the radle - The Cradle

TAKING FLIGHT, continued from page 1Bill takes every opportunity to encourage young peoplewho wish to fly. “I love getting kids involved in flying,” hedeclared. The chance to get another Cradle baby involved wasespecially meaningful for him.Paden’s mom, Sharon Wilson-Taylor, called Bill to makearrangements. “I was so moved by the generosity of someonewho didn’t even know Paden,” she said.On the morning of Saturday, October 1 st , just a week afterPaden’s sixth birthday, Sharon, her husband Dwight andPaden headed to Chicago Executive Airport in Wheeling,where Windy City Flyers is based. They were met by flightinstructor Charlie Hilbrant, who gave them a pre-flight lessonand walked them around the plane they’d be taking out: afour-seat, single-engine Cessna 172.Besides the memories of his first flight lesson, Paden tookhome a beautiful logbook. “This is a ritual I always do,” Billexplained. “Give the child a logbook and enter the lesson inthe book.”Charlie, who himself had started flying at 15, let Paden takethe pilot’s seat. He was impressed by Paden’s calmness andcomposure, despite the boy’s obvious excitement. Sharon andDwight climbed in the back seat and took lots of pictures todocument this momentous event in their son’s life.During the 45-minute lesson the foursome flew downtown,where they had beautiful vistas of the Chicago skyline, LakeMichigan and Soldier Field. They did some turns, climbs anddescents. At one point Charlie said to Paden, “I’m going to letgo now and you’re in charge.” Paden rose to the occasion likea pro, taking the wheel (or “yoke”) and experimenting withpulling it toward him and pushing it away. “He loved it whenthe plane sped up,” Charlie observed with a laugh. “He’d giveme a big smile.”And what was the hopeful young aviator’s favorite part of thelesson? “Seeing where the Bears play down below us,” Padenreplied enthusiastically. Sharon reports that as soon as theylanded, Paden said, “Mom, let’s do this again!” In the thankyou note she sent to the Rands, along with photos from theday’s flight, Sharon wrote, “Bill and Happy you have plantedthe seed, it is now our job to see that it grows.”Bill Rands with the Aeronca Champion tailwheel plane he fliesBill’s own logbook currently has around 700 hours. He ispresident of a flying club out of Troy, Michigan that has fortymembers and two planes. His current delight is piloting aWWII-era tailwheel plane – an aircraft which Bill says is moresubtle, and requires more finesse than a nose wheel plane,and is therefore more satisfying to fly.Although Paden’s big adventure was a little rocky for his mom(who battled airsickness throughout the flight and won!), shemarvels at the connection that was made that day. “It was awonderful experience we would not have had except for TheCradle,” Sharon said. “We called it ‘Cradle in the sky’.”Windy City is one of the Chicagoland region’s largest flightschools. For more information visit www.windycityflyers.com.REFLECTIONS FROM a Cradle BabyFather Ken Simpson (Cradle ’52) is pastor at Chicago’s St. Clement Church. Following is an excerpt from hismessage in a recent church bulletin:My adoption is the cornerstone of my life. This is my definitive experience of grace. It is the source of the overwhelminggratitude which guides my best days. It is the motivation to give back in some way. It is always about receiving andgiving – the generous and courageous gift of my birthmother and the loving reception of my parents into their home andhearts. I imagine that my beginnings were in some sense problematic. But that has become the fact that has shaped atruly gifted life. In light of my adoption, it is easy to realize that everything I have and am, is begun as pure gift. I amowed nothing. And I have a responsibility to carry on as heir in honoring that which has been passed on to me.2 The Cradle Newsletter

