Staff Spotlight – Lacee
Lacee is one of our stunning International Adoption Consultants, nick-named the ‘Buddy the Elf’ of the office. She has an infectious smile and is full of energy. She translates her positive vibe to the families that she works with and her passion for orphaned children is undeniable.
1. What is your job title and description here at GWCA?
International, Domestic and Embryo Adoption Consultant. I counsel, enlighten and direct potential adoptive parents towards the best possible adoption program fit for their family.
2. How long have you been working at GWCA?
I began working at GWCA in 2003. I have worked for families as a dossier consultant, referral counselor, outreach coordinator and general adoption consultant during my time here.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
Seeing a spark of hope reignite in families who have thought their dreams of adopting were gone for good.
4. What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Probably, helping families understand and be patient in systems that they do not have much control over.
4. How have you grown personally from working at GWCA and with their families?
I have learned that being proactive, honest and taking responsibility for mistakes can be so much more helpful to families than pretending or hoping mishaps and unexpected negative events will never happen. When you establish the impression that you are willing to fix problems when they are known to happen and provide families with the most accurate information whether it sounds good or not, people know they can trust you to have their best benefit in mind.
5. Why do you love adoption?
Because I am able to show the world that adoption can open the door to so many opportunities. It opens the door for childless families to have children. It opens the door for parent-less children to have a parent. It opens the door to providing care and supplies to children who will never be adopted. It opens the door for communities to rebuild and reunite for a common cause. And finally, because it opens the door for diplomacy between countries who have no other commonality and establishes a trusting foundation for other mutual positive exchanges in the future. Adoption truly does matter. Go T.E.A.M.!
- I am a native Texan and a Daughter of the Texas Republic.
- I have an unnatural love for automobiles and all things German.
- I own a farm because dirt, trees and fresh air make me happy.
- I like to write and illustrate children’s books as a hobby.
- I love taste testing goat cheese, olive oil and red wine.
Why Adopt From the Philippines?
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Why Adopt From the Philippines?
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 The Philippines is a great country to adopt from. The process itself is very thorough and ICAB (Inter-Country Adoption Board) is very conscience of matching children with the most well suited families. The process for adopting a child from the Philippines can be very simple, the trip is only one week, the flights are relatively inexpensive, and no visa is required to travel. The Philippines is a great country for single parents. Some of the kiddos speak and know English and there are healthy kiddos over the age of 6 waiting to come home.
To learn more about Philippines eligibility and how to get started today contact International Adoption Consultants and the can help you to bring these children home today.
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Love Needed in Latvia
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Love Needed in Latvia
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 A big concern in Latvia is the issue of human trafficking. Unfortunately this issue directly impacts many of the orphans that eventually age out of care. It’s hard to comprehend how easily it happens and how often. Human trafficking is very common in Eastern European countries and it is effecting men, women and children daily.
Latvia has MANY sibling groups and older children waiting to be adopted, they are waiting for the family that will give them a chance at a better life, an education, and a promising future. Unfortunately if these children do not find these families in time, they are forced to leave the care and protection of the orphanage to fend for themselves. At this point these young teens are the prey of those looking for victims to use for human trafficking. It is a sad truth but that is why we are advocating for these children in Latvia and are helping to find their forever families.
Feel free to reach out to our International Adoption Consultants to learn how to bring your child home now.
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Exciting News – Welcome Home
We are thrilled to welcome home two of our CAN families from two very exciting trips. One family is returning home from Ethiopia and their 2nd court date, just one step closer to completing their forever family!
Another family is coming home from Bulgaria with their adoption finalized! This family has shared their sweet blog with us that discusses their beautiful journey to bring their daughter home.
We are so happy for these families!
Read MoreCAN I Adopt Internationally?
Have you ever wondered what country would be most suitable for your family to adopt from? Are all the country requirements too complicated to understand? CAN has developed a new simple tool for your family to determine what country fits your family. Click here to check out our NEW country matching system.
Read MoreAdoption Desires
What are your family’s adoption desires? How do you know where to begin? It is possible that your family may have an idea in mind of how you see your family, maybe you haven’t gotten that far, however its important to better understand what ages are realistic when adopting internationally.
0-2 years old (Infant)
Your family is probably looking for that sweet baby to add to your family. That perfect little girl or boy to be the addition your family has been looking for. We are just as excited as you are to begin this journey with you, however if you were to come home with a child under two years old your options are extremely limited. In most countries it can take around a year for a file to be made available on a child, on top of that process can last anywhere from 9 – 60 months which are two big reasons it is difficult to come home with a young child. The wait can be exceedingly long which can be very difficult to over come. To learn more about the countries that have children available under two see the link to our country matching system at the bottom of this page.
3-7 years old (Toddler +)
Maybe your family is ready for a toddler and you don’t necessarily need the baby phase. Several of our countries have children available under seven, however most of the children have one or more medical concerns. Each country varies in the types of needs that are seen with children. It is common that there are several boys available at this age. The wait for a child this age will be less than that of infant but more than likely the child will have some degree of needs. Fortunately many of the needs are more manageable once they are treated in the United States. The longer these children suffer in their native country the worse their condition can become.
