2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report

For more than 30 years, Northwest Adoption Exchange (NWAE) has helped thousands of Northwest children find

adoptive homes. Our photo and profile galleries showcase foster children in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.

Featuring compelling photographs and thoughtfully written profiles, this service provides the critical exposure needed

to connect waiting children with permanent, loving families.

Our staff responds personally and proactively to all inquiries and questions. And we offer resources and programs that

support both caseworkers and families as they prepare for and navigate the adoption journey. We also prepare and

support older foster children to help them transition to adoptive homes from group care, residential care or foster care.

We find loving, adoptive families for the children in foster care;

We support the families who come forward to accept this challenge;

We educate and advocate for excellence in child welfare.

NWAE is a division of Northwest Resource Associates, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization.

Table of contentsFrom our Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Our people . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Activities and milestones . . . . . . . . . . 4

Advocating for adoption in Olympia . . . . . 5

An NWAE Family Story 7

What you can do to support our work . . . . 8

Our programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Our in-kind sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Our donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

NWAE – Fiscal Year 2012 . . . . . . . . . . 11

2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report 3

From our DirectorThis has been a year of triumphs and successes as well as hard fought campaigns; we have placed 262

children in adoptive families where they will thrive, and retained the adoption recruitment services in

Washington State that were in jeopardy.

Recently I had the pleasure of hearing a young man speak at the National Angels in Adoption Awards and

it caused me to reflect on the work that we do at the Exchange and why we do it. This young man was

a graduate of the foster care system and told the story of his journey through foster care and residential

homes until he aged out of the system at age 18. He made a lasting impression and his words will always

stay with me. He said, “We think it takes a village to raise a child, but it only takes one person to save the

life of a child.” Through the intervention of one person, a teacher, this young man told us how he was

literally saved at the age of 16 and was able to turn his life around. He has now gone on to graduate from

college, work as a congressional aide and will attend law school.

Notice that I did not say his teacher “adopted” him. Although we always strive to find adoptive homes for

children, sometimes it may not happen. Yet there are “angels” among us who make a difference. As the

young man said “It just takes one person.”

We do not all have to adopt children in order to make a difference in their lives. There are many things

that make a difference, sometimes one person at a time. This year I have seen so many people make a

difference to the Northwest Adoption Exchange and to the lives of the children we touch.

There were those who contacted their state legislators to tell them what the services of NWAE have

meant to their families, and requested that these services continue to be provided. Because of their

voices, because many spoke up, one by one, our services are still here for the waiting foster children and

families who wish to adopt them in Washington State.

There were those who volunteered at Kids’ Fest and outreach events, who donated their time

and professional services. There were businesses that gave freely of dollars and in-kind donations.

There were those who came out and were super stars at our silent auctions. There were those who

volunteered on committees to plan events and procure auction items. There were those quiet heroes

who gave generously in our annual pledge drive. And “generous” to me means any donation that is

heartfelt; the amount does not matter, it all makes a difference.

One by one, each in your own way, you made a difference. It does just take one person.

Thank you for making a difference this year.

It is an honor to do this work with the time and resources you have entrusted and afforded us, on behalf

of the children and families of the Northwest.

Sincerely,

Kelly DeLany, MA, LMFT

4 2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report

Our people

Activities and milestones

FALL KIDS’ FEST - TACOMA November 5, 2011

NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY CELEBRATIONS

November 19, 2011

WASHINGTON STATE BUDGET PASSED

May 2, 2012

GIVEBIG! May 2, 2012

BOWL FOR THE KIDS! April 16, 2012

SPRING KIDS’ FEST - SEATTLE May 19, 2012

FUNDRAISING ADVISORY BOARDBrian Andersen

Ken Crawford

Michelle Excuriex

Mary Nelson

Cindy Orr

Jeff Pritchard

Jana Sanford

BOARD OF DIRECTORSTom StonehamPresident

Karen McInerneyVice President

Mike CroyleSecretary

Michael L. ReeseTreasurer

Mike Croyle

Jamie Mittet

Robert J. HunnerExecutive Director

NWAE STAFFKelly DeLany, MA, LMFTDirector, Northwest Adoption Exchange & OR/WA Adoption Division

Patrick Weber, BAProgram Manager, Washington Adoption Resource Exchange (WARE)

Kendra Morris-Jacobson, MAProgram Manager, Oregon Adoption Resource Exchange (OARE)

Bryna Desper, BAProject Manager, Washington Special Recruitment Project (SRP)

Tyler Helbach, BAOperations Manager, Northwest Adoption Exchange

Wednesday’s Child Coordinator

Jo Ann Trick, BAEvents Coordinator, Kids’ Fest

Program Manager, Washington State Foster Parent Information Center

Maggie Cotton, BACommunications Coordinator

Stephanie Pride, BFAWebsite Coordinator

Amber Louis, BASpecialized Recruitment Staff

Tamara Sandygren, BADevelopment Assistant

Events & Volunteer Coordinator

2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report 5

Advocating for adoption in OlympiaThis past winter the Washington State Legislature debated a proposed budget that completely

eliminated funding for the Northwest Adoption Exchange and the adoption recruitment services

we provide Washington foster children.