The 2011 Cradle BallThe nearly 270 guests who attended the 17th annualCradle Ball on Saturday, September 24 at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago dined on tenderloin and halibut,danced between courses, and helped generate over $140,000for The Cradle. Aon Corporation and Northern Trust were theBall’s lead sponsors.“It was a fantastic evening,” said Ball co-chairs Erin Dickes andJohn Luce, who also serve on The Cradle Board of Directors.“There was tremendous energy throughout the room –whether guests were bidding on auction items or dancing tothe outstanding music of GreenLight. Zoraida Sambolin did anamazing job as celebrity emcee, and our sponsors and guestswere so generous.”Co-anchor of Chicago’s early morning NBC 5 News Today since2008, Zoraida recently moved to CNN in New York. In 2009we were fortunate to have her as emcee for a fundraiser forThe Cradle’s Sayers Center for African American Adoption.Zoraida’s guest at the Ball was Kenny Williams, general managerof the Chicago White Sox. Also in attendance wereher former colleague and legendary Chicago newsman ArtNorman – who spent nearly 30 years at NBC 5 before retiringin 2009 – as well as her current intern, Michael Esparza.a flurry of contributions at the $50 level – including the firstone from Zoraida!Other highlights of the evening included an extensive silentauction with electronic bidding via keypads; a live auction forluxury trips to Palm Desert, California, Big Sky Montana andPunta Mita, Mexico; and a raffle to win a two-year prepaidlease on a 2011 Mini Cooper.The 2011 Silver Cradle Awards were also presented during theBall. Launched in 2003, The Silver Cradle program recognizesChicago area companies that support their employees by providingadoption related benefits and resources. Representativesfrom recipient companies who attended the Ball received apersonally engraved sterling silver baby cup, generously donatedby Tiffany & Co.The Cradle’s premier annual gala, the Ball has raised morethan $3.6 million since 1995 in support of The Cradle’sexemplary programs and services for pregnant women,infants and families.Our thanks to The Cradle BallCommittee for a job well done!Celebrity emcee ZoraidaSambolin with Kenny WilliamsCradle President Julie Tyewith Zoraida’s intern,Michael EsparzaDuring the evening’s revenue auction, Zoraida came up withan inspired idea. Guests were invited to pledge their supporttoward specific Cradle needs, such as supplies for the Nurseryor maintenance of our toll-free phone line for expectantwomen. Whereas the bidding started at a level that was outof reach for some of the younger guests, Zoraida asked – inMichael’s honor – “What will $50 purchase?” That promptedFront row, from left: Corinne McClintic, Amy Geer, Erin Dickes(Co-Chair), Trish Henry, Libby Brombach and Jenny MaroneyBack row: Charlie Boesel, John Luce (Co-Chair) and RickBoyntonNot pictured: Toni DiDonato and Michael Walsh4 The Cradle Newsletter

®2 0 1 1 c r a d l e b a l l s p o n s o r sOur sincere gratitude to our sponsors, whose generous support not only ensuresthe success of The Cradle Ball, but helps to preserve Cradle programs and servicesfor future generations of children and families.champion ($10,000 level)advocate ($5,000 level)Eric Dobyne and Aubrey Sheldon with Cradle parentsMike and Jeannie WeaverThe Connelly FamilyFoundationErin andScott Dickestable sponsors ($3,250 level)Doug and John LuceJenny and Scott MaroneyMary and John MeanyBecky and Bob NowlinLarry RublyTracy and Nick KalmGinny and Paul UhlenhopJeannie and Mike Weavernursery angel ($1,500 level)AMERICA, INC.Kathy and JerryBiedermanGarrett FamilyFoundationBarbara andPeter Seredafriend of the cradle ($1,000 level)Dean BaliceMelissa and David BuckleyCorrine ReichertClaudia SaranDeloris and Norbert St. JohnWinnetka Auxiliary of The CradleCradle parent Mary Meany, left, with friendsJack Nesser, Lois Weber and Barbara GaynorLongtime WMAQ-Ch. 5 newsman Art Normanbrought Terri Diggs to the BallRepresentatives from twelve of the companiesthat received a 2011 Silver Cradle Award

