THE ADOPTION EXCHANGE

ANNUAL REPORT
FISCAL YEAR 2016
(ENDING JUNE 30, 2016)
 WHO WE ARE
The Adoption Exchange is a non-profit 501(c)(3) child welfare organization that was found-
ed in 1983 to help establish safety and permanence in the lives of foster children. Although
The Adoption Exchange was initially an exchange point for caseworkers to discuss place-
ment of children with families seeking to adopt in the Rocky Mountain region, the organi-
zation has grown considerably over the years and engenders a powerful impact on national
trends in child welfare, employs over 40 paid staff, and counts on scores of volunteers to
carry out its mission.

WHERE WE ARE GOING

Today, The Adoption Exchange continues to innovate the adoption process
by working towards creating a world where every waiting child will find a
permanent family. Through rigorous collaboration with state, federal, and
other relevant agencies, we focus on innovative child-specific strategies that
provide vibrant pre- and post-adoption services that speed waiting children
to caring and loving relationships that last.
2016 IN REVIEW
Over the past year, we have lived our new mantra Higher
Touch, Higher Value - bringing deeper services and more inten-
sity to our work on behalf of kids and families. Our goal is to find
more families, place more kids, do it faster and make it last.
We are so proud to report that this transformation and focus is
working!
What Higher Touch, Higher Value Looks Like
Expanded family support in Utah through facilitated program are three times more likely to be adopted.
family support groups
Added two new child-intensive recruiters in Colorado
Launched our much anticipated CHOICE mentoring Through the generous support of the Maryellen Aylmer Fund, the
program in Colorado
Increased family follow-up services in Missouri
Added in-person finalization support in Nevada
Family Support Groups
Family support before, during and after the adoption process is
critical to long-term success. Through our work, groups are spe-
cifically designed to meet the needs of families adopting youth
over the age of 13. These activities include date nights that
provide training, as well as lunches and family-night activities
providing support in the form of shared experiences, respite and
more.
Child-Focused (Wendys Wonderful Kids, WWK) Recruiters
Colorado is increasing its capacity for Higher Touch, Higher
Value through the addition of two Child-Focused (Wendys
Wonderful Kids) recruiters. These professionals work on behalf of
children the system has often forgotten; more staff ensures that
each professional has the time and resources to give each child
the attention they deserve. These recruiters employ aggressive
practices and proven tactics focused on finding the best home for
a child, starting with familiar circles of extended family, friends
and neighbors, then reaching out to the childrens communities.
Recent scientific research shows that children served by the WWK
Colorado Rolls Out CHOICE Program
Salah Foundation, the State of Colorado and other supporters, we
have launched a new mentor program in Colorado CHOICE. The
CHOICE program is built on the premise that once an adult makes
a connection with a youth in foster care, they will be moved to
help support that youths successful transition into adulthood
in a more permanent way. Through this intensive, child-focused
recruitment program foster teens, mentors and community
partners engage in a structured process that builds permanent
relationships over time providing the safety and support our
kids need to launch in life.
Missouri Expands Family Follow-up Services
We have expanded our ability to serve those in Missouri who are
interested in becoming foster parents or adopting from foster care.
In partnership with the State of Missouri, we personally follow
up and connect with every family that expresses interest in the
process or a specific child. We ensure that they are connected
with the resources they need to successfully navigate a complex
system.
Nevada Adds Adoption Finalization Support
The Adoption Exchange is supporting adoption finalizations for
children and youth adopted out of foster care in Nevada. Staff at-
tend court adoption finalizations to support and celebrate these
kids and families during the often emotional and meaningful
proceedings. We bring professional photographers to capture
the first moments in the lives of these newly created families,
establishing a connection to our team and the support these
families will need over the coming years. It doesnt get much
Higher Touch, Higher Value than this!
We hope you have found this brief overview of how The Adop-
tion Exchange is changing the lives of kids in foster care through
Higher Touch, Higher Value programs to be informative and
inspiring. Our work is your work and your support is changing
the world one youth at a time. To quote renowned teen/youth
advocate, and foster kid himself, Josh Shipp, Every kid is one
caring adult away from a success story. We couldnt agree more,
Josh!

