Advocate & Volunteer of the Year Awards
Adoption Network Cleveland is proud to honor individuals each year who have made a significant contribution to the Adoption, Child Welfare or DNA Discovery fields or community(ies) in Ohio as demonstrated by a specific accomplishment, project, program, or milestone.
Winners over the years include – April Dinwoodie, adoptee, Donaldson Adoption Institute; Rita Price, The Columbus Dispatch; Jean Strauss, filmmaker; Nickie Antonio, State Representative; Dominique Moceanu, Olympian and author; Danita Harris, NewsChannel 5; Jim Ewinger, The Plain Dealer.
Estes Turner is our 2024 Advocate of the Year
Each year, Adoption Network Cleveland honors individuals who have influenced the wider community through their advocacy and outreach efforts, improved the lives of individual children and teens waiting for adoption, and enhanced the experiences of adoption triad members by providing information, advocacy, or other support. This award recognized individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Adoption, Child Welfare, or DNA Discovery fields or community(ies) in Ohio as demonstrated by specific accomplishments and milestones.
Adoption Network Cleveland is thrilled to announce our 2024 Advocate of the Year: Estes Turner.
About Estes
Estes has been involved with Adoption Network Cleveland since the early 1990s. After attending and utilizing programs, Estes, a reunited adoptee, quickly got involved in leadership roles including committee and board service, and as a General Discussion Meeting facilitator. Estes has served as a General Discussion Meeting facilitator for over 25 years and is consistently seen as an exemplary role model to other facilitators. When Estes retired from his career as a general contractor he pursued certification as a life coach, a service he has offered in partnership with Adoption Network Cleveland since 2017. Estes has poured his heart and soul into Adoption Network Cleveland, and the adoption community, in countless ways over the last 30+ years.
Estes has been a constant source of support, serving as a volunteer, donor, participant, and mentor. His warm and comforting presence has been a guiding light to many, offering life coaching, sharing his expertise with other facilitators, and creating a space where everyone feels seen and understood. Estes's commitment to helping others has been a gift, and we are honored to have had him participate in and help shape our community for so many years.
Thank you, Estes, and congratulations on this well-deserved award!
Previous Advocate of the Year Winners
Volunteer of the Year Award
The Volunteer of the Year Award (formerly the Founder’s Award) recognizes outstanding volunteer service, the spirit by which this organization was founded in 1988 and remains critical today. Those of you who know Adoption Network Cleveland’s history know that Executive Director Betsie Norris was a volunteer for seven years building the organization before she came on staff in 1995.
2023
This year, we are proud to recognize Sandy Croucher as our 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Sandy’s commitment truly went above and beyond. As an adoptive parent, a long-standing member of our Parent Advisory Team, and a key contributor to our Program Committee, she brings insight and dedication to everything she does. Each year, she opens her home and pool for a Weaving Cultures family social, providing a welcoming space for families to gather. Beyond that, she regularly volunteers to bring food for events, contributes ideas, and, she manages our Weaving Cultures Facebook group—quickly welcoming new members and engaging with the community.
Sandy’s dedication has made a real impact, helping to create a strong sense of connection and support among our members. We are grateful for her service and honored to celebrate her as our Volunteer of the Year.
Thank you, Sandy, and congratulations on this well-deserved award!
