Ray and Matt Lees, Adoption Advocates

Worthington residents, Ray and Matt Lees, are the adoptive fathers of eight children and are our first Adoption Hero Award recipients.

In addition to volunteering at their childrens' school and on the Worthington Estates PTA, the Lees continually support initiatives for children, especially those in Haiti.

In 2010, the Lees led an initiative to gather donations of peanut butter to send to those affected by the earthquake disaster in Haiti. They collected 669 jars of peanut butter -- and then the Lees family matched the donation.

Every year, the Lees also send beanie babies to the Becky DeWine School in Cite Soleil, Haiti. Over the years, the Lees have donated over 3,000 beanie babies.

For more information on the Lees, take a look this article from the New York Times.

Check back tomorrow to meet our next Adoption Hero Award recipient!

Adoption Heroes

As a part of our Forever Home Adoption Celebration, we presented the Adoption Hero Award to outstanding Central Ohio groups and individuals who are involved with adoption and child advocacy. 

The Adoption Hero Award was created to recognize the achievements and contributions of the adoption and foster care community.

We are continually impressed with the dedication, innovation and enthusiasm displayed by adoption professionals, advocates and groups, as well as children who were adopted or in foster care. It is our hope that the achievements of our 2011 award recipients will inspire others to actively work to make a difference in the life of a child.

Check back during the next few weeks to meet our Adoption Hero Award Recipients!

Fostering Transition: Court and Agency Collaboration to Improve Outcomes for Foster Youth

June 22, 2011 ~ 12:30 - 5:00 pm at Capital University Law School and sponsored by the National Center for Adoption Law & Policy
APPROVED FOR 4.0 CLE AND 4.0 CEU CREDITS

This no–cost continuing education session for judges, attorneys, caseworkers, supervisors, and other child welfare professionals will focus on selected legal issues related to foster youth transition to independent living and ways in which professional stakeholders may collaborate for better outcomes for Ohio's transitioning foster youth. Participants will also be introduced to new resources and materials developed to assist them with transition planning and implementation.

Click HERE to Register!

What do you think about this campaign?

Fairfield county and Lancaster High School campaign as part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Here is a link to their 30-second PSA as well: http://www.schooltube.com/video/54fcd2f5d5046c65cc17/Never-Shake-a-Baby