An American nonprofit is celebrating a huge milestone after helping to unite three brothers at risk of separation—into a new forever family.
The Illinois-based Gift of Adoption Fund has facilitated the placement of 5,000 children since its founding 26 years ago—with over $15 million in grants awarded.
They provide grants of up to $15,000 to help families complete adoptions of kids in vulnerable circumstances—including, most recently, three brothers born in Ecuador.
“Gift of Adoption is elated to mark this milestone by helping to keep together three siblings at risk of separation,” said Gift of Adoption CEO Pam Devereux. “We’re incredibly grateful to our donors, volunteers and the families with a heart for adoption – we all reached this milestone together.”
Eleven-year-old Josue is the 5,000th child whose adoption was completed with assistance from the nonprofit. He was adopted along with biological brothers Darwin, 9, and Abraham, 6. The siblings were in an orphanage in Ecuador for five years—and at risk of separation—before Nicole and David gave them a new forever family in Wisconsin.
The couple had always sought to adopt older siblings, knowing how much it means to grow up together in the bonds of family—and the negative life outcomes that often await children who age-out of orphanages.
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“Although international sibling adoptions can be complex and expensive, once we saw their faces, we knew we would make it work in any way we could,” Nicole said. “We are so happy that we can provide a permanent home for these brothers, and they can now grow up together in a stable environment.”
While a reported one-third of Americans have considered adoption, fewer than 4% complete the process- with many citing the high expense as a barrier. Gift of Adoption prioritizes grants for children facing what might be their only chance at adoption, such as those at risk of separation from siblings, entering foster care, aging out of a care system or with medical needs.
The 5,000th child milestone also marks a full circle moment for the organization, originally founded by Gene and Lucy Wyka, also of Wisconsin. Since 1996, the Wykas have opened 27 chapters across the U.S. to ensure more children can find families.
Learn more about how you can help children in need—including how to donate, volunteer or apply for a grant—at www.giftofadoption.org.
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