Testimonials by Clients and Community Partners

“HELLO AGAIN I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU AND MY ADOPTED FAMILY FOR MAKING CHRISTMAS HAPPEN FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN I WAS VERY GRATEFUL AND APPRECIATES EVERYTHING THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH GOD BLESS YOU AND MY ADOPTED FAMILY.. HAPPY NEW YEAR”.-Satara Capito

“Thank you so much for your love and support at a time in our lives when we really needed a miracle.”   I am writing to thank you and everyone who opened their hearts to help this family.” “Thank you so much for being there for all of us my prayer is that your doors never close and that God continue to bless you and yours not just at Christmas time but all the time.” “May God continue to bless and keep you.”

Donzie Blair and Family

“Christmas was good and the children were very excited with the clothes and the gifts they received.” “I almost could not get them to go to bed on Christmas Eve because they wanted to make sure the presents would still be there when they woke up.”  -LaShonda W., Single Parent

“Everything provided was so greatly needed.”  The clothes were something that they really needed and I could not have given them these things for Christmas because what money I have left is going to the medical bills for the three hospital stays I had this year.” -Dinah F., Grandmother

Adopt a Family provided support to this young Marine who had to return home from Iraq to raise his younger brothers after both parents were killed in a car accident.   He wrote: “Thanks so much for all that the good people have done for my family.”  “I was able to return back to Cleveland and was later honorably discharged from the service enabling him to stay in Cleveland and to provide a home for his brothers.” “ With the help that the Adopt a Family has provided, by brothers can sleep in beds instead of on the floors and with the support they have given me, I am able to go out and find a job to support my brothers through school and on to college. - Mike Sommers

“You just don’t know how I really appreciate all that the Adopt a Family people have done for my family.”  “My children are able to go to school with new clothes, coats and shoes.” “It gave me a sense of encouragement and to do the best I can to make sure that my children have whatever they need and to not depend on outside assistances again.” -Belle Marie F., Single Parent

“Everything provided was so greatly needed.”  The clothes were something that they really needed and I could not have given them these things for Christmas because what money I have left is going to the medical bills for the three hospital stays I had this year.” “I will do whatever it takes to help the Adopt a Family to be successful, because without them, the children would not have the clothes that they desperately needed.”- Erma B., Disabled Grandmother

      “It is nice to know that in the difficult time we are facing and the unstable economy, the Adopt a Family and National City are willing to step out and help the less fortunate.” Shena Townsend, Cleveland Catholic Charities

“We look forward to your continued support and sowing of seed into the community through your participation in the yearly Adopt a Family program.”- Tara Seifullah, Office of the Mayor, City of Cleveland

“We want to extend our appreciation to the Adopt a Family in supporting the families from the City Mission.”  “The need for assistance from families in the Cleveland area has increased tremendously and it is good to know that your organization was able to help the 14 families from the City Mission.”  “Your organization is greatly needed in our community and we hope that you continue the assistance that is needed every day.”  Vivian Smith, Volunteer Coordinator and Jim Whiteman, Chief Development Officer, City Mission

Teaches Students The Joy Of Giving
Hawken School 

  The Adopt a Family for Christmas Program has seen significant growth from year to year and despite tough economic times families were sponsered this Christmas. Great job everone. However, of particular interest was the contributions made from students at Hawken Middle School.

The Adopt a Family Association was contacted by one of the teachers from Hawken Middle School in Lyndhurst, Ohio inquiring about our Christmas program.  He stated that part of their holiday activities, the students participate in a secret Santa party bringing in gifts for each other.

The teacher wanted to do something different by having the students bring in gifts for someone else.   He wanted to know if there was a family that could use their assistance where the 60 students could contribute to the family.  The Adopt a Family matched a young girl separated from her family due to unfavorable living environment.  The students and the teacher were happy to support this young girl for the holidays. 

Later the teacher stated an interest has grown within the student population to over 120 students and now wanted to adopt a complete family.  Three families were submitted to the Hawken Middle School teacher and the students to make a selection of one family they wish to adopt for Christmas.  To the amazement of the Executive Director, the teacher informed the Adopt a Family they wish to adopt all three families and the young girl.

The students received the families’ wish list and students went shopping with their parents that weekend.  Every gift was wrapped and tagged with the name of children’s they purchased for.   Of course the students would love to have delivered the gifts themselves and given a chance to meet their adopted families, however due to security concerns they were unable to do so.

On December 19, 2008 the students, Executive Director and the Associate Director of the Adopt a Family Association met for a special assembly at the school to pick up the gifts and to meet the thoughtful, generous students who supported others for Christmas.  We were able to speak with the students who also ask questions regarding our Christmas program and those who wanted to volunteer with other programs the Adopt a Family Association offers during the year.

 After our brief talk some of the students assist in loading the van with all of the wrapped gifts for their three adopted families, which the organization delivered for them.

WOW! Thanks to all the students, thier families and the staff of Hawken Middle School.