In the late 2010s in the USA, data and technology had led to easily accessible, reasonably reliable DNA testing and matching of biological relatives. My understanding and trust in data, coupled with the loss of my brother a few years prior, led me to spit in a tube and send it off to the leading ancestry companies at the time (there may also have been some wine involved, back then). It would be fun. I wouldn’t worry about it too much. And if anything materialized, it would be really neat to meet someone I shared blood with.

Four Adoption Network Cleveland Board of Directors completed their terms of service and retired from the board, including Molly Cissell, Daniel Gisser, Julie Lady, and Carlin Culbertson. All four were honored for their service at the 2023 Annual Meeting in November.

Aaron Ockerman and Carrie Lauterbach are our 2023 Advocates of the Year

Susan Saltzman Recognized as our 2023 Volunteer of the Year

Adoption Network Cleveland Board Members 2023 - Kim Dyckes, Carla Lanier, Jeffery Rohrs, Kirsten Simonton, Christine Zanoni, Ron Copfer

"Being adopted internationally from Russia, I had been under the impression that it simply wasn’t possible to search for my birth family due to the little information given regarding my origins. I never entertained the idea of a reunion that seemed to be blatantly impossible; I would just have to continue to wonder where my traits came from, or maintain a facade of disinterest."

Weaving Cultures | Supporting Families Formed Through Transracial Adoption

Creating Futures 2023 Keynote Speaker, Tammara Humbert

I want to take you back.  Back to the feeling of a young 14yr old teenager looking to connect with her birth family & discover roots and where she came from.

With the recent passing of Jimmy Buffett, it seems everyone has a Jimmy story, and for me his music is inextricably tied to my birthmom, Linda.

Eamon Larkin serves as finance committee chair at Adoption Network Cleveland and is proud to be a part of something bigger than himself. He is a CPA who works with both Budget Dumpster and Wastepay to ensure that smaller waste companies can afford to operate amidst competition.

For some, looking for your parents isn’t something everyone has to go through while for others, it can be an emotional journey that takes time and lots of resources.

Adoption Network Cleveland is proud to have played a supporting role in an adoption story soon to be showcased at Playhouse Square in Cleveland on Aug. 4 and 5. The one-hour solo performance, titled "A Secret in Plain Sight," is written and performed by Kevin Gladish, a native of Cleveland currently residing in Chicago. In his show, Kevin takes the audience on a journey through his personal experience as a Late Discovery Adoptee and his search for truth.

Introducing JJ Rett who will co-facilitate a General Discussion Meeting which meets on the 1st Thursday of each month.