Determined to preserve this crucial service,

we went to Olympia to ask legislators to

stand up for foster children. We asked

families to let their legislators know how

adoption had changed their lives and their

children’s lives. We heard from social workers

who rely on recruitment services every day,

and we were touched by many who told us

they were writing to share why they support

the Northwest Adoption Exchange.

Speaking on behalf of the 348 Washington

foster children we served in this past year,

we were able to secure 50% of our previous

funding, ensuring that Washington foster

children would continue to receive the adoption recruitment services they need and enable us to help

find families for them.

The support we received energized and inspired us, and while we know that we will have to do more

with less we are more excited than ever for the opportunity to find new and innovative ways to support

adoption in the Pacific Northwest.

“We want to express our sincerest thanks to you and your wonderful team for making another Kids’ Fest such a memorable time.” - Douglas McBride, adoptive parent

Donor SpotlightALASKAN COPPER & BRASS COMPANYAND ALAKSAN COPPER WORKSFor over 20 years Alaskan Copper & Brass Company

and Alaskan Copper Works have proudly sponsored

Kids’ Fest adoption parties. Their continued support

allows NWAE to host a spring and fall event each

year. Every child has the right to a permanent, loving

family and we are grateful to them for helping us

pursue this goal.

6 2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report

“Doing Wednesday’s Child reports for the past 26 years with the help of organizations like the Northwest Adoption Exchange has been the most rewarding part of my broadcasting career. There’s nothing better than working with dedicated professionals who care about children and using the power of the media to see those children placed in loving adoptive homes.”

- Jay Hildebrandt, KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls

2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report 7

An NWAE Adoption Story When Mike and Jim, a Washington couple, finally saw “T” on the Oregon pages of the Northwest

Adoption Exchange, they had been considering starting a family for years. As a psychologist and

teacher, they felt their backgrounds had equipped them with “the tools necessary to provide a loving,

stable home for a son who may have had a difficult or inconsistent first few years of life.” Adoption from

the foster care system seemed the best choice based on what they thought they could offer a new

child. When introduced to the NWAE website, they were initially struck by “how easy it was to use,” and

thought the site provided a solid resource

for learning about waiting children,

especially with the expanded photo and

video options.

“T’s” seasoned caseworker, Shari, read

their homestudy and immediately

recognized their potential – Mike and

Jim were a fit to a “t.” She reflects, “The

NWAE was an extremely helpful tool in

identifying this wonderful family who

was able to both meet ‘T’s’ special needs

and facilitate ongoing contact with his

great-grandmother.” Each time Mike and

Jim received new information about “T”

from Shari, their excitement grew.

“T’s” Idaho Wednesday’s Child video, produced by Jay Hildebrandt at Idaho Falls’ KIFI-TV, was particularly

instrumental in bringing “T” to life. It reinforced Mike and Jim’s feelings that “T” was “an excellent

match and the right choice to form our new family.” When they got the official call that they had been

selected as his adoptive parents, Mike and Jim were elated to say the least! Upon meeting their son,

their emotions catapulted from initial nervousness to “abundantly overjoyed.” Shari, “T” and his great-

grandmother were equally thrilled to embrace Mike and Jim.

Now all together and doing “extremely well,” including cherished and regular visits with “T’s” great-

grandmother, Mike and Jim share their hopes for others: “We cannot know what the future will bring for

our family or for other waiting families, but our hope is that anyone considering adoption will explore

the foster care system and shun the stereotype that these children are ‘damaged’; or that the only option

is adopting an infant. Our hope is that all children waiting to be adopted are able to find happiness and

health in their lives.”

“T” himself, who had longed for a father figure in his life, is doubly ecstatic: “I got a dad and a daddy!” As

for “T’s” great-grandmother? She boasts proudly, “I couldn’t be happier…they adopted me too!”

“The potential for great deeds are inside all children; it is up to us as parents to provide the tools to bring them to light.” - Mike, adoptive parent

8 2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report

“As a current foster and foster-to-adopt parent in Washington state, this is an answer to our prayers. Thank you NWAE for supporting families like ours to find our forever family!” - Katie Owen

What you can do to support our workGET INVOLVEDIntern in our office; volunteer at our fun, community outreach events;

or become a valued member of our Fundraising Advisory Board.

