"As a Barker adoptee and birth mother, I can truly say I was blessed to have "grown up" with the Barker Foundation/Family. Based on my personal life experience and talking to adoptees and other birth parents, the support that Barker offers to adoptive families and birth families is unparalleled. From support groups and individual counseling sessions to educating families about adoption through conferences, workshops and resources, Barker is a pioneer in the ever-changing world of adoption. They understand that a healthy adoption is one in which all parties involved feel secure with their choices and decisions, and that support is ongoing post-adoption. I have always felt I have a voice with Barker and have never doubted my decision to place my child through the Barker Foundation, which I feel is a direct result of my adoption experience."
All Testimonials
-Kate, adult adoptee, birth parent
"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."
-Sarah Cesnik Mejac, Birth Mother, Adoptive Mother, Early Childhood Educator, and Barker Board of Trustees
"All Barker parents know the joy of adoption, and international parents have the added joy of cherishing another country as their own. Through Barker’s Homeland Tour, teens experience the culture and character of their birthplace. They reunite with caregivers who loved them as newborns. They connect with other adoptees who share a similar personal history. For them and for us, it is a gift of joy. Thank you, Barker, for all that you do to build and uphold families, and for the strong network of support you offer through programs like the Homeland Tour!"
-Diane C. Rolfe - Ridgefield, CT (Barker / FANA mom since 1989)
"Adoption has enriched and enlarged our lives beyond our expectations, and we are grateful to The Barker Foundation for its role in our journey. We have had the privilege of working with both their international and domestic staff. The person-to-person contact of a local adoption agency is beneficial, having experienced the challenges of long-distance communication with other agencies.
As social workers ourselves, we were especially glad to work with their licensed social workers, not a given in all circumstances. Their professional training and experiences made a big difference in the quality of our adoption process. We also appreciate that Barker provides services to their families over the life span of each child, and offers excellent trainings across a spectrum of topics; their annual conferences are NOT to be missed! We are proud to be a Barker family."
-Jeff and Laurie, adoptive parents
Washington, DC
"As an out-of-area family, we appreciated that Barker’s staff was very organized and responsive. Barker’s excellent service made our adoption experience stress-free, which was a big improvement from our first adoption through another agency. We now have two wonderful little boys and highly recommend the Barker Foundation to anyone interested in pursuing adoption."
-Jakki and Alex, adoptive parents
"Barker has helped us complete our family. The staff has always been there for us to answer questions and to hold our hands when needed. The domestic staff has handled our case with patience, love and understanding. They have become like family to us."
-Brooks and Kathy, adoptive parents
"We are so proud to be connected to an organization that is clearly a living legacy for so many people.
Being a part of Barker is not just about building a family and then moving on with life. It is about being a part of a larger worldwide community of friends and families, formed in the past, present, and future, and experiencing adoption in a way that sustains us throughout all the stages of our lives. It is also about being part of the evolutionary process that adoption is constantly going through, and growing and educating ourselves to be ready for the changes that this implies."
-Jo Ann, adoptive mother