Our mission is to connect children who wait in foster
care and families who adopt and to support families

before, during and after the adoption process.
 REVENUE SPECIAL EVENTS, NET OF DIRECT COSTS
$847,080

FEDERAL GRANTS GRANTS AND CONTRACTS

AND CONTRACTS $859,390
$2,150,917

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
$372,419

OTHER REVENUE
$145,537

TOTAL
$4,575,709
EXPENSES

FINANCIAL DEVLEOPMENT
$296,553 PROGRAM SERVICES
$3,822,337

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
$356,879

TOTAL
$4,475,769
STATISTICAL HIGHLIGHTS

8,458
Children have joined their families since 1983
304
Children have families, in FY 2015-2016
55% 76%
Children belong to a minority group Children are 9 years or older

4,021 1,359 39% 40%

Families served by The Adoption Exchange Children served in FY 2015-2016 Children belong to a sibling group Children who finalized their adoption
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS HONORARY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chair - Brad McNealy Pam Kiker Past Chair Tangy Buchanan James Padgett
Edgemark Development, LLC Keller Williams Realty DTC LLC Community Leader Padgett Family Foundation
Treasurer - Paul Egan Ron Klump Larry DiPasquale Marv Rockford
Egan Ravarino, LLC (Principal, CPA) Community Leader Epicurean Culinary Group Community Leader
Niceta Bradburn Mary Beth McGrath Jeremy Flug Dave Zinger
Harris Family Law Level3 Communications Gulfco, Ltd. Masque Publishing, Inc.
Michelle Cannon Jamie Moyer Elaine Gantz-Berman *Founder, Honorary Director & President
Community Leader Craftsy.com Community Leader Emerita
Dixie van de Flier Davis
Hugh Charvat Ray Nutt - Past Chair Marlene Krell
Community Leader Regal Entertainment Group Community Leader *Executive Director
Lauren Arnold
John Coffman Edward J. Rand Pat and Jack McDonnell The Adoption Exchange
Direct Travel Community Leader McDonnell Family Foundation
*General Counsel
Lori Harding Tim Wieland Jane Moe Janet Perlstein
Zions Bank KCNC News 4 Community Leader Fox Rothschild LLP.
Erik Jensen Karen Wine Rich and Andrea Montoni
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP Community Leader * Non-voting
Roger Ogden
Heather E. Kemp Alex Zakroff Community Leader
Kemp & Kemp, Attorneys at Law Chick-fil-A
REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARDS
NEVADA ADVISORY BOARD
Chair-Heather Kemp Carina Tarabella Roxanne Schumaker Tawny Harmston John McPhie
Kemp & Kemp Attorneys at Law Madame Tussauds Home 2 Suites Hilton Home 2 Suites Community Leader

Debra Alexandre Laurine Tibaldi Gloria Valdez Elizabeth Hawkins Kristin Montague
NV State Development Corp. United Healthcare Foster Youth Representative Former Wednesdays Child Knight Management