Contact us to learn more about volunteer and internship opportunities.

STAY INFORMED Sign-up online to receive email updates from NWAE

at www.nwae.org.

DONATENot all of us can be adoptive parents, but every one of us can make a

difference in the life of a child. Your gift of any amount supports every

waiting child. Make a donation, host a party or inspire your workplace

to give!

LEAVE A LEGACYIf planning for your estate, please consider making a gift to NWAE for

future generations. Our Estate Planner can assist you in supporting the

children who need your help the most.

SHARE WITH US We welcome your feedback and ideas about our website, and about

our services and programs.

2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report 9

Our programsNWAE OVERSEES THE FOLLOWING ADOPTION AND FOSTER CARE PROGRAMSWashington Adoption Resource Exchange (WARE) www.warekids.org features photo and profile galleries of waiting foster children and available adoptive families in the state of Washington. This password-protected website is a collaborative effort between NWAE and the state of Washington Children’s Administration.

Oregon Adoption Resource Exchange (OARE)www.oare-kids.org features a photo and profile gallery of waiting foster children in the state of Oregon. This password-protected website is a collaborative effort between NWAE and the state of Oregon’s Department of Human Services.

Washington Specialized Recruitment Project (SRP)SRP is a specialized program of NWAE that focuses on specific waiting foster children in Washington state. Partially funded by the state of Washington Children’s Administration, in collaboration with NWAE, SRP combines enhanced outreach with targeted search efforts in order to recruit adoptive families for these children.

Kids’ FestKids’ Fest is a safe, festive party hosted by NWAE semiannually. The event is an opportunity for legally free Washington children waiting in state foster care for adoption, and eligible-to-adopt Washington parents to get acquainted. For over 20 years, NWAE has planned and managed Kids’ Fest under the corporate sponsorship of Alaskan Copper & Brass Company and Alaskan Copper Works.

Washington Foster Parent Information CenterOur call center offers comprehensive information about the foster care and adoption process in Washington State. We also host and maintain a statewide recruitment database that is used by local recruitment specialists.

Media Outreach and PartnershipsWe work to keep families and supporters informed about waiting children and relevant news in the fields of adoption and foster care. Besides featuring children on our websites, we also take advantage of local media outlets in order to find prospective families. By moving beyond the internet, we increase visibility for waiting Northwest foster children.

Wednesday’s Child FilmingsNews anchors Robyn Nance (KXLY-TV, Spokane) and Jay Hildebrandt (KIFI-TV, Idaho Falls) interview and film waiting foster children in fun and exciting locations. These segments are featured on Wednesday night evening news broadcasts, and are also included in the child’s profile on our websites. They give insight into a child’s personality, behavior, their likes and dislikes, and what they are looking for in a family.

Saturday’s Child ColumnFor 30 years, this Seattle Times column has weekly featured a waiting child in need of an adoptive family.

PARTNER PROGRAMSOregon Post Adoption Resource Center (ORPARC)Through a contract with the state of Oregon’s Department of Human Services, ORPARC provides ongoing support, education, information, assistance, and referral services to DHS post adoptive families and assisted guardianship families statewide.

Alaska Center for Resource Families (ACRF)The ACRF provides training, referral services, individual support, and information to those who are interested in becoming foster parents, adoptive parents, relative caretakers or guardians. Through onsite, distance education, and teleconference training, ACRF provides the training necessary to become foster parents or to meet on-going training requirements for maintaining a foster care license.