7 and up (Older Child)
There are many older children available for adoption in every country. More often than not the older children are typically healthy or suffer from emotional needs to due to being institutionalized. The older a child gets, the less likely it is that they are adopted. It is very unfortunate that these children may never find their forever families due to their age. Because there are more older children available, as a family you will be able to fulfill many other desires such as gender, needs, etc that will fit best with your family. Many older children are also educated, most institutions provide schooling and they may have already begun to discover their strengths and talents. Many of our older children are a part of sibling groups. This is perfect for a family that is looking to adopt more than once. It is possible for countries like China, Guyana, Bulgaria, Poland, and Ethiopia to view a child’s file today. Reach out to our International Adoption Consultants to learn how.
If you are wondering what country will be best for what your family is looking for, click here to use our fun new tool to determine what country best fits your family’s adoption desires.
Read MorePondering About Poland?
Have you considered adopting from Poland? CAN works exclusively with representatives in Poland to find the best family for the kiddos available. There are children available as young as two years old with special needs as well as sibling groups. The important thing to keep in mind when adopting from Poland is to get your dossier registered in country as soon as possible. The sooner you can show the country your commitment, the sooner they are excited to help your family get matched. Orphanages in Poland are well kept so the care for the children is far better than many other places in the world. Most importantly these children are without families and in desperate need of someone like yourself that will care for them, provide for them and most importantly love them.
To learn more about adopting from Poland our International Adoption Consultants are ready to speak with you!
The photos below are samples of children in Poland. These two kiddos are not currently available for adoption.
Summer Hosting Adoption Scholarships
GWCA/CAN is SUPER excited to announce that we are giving away up to $25,000 in ADOPTION SCHOLARSHIPS for the 2014 SUMMER HOST CHILDREN! This applies to any families that move forward to adopt a child they host from the 2014 Summer China or Philippines hosting programs. Every sibling group in the Philippines WILL have a scholarship. Scholarship amounts are subject to a committee decision on amounts and who receives the scholarship.
Get Started!
- Families must submit proof of income, scholarship application form and motivation letter to be considered.
- Families must be adopting through the 2014 Summer China and Philippines hosting programs. Scholarships are not applicable to past host families or for any children who were not hosted.
- Families must have turned in an agency application and contract to adopt in order to be granted a scholarship prior to August 15th.
Early applications will be accepted and given special consideration (an agency application and contract can be turned in at any time before August 15th, however scholarship applications will not be reviewed until these are received.)
Scholarship awards will be announced by August 29th and recipients will receive a notification from GWCA/CAN. Scholarship applications will be distributed to families who have applied to adopt through GWCA/CAN. Please contact your adoption counselor for a scholarship application if you have already applied to adopt through GWCA/CAN.
2014 FAMILY REUNION
We are looking forward to your family joining us this summer for the Great Wall China Adoption and Children of All Nations 2014 Family Reunion. Our theme is “T.E.A.M.” – Tell Everyone Adoption Matters, so help us spread the word!
WHEN: Friday June 20th and June 21st 2014 in the greater Austin, Texas area.
WHO: All GWCA/CAN families in all stages of the adoption process are invited (and encouraged) to attend! Pack your suitcases and head on down to the heart of Texas for a fun day by the lake! You’ll have the opportunity to meet our staff as well as fellow adoptive families! This year we are also encouraging potential families to attend; what better way to learn more about adoption than to participate in an event like this? Encourage your friends to join us as well!
WHAT: Friday night we will be attending the Round Rock Express baseball game. Meet us there at 6:30pm. (The ticket to the game is included in your registration.)
Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm we will have picnic and field day events at Brushy Creek Park in Cedar Park, Tx. There is a splash pad, fishing lake, play equipment and hiking trails at the park. We will bring inflatable games, food, and beverages. There will be places to sit, but if you’re not coming by plane, you might want to bring along your lawn chairs, sun umbrellas, yard games, blankets, swimsuits, sun block and anything else you need for a day in the park. If you wish to have additional drinks, please plan to bring your own coolers.
WHERE: Friday – Dell Diamond 400 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665. (We will meet at the main home plate entrance.)
Saturday – Brushy Creek Park 2901 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613.
FOOD: We have recruited our male staff to be the ‘master grillers’. We will have hotdogs for lunch. There will be plenty for all. Soft drinks, juice and water will also be available. (If you are a local family and would like to help donate food, ice chests, tables, etc. please reach out to shannon@gwca.org or april@childrenofallnations.com.)
REGISTRATION: $25 per person.
Registration includes:
Entrance to the Family Reunion
Food and drink at the Reunion
Unlimited access to Inflatable Games
Participation in all other activities and games
One raffle ticket
One ticket to the Round Rock Express Baseball Game(Friday Night)
2014 TEAM GWCA/CAN T-Shirt
And a weekend full of making memories
For information and to register visit our reunion site.
Like our Facebook page for more event updates like this.
If you have any questions, please contact April at 512.323.9595 x 3061, april@childrenofallantions.com or Shannon at ext 3092, shannon@gwca.org.
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