Dr. Mirit Avram Nicole Vele Katherine Hawkins Blake Moore

Southwest Medical Associates
NEW MEXICO ADVISORY United States Air Foce Adoptive Parent Volunteer
BOARD
Chair-Karen Wine Heather Jenkins Kim Pumphreys
Guy Chaffee
Insurance Trends Magazine
UTAH ADVISORY BOARD Jenkins Law Firm Wendys
Chase Bank Chair - Lori Harding
Zions Bank Ryan Shelley
Dave Courvoisier Rick Brinneman Ashley Kewish
CBS Channel 8 News Now (Retired) KSL TV Zions Bank
Kelly Bennee
Prime Acceptance Corp Tanya Vea
Shannon Cummings Christopher Cardenas Amy King
Diamond Resorts International University of New Mexico K2 Church KSL
Robert Call
Morgan Stanley Bonnie Webb
Petra Kaye Christine DArco Jode LittlePage
Petra-Productions.com (EnterLV) Bank of the West Volunteer Adoptive Parent
Ryan Donithorne
NPC International Stephanie Wright
Brian Knudsen Kim Padilla Heidi Lujan
BP2 Solutions (self-employed) Adoption Attorney Volunteer Murray Chamber of Commerce
Caroline Hansen
Youth Services
Michael Tapia Jennifer Scacco Cody McBride
Madame TussaudS PNM Resources UT DCFS
SUPPORTERS
Visionaries: $50,000 and above
Anna & John J. Sie Foundation
Direct Travel
May and Stanley Smith Charitable Trust
Regal Entertainment Group
Salah Foundation
The Liniger Fund
The Wendy's Company
Guardians of Hope: $25,000 - $49,999
Galena Foundation
Masque Publishing, Inc.
Masters Gallery
MAXIMUS, Inc
McDonnell Family Foundation
Brad and Carol McNealy
MGM Resorts Foundation
Sally Brown McInnes & John McInnes Charitable Trust
The Anschutz Foundation
The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation
David F. Zinger
Partners in Courage: $10,000 - $24,999
Ed and Kacy Adams
Bodan Incorporated
Hugh and Lori Charvat
Coca-Cola Company
Mike Cohenour
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
Dr. Pepper/Seven Up, Inc.
ECA Foundation
EKS&H LLLP
Fandango
KC and Tamara Harney
In-N-Out Burger Foundation
Childrens Champions: $5,000 - $9,999 Childrens Heroes: $2,500 - $4,999
Anschutz Family Foundation Eric Orquiola Joseph and Margie Adams Nathan B. & Florence R. Burt Foundation
Martin McCarter and Lauren Arnold PCL Enterprises AEI Corporation Penny Newton
Boeing Porchlight Real Estate Group Mirit Avram OfficeScapes
Jay Brasher Michael and Cheryl Porter Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Barsch Andrew and Kathleen Parker
Brasher's Salt Lake Auto Auction Sorenson Foundation Giuseppe and Maureen Battaglioli Politicalworks
Dan Brubaker Sport Systems 505 Cycling KK and Thomas Barsch Pond Family Foundation Trust
Jerry Cardwell Starz Entertainment LLC Kelly Bennee Anthony and Kathy Ricciardi
Childrens Help and Assistance Jay Sudowski and Linda Ladaga Boettcher Foundation Al and Michelle Rosabal
John and Cress Coffman The Frost Foundation, Ltd. Boondocks Family Fun Center RSM US LLP
Isabel and John Crouse Mr. and Ms. Stephen Toms Mark and Jennifer Burton Sabre Inc.
Larry and Jill DiPasquale UnitedHealthcare Mark and Michelle Cannon Sanctuary Golf Course
Drake Real Estate Services, Inc Ed Venerable CBS4 Denver Rebecca Sanders
Family Formation Charitable Trust William N. Pennington Foundation Mike and Sandy Coleman Mr. Brett M. Suder
Fathom Events Paul and Bonnie Zueger Colorado Electrical Contractors Mark and Marianna Tanguay
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Finholm Ms. Shelley Cranley Bruce and Alicia Thorne
Jeremy and Angie Flug CSG Systems International, Inc. UPS
Mrs. Elaine Gantz-Berman and Dr. Steve Berman Davis Graham & Stubbs Nancy and Edward Widmann
George S Eccles & Dolores Dore Foundation Ed Bozarth Chevrolet Company Randal and Nadine Woods
Mr. Tony Hadzi Paul Egan Mr. and Mrs. James Zakroff
Paul Hilton Ms. Amber Ekstrom
Thomas and Sandy Capps Erin MacDonald Foundation
JKS Foundation First Western Trust
Joseph & Loretta Law Foundation Mr. Lee Fredrick
Pamela and David Kiker Guaranty Bank And Trust Company
Kiker and Company LLC Healthcare Development Partners
JNF Foundation Hogan Lovells US LLP
Frank and Linda Kilpatrick
LibertyGives Foundation Andrew and Christine Hudson
KTK General Contracting
Madame Tussauds Illumen
Kullgren Family Charitable Trust
David Metzger Jamie and Sherrie Jackson
Larry H. Miller Charities
National CineMedia Diane and Larry Jensen
LDS Foundation
Janet E. Perlstein Robert and Jan Kossman
Level 3 Communications Inc.
Theodore and Lina Shipman Mr. and Mrs. Ken Krein
John McPhie
Jerre and Mary Joy Stead LegacyTexas
MovieTickets.com Inc.
Lauren and Paul Sveen MarkWest Energy Partners LP
Jamie Moyer
The Sandia Foundation Midfirst Bank
Ray and Suellyn Nutt
The Virginia W. Hill Foundation Mobley Facial Plastic
OPTEAMIX
Rich and Andrea Montoni
Waiting Child Patron: $1,000 - $2,499 Waiting Child Advocates: $500 - $999
Albuquerque the Magazine Act II Consignment Elizabeth Fulton McNeil Designer Portraits
Mr. Todd Hyatt Ms. Gina Padilla Timothy and Lori Walsh
Wayne and Debra Alexandre Shamoon Ahmad Gebert & Morley LLC Sam and Beth Mcraw
