
Michael Croyle
Tyler Helbach
Erling and Lydia Olsen
Chante Tayler
Rebekah Davies
Evelyn Helland
Theresa and Craig Olson
Ingrid Taylor
Sharron Anderson
Kevin and Terresa Davis
Mary Hendrickson
Cindy Orr
Barbara Teichert
Peter Anthony
Kelly DeLany
Peter Himmelfarb
Helen Owens
Mark and Nancy Toso
Evelyn Arakaki
Margaret DeLany
Christopher Howard
Sally Owens
Steve and Jo Ann Trick
Larry Baker
Mark Desmond
Marinda Huber
Peggy Pahl
Ken and Mary Tucker*
Patricia Baldwin
Chris and Tracy Dew
Robert Hunner
Stuart and Jollee Patterson
David Turley
Karen Barnes
Christina Dicostanzo
Carol Hutchinson
Paul Pearson
Amy M. Wainio
Deanna Bedell
Alexa Dobbs
Claudia Hutchison
Terri Perlman
Judith Whitehouse
Susan Bennett-Hassenmiller
Erin Dyvig
Kelli Johnson
Dr. Steve and Sharon Pierce
Jim Wilford
Cheryl and Carroll Berrey
Jan Elliott
Elizabeth Jones
Catherine Pitinga
Sharon Wilford
Derek Bishop
Greg and Chris Englin
Pat Kavanaugh
Michael and Patsy Reese
Mary Williams
Steve and Debbie Bley
Michelle Escuriex
Choi Kawamoto
Jennifer Reif
Tasha Wood
Dr. and Mrs. Rodney Block**
Dr. Vera F Fahlberg
Sally Ketcham
Pat Rhoads
Jim and Priscilla Worrall
Ina Block**
Louise M. Ferber
Bracken Killpack
Jan Ross Leo
Dawn Bonker
Jake and Nancy Flannery
Kristina Koul
Verna Samuels
Nicole and Jeff
Wortley Sanford
Peter Brissing*
Edward Fogle
Georgi Krom
Scott Sandygren
Kathleen T. Brooks
Dwight Funai
Mary Kurylo
Tami Sandygren
Roger and Mari Brown
Alison Galinsky
Penny Lamping
Jeff Burrell
Marlene Gates
Kenneth Luke
Nancy, Ed, Janna, and Evan
Sanford
Lynette E. Cabral
Tom and Janice Geisness
Scott and Karen MacCaskill
Dawn Carr
Leon and Erika Giles
Wendy B.Marlowe, PhD, ABPP
Linda Carroll
Tina Givens
Constance Martin
Dean and Paulette Caswell
William and Rosemary
Goodhue
Scott Matheson
Adams Insurance
Bartell Drugs
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Susan A. BennettHassenmiller
Rosie & A.C. Cavanaugh
Mikaela Celli
Kevin and Terresa Davis
Mary Delamater
Michelle Escuriex
Our donors
Alaskan Copper &
Brass Company and
Alaskan Copper Works
Charles Adams
Peter Albertson
May and Ronnie Allen
Gwen Anderson
Joel and Carol Anderson
Kenneth and Barbara
Anderson
Rosie and A. C. Cavanaugh
Stephen and Molly Greist
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2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
Barbara McCormick
Karen McInerney
Jeff Sebak
Robert and Pam Sharman
Joe and Dorothy
Shaughnessy
Michael and Nancy Shurtleff *
Maria Smith
Lillian Yetter
Alona Young
Bonny Zuckerman
*In Memory of Barbara
Tucker Pearson
**In Memory of
Christine Roberts
NWAE – Fiscal Year July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012
CHILD SERVICE SUMMARY
Services Provided *
Outcomes
Demographics
Children Served
601
Age
Placed
Active
On Hold
Registered
318
<2
7
0
1
Placed
262
2-5
51
14
12
Withdrawn
55
6-8
82
24
17
Pending Placement
80
9-11
60
51
26
Active
204
12-14
33
59
15
4,585
15+
29
56
9
Inquiries
Placed + Pending
57%
Active
34%
Withdrawn
9%
*Children may be counted in more
than one service category.
FINANCIALS
Revenue
Expenses
NWAE Programs
$689,888.00
Cash
Donations
$22,574.00
Corporate Sponsors
– Kids’ Fest
$16,278.00
NWAE Programs
$612,975.05
In-Kind
Donations
$5,298.00
Administrative
$79,658.87
Development
$24,249.00
Kids’ Fest
$16,278.00
2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report
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A leader in the field of special needs adoptions.
Northwest Adoption Exchange
520 Pike Street, Suite 1350 | Seattle, WA 98101
1-800-927-9411 | nwae@nwresource.org | www.nwae.org
Northwest Adoption Exchange is a division of Northwest
Resource Associates, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.