Time. It moves slowly but passes quickly. It is a thief. It heals all wounds. It has a way of really showing us what matters. It waits for no one. I could go on and on with quotes about time. The point is that it passes whether we like it or not. For Maleah, a hopeful teen in Thailand, it is passing far too quickly. Maleah turned 15 in October, giving her less than a year to find a family. Time is running out to adopt Maleah and give her the loving family she deserves.
In early November 2024, Misty Lucas and Adriana Chaves traveled to Ecuador as part of Gladney’s ongoing efforts to advocate for children and strengthen our international adoption program. Their time in Ecuador was filled with impactful meetings, collaborative planning, and cultural exchange. These trips are essential in supporting our mission to find loving families for children in need.
Adopting a child is a life-changing experience, and for Andrew and Hannah, their journey to adopt Matthew from Colombia was filled with hope, patience, and perseverance. After raising four biological children, they felt the calling to expand their family through adoption. They chose international adoption, and Colombia stood out as the right fit for them.
The latest episode of YOU GO MISS O, hosted by Miss Oklahoma 2024, Lauren Frost, dives deep into adoption advocacy and education with a very special guest: Mark Melson, the CEO of The Gladney Center for Adoption. This conversation is part of a mini-series highlighting adoption stories from various perspectives throughout Lauren’s year of service as Miss Oklahoma.
On September 5, 2024, China officially ended its international adoption program, allowing only adoptions by blood relatives. The decision, announced by China’s Foreign Ministry was made with social, demographic, and diplomatic considerations.
Bulgaria offers adoption opportunities through the Gladney Center for Adoption. Gladney collaborates with accredited organizations in Bulgaria to facilitate adoptions for children aged 18 months to 14 years. These children may have special medical needs, be older, or are part of a sibling group. These adoptions take place via the Traditional Program or the Waiting Child Program.
Adopting a child is a huge decision full of joyous and challenging moments. It also demands a lot of preparation. For those who choose to welcome a child with special needs into their family, preparation will make a significant difference in the transition.
November marks the beginning of National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate the incredible stories of families formed through adoption and to raise awareness about the ongoing need for loving, supportive homes for children worldwide. At Gladney, we are driven by a simple yet profound belief: every child deserves a loving and caring family.
Throughout our history, Gladney has proudly worked to support and uplift families through various adoption programs, each tailored to meet the unique needs of children and families. We are honored to be a part of adoption journeys that span domestic infant adoption, international adoption, and foster care adoption.
Our domestic infant adoption program provides comprehensive support for expectant mothers considering adoption and families hoping to welcome a child into their lives. From counseling and resources for expectant mothers to pre-adoption education and post-adoption support for families, our focus is on creating a strong foundation for every child’s future.
Last Friday, we held our annual Gladney Adoption Day event, where we celebrated the finalization of adoptions and the beginning of beautiful new family stories. The event was a joyful reminder of the transformative power of adoption, and we look forward to more moments of celebration in the future.
Gladney is committed to international adoption, partnering with nine countries around the world to bring children and families together. We facilitate adoptions from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, China, and Hong Kong.
Our experienced team provides culturally sensitive guidance and extensive resources to ensure families are well-prepared for their journey. We take pride in helping families navigate the international adoption process, and we remain dedicated to the children who are waiting for a loving home, no matter where they are in the world.
Thousands of children in foster care dream of having a forever family. Through our New Beginnings Program, we connect children who have experienced foster care with stable, loving parents who are ready to make a lifelong commitment.
We also collaborate with the Heart Gallery of North Texas, a photo exhibit designed to raise awareness and find families for children waiting in the foster care system. By showcasing these children’s stories, we hope to inspire more families to consider foster care adoption and provide the safe, nurturing environment every child needs to thrive.
This November, we invite you to celebrate the joy of adoption and recognize the incredible families who have opened their hearts to children in need. Together, we can create bright futures and build forever families for children everywhere. Whether you are considering adoption, know someone who is, or simply want to support our mission, your involvement makes a world of difference.
Follow us on Instagram @gladneycenter to learn more about how Gladney supports families through every step of the adoption journey.
This National Adoption Month, let’s come together to protect adoption, advocate for children, and make lasting impacts in the lives of countless families.
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Get Ready to Rock at Gladney’s Annual Adoption Rocks Event!