Inner-Eco Pioneer Healthcare Don and Nancy Weaver
Beaver Creek Lodge Alliant Insurance Services, Inc Gold Coast Promotions Inc. Jim and Teri Newland
Marth Irwin Mark and Shirley Plaatjes Stephen Wenger
Susie Best Ameriprise Financial April Gomez Vickie Newman
ISU Insurance Services - The Machon Platinum Hospitalists Jeff and Jessica Whitney
Mr. David Bird Lindsey Astroth Dave and DJ Greenagel Phil Norrish
Agency Prime Acceptance Mr. Bruce Whittington
Jim and Elizabeth Bistany Merle Atkinson Annie Greenleaf Obering
Will Joe Edward and Mary Rand Sharon K. Wilkinson
Bradbury Family Partnership William Baldwin Tamra Gregory Coley O'Brien
Eric Johnson RBG, Inc. Williams
Bob Brouillette Andrew and Catherine Bauer Susan Hagar Todd Osborne
Kemp & Kemp Attorneys at Law Joshua and Michele Reid Mike Yirilli
Burrell Family Foundation Robert and Mary Bearman Charles and Lori Harding Brian Oveson
Knight Adjustment Bureau Dan Revelle and Laura Curtis Zions Management Services Company
Cavendish Farms Operations Michael Booth Jonathan Hauser George and Mary Perlstein
Kohl's Department Stores Michael and Melody Roe
Brian and Melodi Choate Bosque Brewing Co. Chris Heitman Andrea Pitman
Amber Koppenhafer Sally and Bruce Rogers
Christy Sports Brown Mr. Gary Held Mark Reed
Kim Kozlowski Don Rowley
Colorado Department of Human Linda Bryam Scott Horn Thomas Roberts
Ben and Marlene Krell Wayne and Sue Sauer
Services Donald and Judi Butt Hotel Amigo, A Rocco Forte Ms. and Mr. Karyn Ross
Charles M. Krutsinger Schlessman Family Foundation
Raymond and Patricia Crist Mr Bob Cage Hotel Salon at the Village
Tom and Susan Larkin Stefan Schmitz
Samantha Crum Mr. and Mrs. Alec Cameron Robert and Sarah Hyams Mr. and Mrs. Saltzman
Brina and Bill Larson Marianne Schram
Jerry and Peggy Davis Gabriel and Gladys Carpo Hyde Park Jewelers Michael and Camilla Scanlan
Mr. Benson Lewis Jack and Polly Seale
Mr. Scott Davis Sandra Carter-Duff Jenkins Law Office Pc Gregg and Mary Schenck
Angela Livingston Toni Serra
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse Heather Carter-Jenkins Joe's Stone Crab Steve and Trisha Setlik
Jessie and Jeff Lombardi Donald and Jan Shriver
Lance Dickson Kathrine Clure Randy and Susan Karsh Kenneth A. Shearer
Ms. Heidi Lujan Gerald Simpson
Alice Doyel Lew and Ann Colgan Greg Keefe and Alicia Mr. Patrick Sola
Jim MacDermott Mr. Michael Singer
Judy Duke Colorado Renaissance Festival Cronquist Marjorie and Bill Soldan
Mandelbaum Family Charitable Amy and Kerry Smeester
Delphine M. Eichorst Jill and Eric Crewes Tim and Terri Kershishnik Clark Sonderby
Foundation David Spafford
John and Renee Elofson Laura and Rick Culley Mansoor Khan Ms. Victoria Stone
Ed Mattix Stanford Ventures
Thomas and Dana Feeney Cherry Cushing Chris and Kate Kiker Shirley Strakal
Richard D. McClure State of New Mexico Governor's
Mr. Bill Ferguson Dahlquist Alan Krensky Scott Thomson
Ms. Mary Beth McGrath Commission on Disability
Mrs. and Mr. Kymberli Frueh-Owens Mr. Darrell Daley Jared Casner and Courtney Toole
Debbie McGraw Alex Steinhilber
Antonial Gallegos Christine Daspro Lake Total Wine and More
MegaDyne Medical Products, Inc Mark Steputis
Dennis Gay Ms. Jennifer Dunne Dan and Allison Lawrence Unser Racing Museum
C.H. and Laurie Meili Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stewart
GE Foundation Jim and Catherine Eichenberger Legal Aid Center of Southern Raul Varela
Rob Melvin Charles Sweeney
Geneos Wealth Management Inc Rutu Ezhuthachan Nevada Thomas and Patricia Vaughn
Mike Ward Maserati Sysco Intermountain Food Services
Shannon Glaittli Feagans Leventhal Investment Damian Walsh
Doug and Jane Moe The Charter At Beaver Creek
Michael and Sandy Green Ferrari of Denver Company James Warner
Valerie Mullin Jonathan Thomas
Seth Grob and Stephanie Villafuerte Gene Ferraro Jennifer S. Lupo Ms. Bonnie Webb
Mr. Jerome Nadal and Mr. Gene Lubas Laurine and Nicholas Tibaldi
Karen Gruber Frank and Jo Collins Family Martinez Cindy Wilkinson
Brent and Marion Neiser Philip Workman and Elaine Torres
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry B Hanson Founation Margaret McArthur Judy Wise
Mr. Jeff Oberg and Ms. Sue Johanning Ms. Carol Vangytenibeek
Mr. Bob House Peter Franz Kevin McCarthy Amanda Burnett and Jeremy Wyatt
David and Sherri Oddo Vectra Bank
 A DAY IN THE LIFE
The Wendys Wonderful Kids (WWK) program is a research and data driv-
en model based around 7 aspects which include Diligent Search, Network
Building, Case Record Review, Recruitment Planning, Adoption readiness,
Adoption Preparation and most importantly, Relationship with the Child.
One of the roles as a WWK Recruiter is to help youth feel safe with adults.
Leighonna is a thirteen year old on my caseload who I have worked with
for almost three years. She entered foster care in May of 2008 and has
been on the Wendys Wonderful Kids caseload for almost four years. In
