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Children of All Nations

Children of All Nations (CAN), operated by Great Wall China Adoption, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas. Since 1996, Children of All Nations has assisted may international countries in placing more than 9,000 children with forever families. Between the headquarters located in Austin, Texas and our sister offices all over the world,

Staff Spotlight – Kayley

Meet Kayley!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What is your job title and description here at GWCA?

As Travel Advisor for GWCA/CAN, I facilitate each family’s travel to the country where they will be adopting their child. This includes intra-country travel arrangements, scheduling adoption appointments, and making sure families are prepared for their journey in whatever way they may need. I also manage the Legacy Journey department, which facilitates heritage tours for adoptees to go back to China. In fact, I currently have about 30 families in China on a heritage tour sponsored by CCCWA, which is extremely exciting.

  1. How long have you been working at GWCA?

I began work at GWCA on January 15, 2013. I moved into the role of Travel Advisor in June 2013, and have been in that position since!

  1. What do you enjoy most about your job?

Communication with families, and figuring out ways to support their transition and travel in seamless, effective ways. Travel is, admittedly, a difficult time if only because it is high stress, and there is a large amount of emotional and financial output. But – the travel phase also has the highest rewards, and there is nothing I enjoy more than getting a happy email or pictures from families that just had Gotcha Day.

  1. What is the most difficult aspect of your job?

Working with separate entities because this can sometimes cause unexpected delays that can’t be controlled. Those are difficult to navigate as a travel manager, and even more difficult for the families who may have to wait a bit longer to see their kiddo. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does it is frustrating for everyone.

  1. How have you grown personally from working at GWCA and with their families?

GWCA is a collaborative environment, and I think that has made me more aware of effective communication, teamwork, and coordinating my day so that I am helping someone else – both the families that we serve, and other staff.

  1. Why do you love adoption?

Every human being deserves a family that loves them.  Adoption gives families the chance to grow, and gives children in particular the chance to learn and play in a happy environment. I think being born into that type of environment is a wonderful privilege, and my work is centered on the goal of extending that privilege to all orphans. Adoption journeys are never “perfect,” but I’m always honored to be a part of them in whatever capacity I can be.

Fun facts about Kayley: 

1. I am a black belt in American tae kwon do.

2. I have two dogs and I could not love them more, even if I’m pretty sure they conspire against me.

3. I moved to Canada for two years to go to graduate school, and I don’t know what I’m going to do without proper cold weather in my life now. (Side note: It’s true, Canadians are the nicest people in the universe.)

4. My mother and I once drove for 25 hours straight from London,Ontario to San Antonio,Texas just to prove we could do it.

5. I love movies of any kind, and if there is a quirky documentary on this planet that I haven’t seen … I would be shocked.

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Hosting is Underway

Whew! The kids finally made it. Last week all 26 host kiddos made it safely to their destinations. The chaperones may need a week to recover, but everyone made it in one piece. Stay tuned to our blog andFacebook page as our families share this wonderful experience with us.

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2014 Family Reunion was a Success!

The 2014 Family Reunion was a success! A big thank you to everyone that came out to support us. It was so wonderful meeting families and seeing all of the beautiful children thriving.

Click here to see photos.

Stay tuned as the planning has begun for the 2015 Family Reunion.

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14 Kids Under Six Years Old
A few of our programs have children available under six years old. All of our programs have a wide range of waiting children and more often than not we are seeing older children in most of our programs, however there is still hope for younger children. Have you considered China, Bulgaria or Latvia? These programs all have children available under six years old.
China: The requirements can be strict, but the waiting child process can be relatively easy compared to most. We currently have 14 kids on our China photo listing that are all under six years old. In China most children under six years old are going to have a wide range of medical needs. Many of these needs are manageable, and not as scary as they seem. Our matching team does an excellent job counseling families through the matching process.
Bulgaria: The Bulgaria program has children under six years old as well. The younger the child the longer the wait however the process is fairly simple. The children from Bulgaria typically have some needs but many of their needs can be more emotional vs. medical.
Latvia: Lots of love in Latvia. Once registered in country a family can receive a referral very quickly. The option for younger children is available, the younger, the longer the wait but the process is smooth sailing once you have been matched. Latvia has the option for young healthy children, however the wait averages around five years.
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Why Adopt From the Dominican Republic?

Why Adopt from the Dominican Republic?
1. Our DR program is quickly growing, we should be seeing waiting children very soon.
2. The children born in the DR have very unique features, as their ancestors range from white European (Spain and France), to African and Amerindian.
3. The DR encourages lengthy bonding time for families and their children to ensure they will be a good fit.
4. For travel purposes the distance between the States and the DR makes travel easier and less expensive.
5. The country is beautiful, laid back, and full of children waiting to find their forever families.
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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.!  

5 Fun Facts About Lacee
  • 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.  
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Why Adopt From the Philippines?

Why Adopt From the Philippines?
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

Love Needed in Latvia
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!

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