The Family Network is a family affair, founded by Luke and Georgia Leonard. Of the couple’s six children, two are biological, three are internationally adopted and one is domestically adopted. Daughter Audrey is dof the international adoption program and has special training in attachment disorders.
The northern California business arranges adoptions from China, Haiti, Nicaragua and Ukraine, countries where there are no adequate medical or educational programs in place.
The agency also facilitates California domestic adoptions, working with about 100 families a year who wish to adopt newborns of both genders and various nationalities.
Their program includes pre-evaluation assessment, home studies, counseling, placement supervision, post-placement supervision, court work, interstate coordination, plus coordination with community services.
Monthly Workshops Deal With Child Trauma
“It’s not just about adoption,” Georgia says. “In an institution, a child’s needs have not been met and they have no understanding of what attachment means, so it has to be learned.” To this end, the Leonard’s conduct a required workshop, helping adoptive parents to facilitate attachment capacities in their child. These workshops are also available to others needing help in treating a child who has undergone a trauma of any kind.
Scripture Played a Part in Georgia Leonard’s Life Choices
While Georgia was growing up, kids in need were always part of her lifestyle. Her grandmother raised 16 foster children. She lived in a Benedictine Cloister for eight years, and later lived on the grounds of a hospital and orphanage in Bethlehem. In further explaining the challenge motivating the couple to form the Family Network, Georgia refers to the scripture that says in part, “Take care of widows, take care of orphans and visit the sick and imprisoned.”
Donations and gifts to Family Network
The company is committed to providing for the needs of orphans around the world. Each family adopting through The Family Network may make a tax-deductible humanitarian aid donation if they are able. A large percentage of this donation is used for projects benefiting orphans in the country of the child's birth. Families are also encouraged to donate and transport items such as medicine, blankets and clothing when traveling to adopt their child.
Fees for adopting a child with special needs are decreased in an effort to assist families who are willing to open their hearts and homes to these special children.
Donations to the network's orphanages and other special projects are tax-deductible and always appreciated. It is also possible for individuals wishing to help to donate items such as medications and supplies.
Local Santa Cruz County Fundraisers
Family Network staff organizes local fundraisers, including a roller skating event, a day at IHOP (International House of Pancakes) and participation in the annual Santa CruzCounty Human Race.
Volunteer Office Help Needed
Residents in the Santa Cruz area who too, are called to act on the Lord’s words may assist in the Soquel office. Grant writing help is also needed.
New location:
2959 Park Avenue
Soquel, CA95073
831/462-8954
June Smith - I am the retired owner of a pioneering winery founded in the early '70s in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, with dozens of food, wine ...
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