2011 AUCTION, RAFFLE & SPECIAL PRIZE DONORSTHANK YOU to all of the generous businesses and individuals who donated gifts and services to Cradle Foundation events in 2011.Adler PlanetariumAlasha LandscapingAlex’s Washington GardensAligned Modern HealthAlioto’s Gift ShopJuliet AmanteAmerican GirlAmerican Taxi Dispatch ServiceArlington ParkArt & Community AllianceArt + ScienceLenore and Frank ArviaAssemble for WomenThe Balla FamilyBarrington Town NailsBent ForkBernardi Securities, Inc.Best Buy – ElginBig Ten NetworkBill Stasek ChevroletBishops Hall Bed and BreakfastThe Blackstone GroupBluegrass RestaurantPenelope BoardmanBob Chinn’s Crab House RestaurantCharlie BoeselShane BrennanBrickologyJennifer and Howard BrinnBistrot MargotBroadway in ChicagoLibby BrombachBrookfield Zoo/ChicagoZoological SocietyBrunswick BowlingBuild-A-BearThe CanvasbackCarnivaleCasas Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryCatering by Michael’sChalet Nursery & Garden ShopsChant RestaurantChicago Architecture FoundationChicago Botanic GardenChicago BullsChicago Children’s MuseumChicago CubsChicago Private Car ServiceChicago Shakespeare TheaterChicago Symphony OrchestraChicago White SoxChopin TheatreClaim CompanyClub LuckySteve ColeColette Ltd.Competitor GroupThe Connelly FamilyCourt TheatreThe Cradle AssociatesThe Cradle Ball CommitteeThe Cradle Classic CommitteeKelly CusackD&J BistroDenis DalyDana Hotel and SpaDaVinci GroupDay at the Races CommitteeDeerfield’s BakeryDel RioDeloitteThe Denim Lounge/Madison andFriendsDennis Bartolomei SalonDePaul University Merle Reskin TheatreToni DiDonatoJudy and Dan DorrEast Bank ClubEdward Fox PhotographyELAN Beauty SalonElizabeth Arden Red Door Spa –DeerfieldFado Irish PubFantasy KingdomFeldcoThe Field MuseumFine Art ConceptsFive Delta FoxFour Seasons Hotel DenverFriend of The CradleBobbi Ann and Barry FulkGabriel’sJune and Frank GarciaAfton Gauron and Brian AudetteGeffen PlayhouseGeorge Ritzlin Antique Maps & PrintsSusan Giffei and Scott WiscombGlessner House MuseumGoodman TheatreHairsayClyde HarrisMarc HeidkampHester Painting & DecoratingPeter HickeyKim HollandHome Depot – South ElginHot Shot Ice ArenaNancy IidaIllinois Sports Facilities AuthorityInovasiiO TheaterJ. Alexander’s RestaurantJames Martin Associates, Inc.Jason’s DeliJewel-OscoJulie Kaplan PhotographyJupiter Motor SportsTracy and Nick KalmKamehachi RestaurantKane County CougarsKehoe DesignsThe Kellen Family6 The Cradle Newsletter

Kidsnips – DeerfieldKidsnips – WilmetteMartha KingKohl Children’s MuseumAnastasia KousakisJohn KousakisPeter KousakisTelly KousakisKrugel Cobbles, Inc.Lake County FieldersLake Forest SymphonyLambrecht’s Jewelers, Inc.Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Inc.Dr. Adam Levinlia sophiaLifeline TheatreLincoln Park ZooLincolnshire Marriott ResortCaroline and Paul LipinksiLookingglass TheatreLou Malnati’sDoug and John LuceLuLu’s Dim Sum & Then SumLynfred WineryLarry MacyMahoney PlumbingDavid ManciniMaplewood HotelMarianne Strokirk SalonsMark Brown PhotographyMcGaw YMCAJohn McNabolaMary and John MeanyEric MersmannMetropolis Performing Arts CentreMia SorellaJeanette MinesMorton’s SteakhouseMuller HondaMusic Institute of ChicagoMusic of the BaroqueNaHaNational Mustard MuseumNorth Shore Country ClubNorth Shore Racquet ClubNorth Shore