Saint Francis Celebrates ‘Forever Families’
November 2018 · Ministry News
Dozens of Kansas children received their forever families last week as their adoptions were finalized at National Adoption Day celebrations hosted by Saint Francis Ministries.
Of the nearly 400,000 children in foster care nationwide, more than 115,000 are awaiting adoption. Traditionally scheduled on the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day, National Adoption Day helps raise awareness about the need for adoptive parents and honors those who make the decision to welcome a child into their family.
Mom Melanie looks on as her daughter, Bella, receives a new backpack following the finalization of her adoption at Exploration Place.
Saint Francis staff hosted adoption events on Friday and Saturday in Great Bend, Salina, Hutchinson, and Wichita. Judges, attorneys, and clerks from the various judicial districts volunteered their time to finalize the adoptions of about 70 children this year.
As in previous years, the Wichita celebration hosted families, relatives, friends, and children at Exploration Place, where Susan Peters, founder of the adoption nonprofit Susan’s Kids, emceed the ceremonies.
National Adoption Day at Exploration Place
“Saint Francis proudly hosts this event annually on National Adoption Day, but the work on behalf of children continues every day of the year,” said The Very Rev. Robert N. Smith, CEO of Saint Francis Ministries. “Today’s ceremonies culminate more than 400 adoptions facilitated by Saint Francis this year. Yet, more than 220 children remain on a waiting list to join a loving, permanent home.
National Adoption Day at Exploration Place
“The need for adoptive families has never been greater. The primary qualifications for prospective parents are an open heart and a loving spirit. We pray these unions will be forever blessed and will inspire more families to open their hearts and homes to other children seeking a life-long family bond.”
Saint Francis staff members pose with The Honorable Patricia Macke Dick, Chief Judge of the 27th Judicial District, prior to finalizing the adoption of six children during the National Adoption Day celebration in Hutchinson. Pictured from left to right, Carmen Wilson, Stephanie Cumming, Melissa Hart, Kelsey Hodges, Jennifer Treaster, Judge Macke Dick, Kim Probst, Jodi Fowler, Rhonda Rogers, and Bruce Nichols.
What about you? Do you have room in your home – and in your heart – for a child in need of a forever family?
To learn more about adoption visit here.