10 2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report

Our in-kind sponsorsCharles Adams

Adams Insurance

Bartell Drugs

Beecher’s Handmade Cheese

Susan A. Bennett-Hassenmiller

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant

Rosie & A.C. Cavanaugh

Mikaela Celli

Kevin and Terresa Davis

Mary Delamater

Michelle Escuriex

Dwight E. Funai

Hillclimb Chiropractic Clinic

Island Vintners

David Lawrence

Magpie Jewelry

Audrey McLain

Christian Morales

Neil Nelson

Cindy Orr

Jeff Pritchard

Karen Rall

Karen Reinholt

Pat Rhoads

Tami Sandygren

V.F Outlet

Sharon & Jim Wilford

Tasha Wood

Alona Young

Our donorsAlaskan Copper &

Brass Company and Alaskan Copper Works

Charles Adams

Peter Albertson

May and Ronnie Allen

Gwen Anderson

Joel and Carol Anderson

Kenneth and Barbara Anderson

Sharron Anderson

Peter Anthony

Evelyn Arakaki

Larry Baker

Patricia Baldwin

Karen Barnes

Deanna Bedell

Susan Bennett-Hassenmiller

Cheryl and Carroll Berrey

Derek Bishop

Steve and Debbie Bley

Dr. and Mrs. Rodney Block**

Ina Block**

Dawn Bonker

Peter Brissing*

Kathleen T. Brooks

Roger and Mari Brown

Jeff Burrell

Lynette E. Cabral

Dawn Carr

Linda Carroll

Dean and Paulette Caswell

Rosie and A. C. Cavanaugh

Esther Change

Rae Cheney

Thomas Conquergood

Zakiyyah Cordell

Kathy Countryman

Ken Crawford

Phyllis B. Crooks

Michael Croyle

Rebekah Davies

Kevin and Terresa Davis

Kelly DeLany

Margaret DeLany

Mark Desmond

Chris and Tracy Dew

Christina Dicostanzo

Alexa Dobbs

Erin Dyvig

Jan Elliott

Greg and Chris Englin

Michelle Escuriex

Dr. Vera F Fahlberg

Louise M. Ferber

Jake and Nancy Flannery

Edward Fogle

Dwight Funai

Alison Galinsky

Marlene Gates

Tom and Janice Geisness

Leon and Erika Giles

Tina Givens

William and Rosemary Goodhue

Stephen and Molly Greist

Ken Guy

Barbara Hagen Anderson

Brian Hahn

Hiro and Loretta Hayashida

Mike and Marcie Healey

Barb Helbach

Mike and Mary Helbach

Tyler Helbach

Evelyn Helland

Mary Hendrickson

Peter Himmelfarb

Christopher Howard

Marinda Huber

Robert Hunner

Carol Hutchinson

Claudia Hutchison

Kelli Johnson

Elizabeth Jones

Pat Kavanaugh

Choi Kawamoto

Sally Ketcham

Bracken Killpack

Kristina Koul

Georgi Krom

Mary Kurylo

Penny Lamping

Kenneth Luke

Scott and Karen MacCaskill

Wendy B.Marlowe, PhD, ABPP

Constance Martin

Scott Matheson

Barbara McCormick

Karen McInerney

Caroline McShane

Christian Morales

Peter and Mary Naughton

Norma Nelson*

Mary O’hara

Mary O’Sullivan

Richard and Eileen Okada

Erling and Lydia Olsen

Theresa and Craig Olson

Cindy Orr

Helen Owens

Sally Owens

Peggy Pahl

Stuart and Jollee Patterson

Paul Pearson

Terri Perlman

Dr. Steve and Sharon Pierce

Catherine Pitinga

Michael and Patsy Reese

Jennifer Reif

Pat Rhoads

Jan Ross Leo

Verna Samuels

Scott Sandygren

Tami Sandygren

Nancy, Ed, Janna, and Evan Sanford

Jeff Sebak

Robert and Pam Sharman

Joe and Dorothy Shaughnessy

Michael and Nancy Shurtleff*

Maria Smith

Mary Smith

Jim and Joyce Stockdill

Tom Stoneham

Joseph Straus

Benton Strong

Lauri Taft

Jennifer Tarrats

Chante Tayler

Ingrid Taylor

Barbara Teichert

Mark and Nancy Toso

Steve and Jo Ann Trick

Ken and Mary Tucker*

David Turley

Amy M. Wainio

Judith Whitehouse

Jim Wilford

Sharon Wilford

Mary Williams

Tasha Wood

Jim and Priscilla Worrall

Nicole and Jeff Wortley Sanford

Lillian Yetter

Alona Young

Bonny Zuckerman

* In Memory of Barbara Tucker Pearson

** In Memory of Christine Roberts

*Children may be counted in more than one service category.

2011–2012 Northwest Adoption Exchange Annual Report 11

CHILD SERVICE SUMMARY

NWAE – Fiscal Year 2012

FINANCIALS

Demographics

Age Placed Active On Hold

<2 7 0 1

2-5 51 14 12

6-8 82 24 17

9-11 60 51 26

12-14 33 59 15

15+ 29 56 9

OutcomesServices Provided *

Children Served 601

Registered 318

Placed 262

Withdrawn 55

Pending Placement 80

Active 204

Inquiries 4,585

NWAE Programs$689,888.00

Cash Donations

$22,574.00

Administrative$79,658.87

Corporate Sponsors – Kids’ Fest$16,278.00

Development$24,249.00

In-Kind Donations$5,298.00

Kids’ Fest$16,278.00

Revenue Expenses

NWAE Programs$612,975.05

Active34%

Placed + Pending57%

Withdrawn9%

A leader in the field of special needs adoptions.

Northwest Adoption Exchange 520 Pike Street, Suite 1350 | Seattle, WA 98101 1-800-927-9411 | nwae@nwresource.org | www.nwae.org

Northwest Adoption Exchange is a division of Northwest Resource Associates, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.