YogaPeggy Notebaert Nature MuseumNuns4Fun Entertainment, Inc.OceaniqueOld Town School of Folk MusicJennifer and Danny O’ShaughnessyP.F. Chang’s China BistroThe Palmer House HiltonParlourKirsten PassalinoPerfect SettingPerkins Coie LLPSue and Jim PetersenPhil Stefani Signature RestaurantsPI8Pick-Staiger Concert HallPiper & PenelopeThe Popcorn FactoryPortraits by ThomasPrairie FireRed Door SalonReDefinedThe Ritz-Carlton ChicagoRockit Ranch ProductionsRosborough Partners, Inc.Rosebud RestaurantsLarry RublyKristin RyanSalon SheaGale SayersSeacord House Bed & BreakfastThe Second CitySecure AirJohn G. Shedd AquariumSomeone’s in the KitchenSpare Time Inc.Katherine SpeissThe Spice HouseSports Authority - GenevaSpring Lake MarinaSt. Mary’s Quilters of EvanstonLinda and Bill StasekSteppenwolf TheatreStrategic Hotels & ResortsStuart-Rodgers PhotographySugar FixSutton StudiosBede SwisherSYMS CorpTable ComplimentsTeddie Kossof SalonDr. and Mrs. Michael TerryTH DesignsThree Bags FullThree Tarts Bakery and CaféTiffany and Co.TimeLine Theatre CompanyTrueman CateringWenhwa Ts’aoJulie TyeGinny and Paul UhlenhopULTAUrban OasisBrooke VossWalmart - ElginMichael WalshWendella BoatsWindy City FieldhouseWindy City FlyersWoodbine Golf CourseWoodhaven Country ClubWriters’ TheatreWTMX RadioZanies Comedy ClubDaniel ZazoveZero Balancing Wellness Center

FOUNDATION BRIEFSBAKING FOR THE CRADLECradle mom and Liberty Mutual employee Kathi Villano (second from left)suspected she might have a winning recipe. “Danny’s Key Lime Pie” earnedher son an A+ in his high school cooking class. When Kathi entered the piein her office’s Give with Liberty Bake-Off on October 11, she captured thegrand prize of $150 toward the charity of her choice: The Cradle. Victorywas especially sweet for Kathi, since October 11 was also Danny’s 18 thbirthday. Daniel Villano came home from The Cradle in October 1993, attwo weeks of age, and is now a senior in high school. According to hismom, Danny aspires to be a chef and will be attending the College ofDuPage Culinary Arts program next year.AUTUMN MOON FESTIVALTHE CRADLE ASSOCIATES CELEBRATE ADOPTIONMany of the children at The Cradle’s seventh annual Autumn Moon Festival,held on October 22 at Furama Restaurant in Chicago, were colorfully clad intraditional dress from the country of their birth. They tossed beanbags, dancedwith scarves, made puppets and stacked towers of plastic cups higher thantheir heads (and then gleefully knocked them down). After lunch, studentsfrom K.H. Kim’s Taekwondo Studio in Northbrook demonstrated how to breakboards with high kicks and skilled moves. The Truc Lam Lion Team was backwith their sparkling lion costume and boundless energy to thrill children andadults alike. Around 160 guests attended this year’s celebration of the harvestmoon, beautifully organized by event committee members Wenhwa Ts’ao andBede Swisher, who also generously donated the craft supplies and raffle prizes.In honor of National Adoption Awareness Month, The Cradle Associatesprofessional board hosted their second annual Celebrate Adoption fundraisingevent at Prairie Fire restaurant in Chicago on November 8. Membersof the Associates guest bartended, serving up a festive “Cradle-tini” andearning more than $500 in tips in just over an hour! Cradle Associate andCradle “alumna” Sheryl Phillips shared her story about being adopted andreuniting with her birthmother decades later, while a crowd of 50 guestsenjoyed a lovely four-course tasting meal of innovative American comfortfood. The event raised nearly $3,000 for The Cradle.From left: Sheryl Phillips, special guest the Hon. Dorothy Brown, Clerk of theCircuit Court of Cook County, Jeff Marcella, Gail Patrick, Joel Jaglin, JeannieWeaver, Katelyn Danielski, Keith