"My Barker journey began as a first year college student far from home and facing an unexpected pregnancy. The Barker social worker I met was compassionate, professional and kind, She helped me sort through my options and emotions as well as my hopes and fears for my child. Placing my daughter was so difficult and yet was the best for both our lives. Years later, Barker was there along my journey forward when I was married and more settled with another child. I was able to share my information and leave it safely for my daughter if she ever wondered about the whys and what happened.

Along the way I became active in Barker’s birth parent support group and began volunteering to speak and participate in conferences in the ensuing years. Later, my husband and I expanded our own family through adoption in a foster-to-adopt program. A few years after that, Barker was an invaluable resource for my daughter and me as we learned more about each other. We’ve known each other for almost 5 years now! As a current member of the Barker Board of Trustees, I hope I can help others benefit from my experiences and the way adoption has transformed my life."