Dimensions of Excellence

We believe our Values-Based Open Adoption Program is far more than just another adoption program.  Forever in search of better ways to serve those who look to us for assistance, we are not about to rest on our laurels.  We are convinced that, if we listen more closely, if we bring greater creativity and imagination to our work, we will find ways to fashion adoptions that are more hospitable and child-centered than ever.  Here are some factors that we think distinguish our program from the crowd.

Experience:   We are proud of the fact that we are one of the first programs in the country to make a commitment to the open approach to adoption.  That fact means two things. First, it is testimony to the depth of our conviction.  We’ve “paid our dues” through the years; our breakthroughs were gain by overcoming the opposition of many who now cheerfully claim them.  Second, nothing instructs the way experience does.  Because of our peerless experience, we look to the future with confidence.  No matter what comes up, chances are we have seen something comparable in the past, and, if we haven’t, we will simply find the circumstance even more interesting than usual.

Candor:  How refreshing it is to have all of the cards on the table.  It’s great news for all of us.  Because we believe carefully crafted adoption is a good thing, we don’t see any reason for anyone, including ourselves, to be evasive or sneaky.  What you see is what you get.  No games, no nonsense.  

Teamwork:  Sadly, some people go through adoption feeling very alone.  Perhaps some prefer it that way, but we think the experience is a lot more relaxed and a lot more fun when others join the journey.  None of us has all of the answers on our own; we get better results when we collaborate.  We don’t want you to be passive in this amazing experience; we want you to actively participate.  You drive; we’ll navigate.

Results:  Outsiders tell us that our open adoption families are somehow different than others.  We are proud of the fact that our families really “get it.”  Their conviction that children deserve to know and own their stories activates the fullness of their hospitable instincts.  We believe the adoptions we are helping to launch are warmer and more interactive than most.

Leadership:  We have been blessed to be part of something that is far bigger than we are.  Although our program is small, we’ve had a mighty impact.  It is our good fortune to list some of the best thinkers in the field of adoption as our friends, so we are in the loop as the field moves forward.  While some are content to follow, our folks would rather show the way!