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OUR MISSION
- Adoption Resources of Wisconsin
- We are dedicated to finding permanence for every child in Wisconsin and to supporting, nurturing and encouraging healthy families.
The Journey Home: A letter from ARW's Board President and CEO
Dear Friends,
Twenty-five years ago, a caring group of adoptive parents came together to take a hard look at Wisconsin's system of adoption and foster care. They wanted to bring awareness about foster care children who had no hope of finding permanent homes. They researched what was happening in other states in order to apply successful models to Wisconsin. These committed parents even brought their children to Joint Finance Meetings at the Legislature to gather necessary legal languages and funding. In 1984, after legislative action and funding was secure, Adoption Resources was born.
Like those children we serve, Adoption Resources took some time to find a permanent home and strengthen our family. The first years concentrated on putting a "face" to waiting children by publicizing children's real-life stories to the community. As we grew, we expanded services to include birth parents, adoptive families and foster families, helping to make informed decisions about adoption. Because of this work, we witnessed a dramatic increase in the number of children being successfully adopted and subsequently, an increasing need for post-placement services. Today, post-placement services - parent training and support - is a significant part of what we do.
Children are our most valuable resource. When we give them stability, safety and support, they have a fighting chance to grow into their potential - the potential to become wonderful, productive adults that is their birthright. If we cannot help them find a family of their own, studies show they will struggle. Their hardship will lead to homelessness, imprisonment and a cycle of poverty for generations to come.
Each and every day, our staff and Board of Directors are driven to help a loving family and to help support those families. Starting with the kitchen table dreams of our founders, followed with five years of operation in Colleen Ellingson's basement, our successful organization today still holds to our single mission:
To find permanence for every child in need and to support and sustain healthy families.
We thank each and every one of you for your support of our organization for the past twenty-five years. And we challenge you to stand with us to meeting the needs of children and families in the next twenty-five years and beyond. Please consider taking an active role today. Your donations make a huge difference to Wisconsin's kids and families.
-Bruce Miller: President, Board of Directors
-Colleen M. Ellingson: CEO
