At HFS, we understand the immense joy and responsibility that comes with adoption. Every child deserves a loving, stable, and nurturing home. When it comes to adopting Native American children, the legal landscape is governed by the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). In this article, we’ll discuss why ICWA is crucial in ensuring that the best interests of these children are upheld and how it shapes the adoption process.
Established in Hungary in May of 1923, the Sisters of Social Service, well known for their work in nursing, midwifery, and orphanage services, came to the United States later that year and founded the Sisters of Social Service in Los Angeles in 1926. HFS and the Sisters of Social Service (the Sisters) have a three-decade-long…
Lisa Espericueta, Leticia Lopez and Julie Brown There are several ways to adopt in California and adoption agencies play a pivotal role in this process no matter whether you adopt a relinquished infant or a child in foster care. HFS, just like all adoption agencies, must follow rules and regulations set by California and the…
Our 2022 Gratitude Report reflects our Fiscal Year July 2021 – June 2022. Let me take this opportunity to thank our Board of Directors for their support and hard work on behalf of HFS: Vice President Joseph Zanetta, Board Secretary The Rev. Nathan Biornstad, and members of the board in no particular order: The Rev. Guy Leemhuis, Paula Kendrick, Sithy Farook, and Elaine Tumonis. The Rev. Thomas Quijada-Discavage and Maura Lemon filled out their terms on the board, and we reluctantly bid them farewell as of June 30, 2022.
I’ve been using the phrase “HFS Catch-up” for the past couple of years, as I have communicated with the Board of Directors by email every few weeks with an “HFS Board Catch-up” message. The HFS Board of Directors meets 6 times a year, or every other month, with a break in the summer. Even with…
Circle of Hope 2022 On behalf of the Board of Directors and Staff of HFS Adoption and Foster Care, thank you to all our supporters who participated in our “Circle of Hope Love Grows Here” online auction and in-person celebration on May 19th at the University Club in Pasadena. We are thrilled that you joined us to…
Marianne Wright with her mother Nancy Kearney Our 2021 Gratitude Report reflects on the Fiscal Year July 2020 – June 2021, and so I share this column with outgoing HFS Board President Susan Chakmakian, who was not only president of the board during the past fiscal year, but also ran a business, was raising a…
I have had the wonderful opportunity to know Bishop Bruno for over 20 years, but it was not until I started working for HFS 9 years ago that I had the privilege to truly get to know him better. Holy Family Services, Adoption and Foster Care would not be in existence today without the amazing…