On Saturday, November 23, KVC Kansas joined families, youth, and court and child welfare professionals to celebrate National Adoption Day 2024 in Topeka and Olathe. This annual holiday highlights the importance of adoption in creating lasting connections for youth in foster care.

During the celebrations, 24 youth, ranging in age from two to 15, finalized their adoptions and officially joined their forever families. Throughout National Adoption Month, KVC Kansas has celebrated 31 children’s adoptions. To date, KVC Kansas has matched 149 children and teens with loving adoptive parents, making a lasting impact on families and communities across Kansas.

Watch this report from WIBW 13 for an inside look at KVC’s National Adoption Day celebration in Topeka, KS.

KVC Kansas collaborates with the Kansas Department for Children and Families and Adopt Kansas Kids to make these moments possible. “National Adoption Day serves as a reminder that every child deserves a loving, permanent family,” said Dr. Linda Bass, President of KVC Kansas. “The power of connection is immeasurable, and the connections made through adoption provide youth with the stability, love, and support they need to thrive.”

At the Topeka event, Judge Penny Moylan expressed gratitude to adoptive families and child welfare professionals. “[Adoption is] a journey that requires courage, perseverance, patience, and an unwavering dedication. To the families here today, all of your love shines so brightly. You’ve chosen to step forward and make a difference in children’s lives, and more importantly, in our community,” said Judge Moylan.

The Bears Family’s Story of Foster Care and Adoption

On National Adoption Day, the Bears family celebrated a life-changing moment as they finalized the adoption of four siblings at the Shawnee County Courthouse in Topeka, KS. Each child marked the special occasion by selecting a cherished teddy bear, a heartfelt gift from the Lyons Club.

Christina and Kendal Bears have been fostering for five years, driven by a deep commitment to providing love and stability for children in need. Christina, a former teacher, became a foster parent to support youth in her school if they ever needed foster care. Over the years, that commitment has only deepened.

The journey began with two of the siblings joining their family. When KVC Kansas sought to reunite the children with their other two siblings, Christina and Kendal didn’t hesitate to welcome them as well. Thanks to their unwavering love and commitment, the children have thrived in a home filled with care, safety and belonging.

The Bears family speaking with media at National Adoption Day in Topeka, KS.

For Christina and Kendal, the court’s decision was simply an affirmation of what they had long felt in their hearts. “Finalizing what we have already known for so long, just like their ours, and it’s done,” Christina shared.

This isn’t the Bears family’s first experience with adoption, but each moment is as meaningful as the last. When reflecting on the rewards of the process, Christina said, “Seeing the joy of the kiddos when they come in and just the big family atmosphere. Seeing all of the siblings together because they were broken up before moving into our home—that’s the best part.”

The Bears family’s story is a powerful testament to the incredible impact of foster care and adoption, proving that with love and commitment, families can grow in the most extraordinary ways.

Community Support Helps to Create Memories for Youth and Families on National Adoption Day 2024

Youth and the families enjoyed breakfast and a few sweet treats as they celebrated their adoptions.

These National Adoption Day 2024 celebrations wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of local businesses and organizations. Special thanks go to:

• Baker’s Dozen Donuts
• Hy-Vee
• Lyons Club
• Great Life
• Club Carwash
• CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)
• Adoption Friend
• Crumbl Cookies
• Pepsi
• Stephanie Dulin
• Friends of the Johnson County Library
• Pets for Life KC

About Adopting Children from Foster Care

Adoption from foster care is a deeply rewarding experience that’s accessible to people from all backgrounds. The process is typically free, with costs covered by the state. Currently, nearly 2,000 Kansas youth in foster care are waiting for their forever families. Since 2005, KVC Kansas has matched 5,568 youth with loving adoptive parents.

Kierstin Reed, speaking with media at Topeka’s National Adoption Day event.

“Our team works tirelessly to help children seeking adoption to find the best possible match,” said Kierstin Reed, Director of Adoption Services at KVC Kansas. “…It’s about people stepping up, it’s family members stepping up, foster homes just being able to take in kids that need that home, that stability,” Reed said.

Interested in adoption? Visit kvckansas.org/adoption to learn more.

About KVC Kansas

KVC Kansas is a private, nonprofit child welfare and behavioral healthcare organization. KVC proudly serves as a leading foster care case management provider for 11 counties in Northeast Kansas. Offering a comprehensive range of services including family preservation and strengthening, foster care, adoption and outpatient behavioral health treatment, KVC Kansas enriches and enhances the lives of nearly 13,000 children and families each year. Learn more at www.kvckansas.org.