three years, weve had over forty visits together. During those three
years she has experienced a multitude of ups and downs few people
ever experience, which includes two failed pre-adoptive placements.
Meaning she lived with not only one but two families who promised her
forever and didnt follow through with an adoption finalization. I was
there with her when she learned about the first family and when they
introduced her as their daughter during a military retirement. I was there
when she burned her face on purpose because she was sad about not
being adopted. I was there when she was too embarrassed to take new
photos for adoption recruitment. I was there to drive her from what she
thought was her forever home (the second time) to a treatment center. I
was there to help get her into week long camp to see her brother, I was
there to dance in the car with her to Beyonce, I was there to get my face
painted with her so she would take new adoption pictures and try one
more time for the right family. I was there to watch her at a volleyball
game, while other kids were cheering on her success. I was there as she
started to move past her pain and believe in herself. Ive been there to
hear her rave about a new crush. Im sharing these moments to help
you see how strong a relationship is between a WWK recruiter and WWK
youth. This is called child focused recruitment.
In April of 2015 Leigh attended a small matching event and met Travis
and Tam. Tam sent in an inquiry on Leigh following the event. Tams
inquiry gave a brief history about their family including how they have
adopted before. She also included, We believe we can offer other kids
the chance to grow up in a loving home with unconditional love. We
met Leigh at the Matching/Cooking Event on 04/12/15. We got to cook
one on one with her and thought she showed a lot of courage and is was
great working with her. We would love to know more about her. After
talking with the family another team member and I were able to read
over their home assessment.
In November of 2015, the family met with the team and learned about
her entire history. They agreed to move forward and were officially
matched with Leigh in December of 2015. Because of failed place-
ments in the past, the team moved very slowly with her move, which
included over 4 months of visits and weekend trips. Twice a month I
drove her from her group home in Aurora to their home in Westminster
so she could get an extra long Friday through Sunday visit instead of
Saturday morning and Sunday visit. In June of 2016 Leigh moved into
the familys home. This is over a year after they met her.
A youth not on the Wendys Wonderful Kids caseload would not have
someone with the time to take those tedious and small steps. The
county wanted to send a stranger to pick her up after her second failed
adoption. Instead I was able to be there as person she knows and
trusts. County caseworkers focus on their basic needs leaving them
overworked and without time to focus on permanency. With out the
small matching event the family would not have met Leigh before and she told me 24 days before her adoption will finalize. May 5th, 2008 to November
being matched to adopt her. 10th, 2016; 3087 days or 8 years, 5 months, 12 days in foster care. Things wont be
Im not sure if I can tell you the exact birthdays for the 17 kids on perfect in her new family but she will have a family. She will be connected and related
my caseload from memory, but I can tell you the month, how they to people who love her in a safe and healthy way.
struggle, what their coping skills are, and how to make them smile. All
things, I am able to share with families. Without services from The Adoption Exchange and Wendys Wonderful Kids youth often
age out of foster care. They are more likely to be homeless, drop out of school, go to
Leigh told me that when she didnt believe she would have a family I prison, form addictions and become teen parents. Many kids are generational foster
gave her hope she would find a family. She trusted me. care. Instead of a family history of achievements they have family histories of abuse
Without the culmination of small matching events, Wednesdays Child and neglect without the tools to break the cycle.
Tapings, Heart Gallery Photos and WWK work this match would not
have worked. We connected Leigh to her family and they have made it In the words of Dave Thomas, These children are not someone elses responsibility.
successful together. They are our responsibility.
These arent happy kids with happy pasts. They are sad and hurt and
deserve a chance at a better future. As I stated earlier, Leigh and I cele-
brated yesterday. I called it our last visit together until her finalization
CHOICE
CHOICE is a program that benefits youth in foster care ages 12 to 18 whose parental rights have been terminated for a
minimum of one year or for whom reunification is no longer a permanency option.

