Hayley and John felt led to adopt siblings, under the age of twelve, from foster care. They weren’t swayed in their efforts, even after experiencing some challenges. While attending an event to meet children who were available for adoption, Hayley and John noticed a tall teenage girl with bright green hair approach a boy who sat all alone on the playground.
They took a chance and said hello to that girl, whose name was Lilly.
Hayley and John didn’t get to spend more than a few minutes with her that day, but they left the event knowing they wanted to learn more about that big-hearted, green-haired girl.
They soon moved forward with an adoption. Becoming parents of a teenager was not at all what Hayley and John were initially planning or expecting, but they welcomed Lilly into their hearts and home just before her 17th birthday and finalized their adoption six months later.
Hayley, John, and Lilly and their open minds are why Gladney is still working to find loving and caring families in 2023.
They’re also why I hope you will be inspired to support Gladney and our important work by making a tax-deductible, year-end gift.
Your support helps us thoughtfully consider new factors like research on trauma, progress on open adoptions, and long-term perspectives of adult adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents—all while staying true to our roots.
Thank you.
