Gladney Blog

The Gladney Center for Adoption is honored to announce a remarkable   
opportunity — the very first International Hosting Program ever approved by the   
country of Ecuador. For the first time, Ecuador’s central adoption authority has   
entrusted Gladney to bring a group of waiting children to the United States,   
allowing them to experience life with loving American families. This milestone   
marks an incredible moment in international child advocacy — and you can be a   
part of it.  
For 2–4 weeks this summer, children from Ecuador who are waiting for adoption   
will travel to the U.S. to stay with carefully screened and qualified host families.   
During their time here, the children will experience the warmth of family life,   
participate in fun cultural and community activities, and form meaningful   
connections that may change the course of their lives.  
Hosting is a powerful way to make a tangible impact. For many children, this   
experience becomes the bridge to finding their forever family — whether through   
adoption or by opening new doors for advocacy. Gladney’s team will provide full   
support and guidance every step of the way, ensuring that both children and   
families are well-prepared and supported throughout the journey.  
By welcoming a child into your home, you are not only offering love and stability   
for a few weeks — you are helping to shape their future. Ecuador’s decision to   
launch this historic partnership with Gladney speaks volumes about the trust   
placed in our organization’s experience, compassion, and commitment to ethical   
adoption practices.  
We invite you to join us in making history. Step forward, open your home, and   
become a host family for a child from Ecuador. Together, we can help these   
children experience belonging, hope, and the joy of family.  

Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities with over 12 million people, was the starting point of the Silk Road and the capital for 13 dynasties. Known for its deep history and cultural heritage, Xi’an is home to the Terra-cotta Warriors, considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. The city also features the Ming-era City Walls, the Drum and Bell Towers, and the vibrant Muslim Street, famous for its street food and cultural blend. Today, Xi’an combines ancient tradition with modern growth, offering families a unique journey to explore history, taste local delicacies, and connect with China’s roots.

Building Partnerships, Creating Futures: Gladney’s Work in Thailand  
At Gladney, we believe every child deserves a loving and caring family. This   
belief has guided our international work for decades — and it continues to inspire   
new partnerships around the world. We are thrilled to share an update on two   
incredible collaborations in Thailand that are helping make this vision a reality.  

A return trip to China is an extraordinary opportunity for adoptees and their families. It’s a chance to connect with culture and heritage in a personal and powerful way—but like any meaningful journey, it requires thoughtful preparation. At Gladney, we want families to feel equipped not only with the right travel essentials but also with the emotional tools to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to   
pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee (and maybe a cookie or two), and learn a little   
something new. No halos, no stereotypes—just people, facts, and a whole lot of   
humanity.

Shanghai, China’s largest city with over 25 million residents is a global hub of finance, trade, and innovation. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” it blends colonial history with modern skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower. The city’s economy thrives on shipping, finance, and technology, making it one of the world’s most dynamic urban centers. Shanghai cuisine emphasizes fresh seafood, soup dumplings (xiao long bao), and sweet-savory flavors. With vibrant street life, diverse food, and cultural depth, Shanghai offers something for every family.

At Gladney, we are proud to work alongside exceptional organizations that share   
our commitment to finding loving, permanent families for children. Two such   
partners, Cathwel Service and Chung Yi Social Welfare Foundation, have been   
pillars of our international adoption work in Taiwan for 17 years, and their   
dedication has helped bring hope and stability to hundreds of children.  

For many international adoptees, traveling back to China is more than just a trip—it’s a deeply meaningful step in the lifelong journey of adoption. At Gladney, we believe these experiences have the power to strengthen identity, deepen family bonds, and create lasting connections to culture and heritage. 

At just 7½ years old, Wren already shines with a bright spark for learning and caring for others. She loves reading picture books with the help of phonics, counting money when shopping, and takes pride in learning her 9s multiplication tables. But more than anything, Wren knows one very important thing about herself: she wants gentle parents.

A Warm and Caring Spirit
Wren has been diagnosed with ADHD and Tourette’s Syndrome, and she’s working hard to navigate some really big feelings. She thrives when adults encourage her with praise and celebrate her accomplishments. Motivated by small rewards and her natural competitive spirit, Wren listens well when reminded to slow down. A calm, quiet environment helps her feel safe and grounded.

Her big heart shines through in her love for helping younger children. With a strong sense of justice, Wren notices when someone is struggling and makes sure they get the support they need by finding an adult.

The Simple Joys
Wren’s favorite things are simple yet meaningful - strawberry-flavored treats, lending a hand around the house, and listening to soft music before bedtime. At night, she often talks quietly to herself as she drifts off to sleep, comforted by knowing an adult is nearby.

The Right Family for Wren
Wren will thrive with parents who are patient, understanding, and trauma-informed-parents who will honor her request for gentleness. She needs caregivers who can walk with her through the challenges of big emotions while cherishing the sweet moments, like when she gestures for a hug.

📩 If you think you might be Wren’s future parents, please contact us at superkids@gladney.org to review her full profile.

Understanding ADHD: Seeing the Brilliance Behind the Buzz  
“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”  
- Dr. Seuss