Dear Friends,
Our passion and belief were as strong in 2019 as they were in 1887. Every Child Deserves a Loving and Caring Family. Because of you, 211 children started their new lives in a forever family last year. Whether from an orphanage or foster home, or from a courageous expectant parent making an adoption plan, EVERY one of these children deserves the security and love of a family, and you made that happen.
It was another exciting year at Gladney as the Board embarked on an ambitious plan to explore with staff how we can make a meaningful change in the foster care system. While the process is ongoing, the most exciting change this year was the repurposing of the residential home on campus.
For more than 70 years, the residential home served as a place for expectant mothers to live and receive support as they made an adoption plan. While we are still serving just as many expectant mothers in their home communities, the need for residential maternity housing has declined over the past decade. The Board worked with staff to reimagine how we could use the space to serve children in need. In 2019, we opened the doors to the Gladney Home, which now serves girls between 11 and 17 years of age, who are at risk of aging out of the foster care system and who wish to be adopted. This new program allows us to use our resources to make a difference in the lives of these girls.
The Board also engaged in its first acquisition in more than 10 years. In December, Gladney purchased Adoption.com. This online platform serves as an educational and referral resource for everyone involved in adoption, and it is the largest adoption searched website in the world. Our goal is to grow our education and support services for families, all while increasing awareness about waiting children living in foster care and orphanages who are available for adoption. This investment will put Gladney at the forefront of change in our society regarding permanency for children in need. There will be much more shared as the Board and staff further integrate Adoption.com and Gladney.
In September, Christopher Dezzi stepped down as Chairman of the Board, a position he had held with honor and dedication for two years. Mark McLeland, a two-time Gladney Dad and tireless supporter of Gladney for more than 30 years, stepped into the Chairman role. We are excited as he leads us into a very bright future.
While Gladney continues to grow our adoption services, we realize nothing we do is possible without the generous support of our Gladney Families and Friends like YOU! As you read through the pages of this Annual Report, take pride in knowing your investment in Gladney is making an impact that will last for generations.
Sincerely,
Christopher Dezzi
2017-2019 Board Chairman & Gladney Dad
Mark McLeland
2019-2020 Board Chairman & Gladney Dad
Mark Melson
President, CEO, & Gladney Dad