The CHOICE prgram is built on the premise that once you make a connection with a foster child you will be compelled to
help in a more permanent way and help them transition into adulthood.

Children and mentors make connections at monthly events. Youth and potential host/mentor families get to know each
other in a no pressure environment of fun, age approporiate activites.

If a child and adult express mutual interest, the relationship can advance to the next level where the child can stay a day or
weekend with the host.

The host then becomes a mentor and an advocate for the youth in all aspects of his or her life - looking out for the child's
overall well-being as well as engaging in recruitment activites on behalf of the youth.

The model has shown that these relationships are enduring and successful, as both youth and host family often open up to
the idea of adoption.
Benefits of CHOICE
Adults and children can get to know each other, without the initial intimidation of adoption.
The environment is inherently nonthreatening to both the children and adults.
The innovative approach enlarges the pool of potential adoptive families.
The CHOICE program emphasizes youth choices in creating connections.
As a minimum, the youth form an enduring bond with a caring adult that survives changes in placements, case they created a welcoming environment for all of us, and especially
workers, and even communities, and transitions with them into their own adulthood.
The framework of this program can be replicated across the country.
CHOICE, our new weekend hosting program for older youth in foster
care, kicked off in October with a fun-filled Fall Festival! Seven
youth, ages 13-16, participated and left smiling with carved pump-
kins, DIY masks, and cookies in hand. Sixteen adults, interested in
becoming mentors, were there to cheer them on and play along.
Afterwards, a Permanency Manager at Adams County had this to say,
Thanks for the awesome planning, coordinating, and making the
event really cool for us and our youth. Please thank your team as
our youth!!
MY STORY

Bang, Crash, Screaming

Was it a dream? or worse.reality. Would you lose everything, why? How? Questions
spinning in your head. Life is full of contradictions. Such as your parents, and your heart is
broken into a million pieces.

My parents were not what I wanted. My mother was an alcoholic, I never knew my father.
I was abused. I was hurt. No one loved me. When I thought things couldnt get worse,
my brother came along. I loved him but I got less and less attention. Then we got taken
away to a foster home. I was terrified, but as long as I had my brother I was fine. But then
he got adopted. My heart was smashed, so I went 7 years in the system, 7 years of pain,
suffering, and crying myself to sleep.

Everyone was telling me I was never going to get adopted so I gave up. Then the most
amazing couple met me. They put up with every fight, every melt down. Then I ran out
of Ideas! So I got adopted. Dont you ever let anyone tell you your future. Let me tell
you something - you will find someone to call your mom and dad. You will have a great
future. Some of your futures are going to take you far. Everybody has their pros and cons,
once you find those people piece by piece your heart comes back together.

- By Lizzie