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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 | [email protected] | www.nwae.org
Northwest Adoption Exchange is a division of Northwest Resource Associates, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.