Tyschper, Crystal Bowyer, Kelly Langan, ElenaKirshenbaum and Afton Gauron2012 SIRAGUSA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS DUE 12/23!Applications for our 2012 Siragusa Scholarship program were mailed in October and will be due at The Cradle on Friday, December23. Any Cradle family with a child up to and including 18 year of age, who has a special need, is eligible to apply. Scholarships aretypically awarded in March and are used for a wide range of needs, such as therapy, medication, assessments, educational aids orrespite care. For more information, visit www.cradlefoundation.org/siragusa or call Heidi Bloom at 847.733.3240.8 The Cradle Newsletter

DONOR PROFILE: Fred B. Snite FoundationEvery year since 1999, the Northfield, Illinois-based Fred B. Snite Foundation has awardedThe Cradle a generous grant in support of our Nursery and Special Needs Infant CareProgram. This funding has helped the Nursery provide exceptional care and give the bestpossible start in life to hundreds of vulnerable babies over the past dozen years.The foundation is the legacy of Frederick Bernard Snite, Jr., a Chicagoan who graduatedfrom Notre Dame in 1933 and planned to join his father’s financial services company. On afamily trip to China in 1936, however, the young man contracted an acute case of polio andhad to spend much of the remainder of his life in an iron lung. An indomitable spirit, Fredtraveled throughout the country in a special trailer, rooted for his beloved Fighting Irish fromthe sidelines, got married and had three daughters. In 1945, the foundation that bears hisname was established. Fred Snite died in 1954 at age 44. We celebrate his admirable courageand applaud the Snite Foundation for helping to sustain organizations and causes thatwere important to Fred.“It is an honor to partner with you,” wrote foundation President Margaret Dillon Sackley.“The loving environment of The Cradle surrounds and keeps safe the infant hearts of thebabies so deserving of a devoted family.” We at The Cradle are honored to have such a generousand devoted partner as the Fred B. Snite Foundation.In the photo, Dr. Madeleine Shalowitz, a behavioral and developmental pediatrician who works with The Cradle, examines a baby in theNursery. Grant funding from the Fred B. Snite Foundation supports our Nursery and Special Needs program.IRA GIVING OPPORTUNITY EXTENDED THROUGH 12/31/11A tax bill provision known as the “Charitable IRA Rollover” will be in effect through December 31, 2011. It allows taxpayersage 70½ or older to make tax-free transfers up to $100,000 per year directly from their IRA to charities. (This bill was originallyenacted in 2006, expired at the end of 2009, but now has been renewed an additional two years, through 12/31/11.)Making your year-end gift to The Cradle Foundation from your IRA rather than other assets may be especially appropriate ifany of these statements are true for you:• You use the standard deduction rather than itemizing your deductions;• Your IRA minimum distribution exceeds your current cash needs;• Your estate plan includes an IRA bequest to The Cradle;• Your 2011 charitable contributions exceed deduction limitations.This gift must be made directly from your IRA to The Cradle Foundation by your IRA manager acting under your directionby 12/31/11. A helpful article addressing questions you may have is posted on our website at www.cradlefoundation.org/ira2011. Or, feel free to contact Cradle Foundation President Brooke Voss at 847.733.3204 or bvoss@cradle.org for moreinformation about this time-sensitive opportunity.THE SEASON OF GIVINGWe are very grateful to all of the individuals, families, friends and organizations that have supportedThe Cradle over the past year. Donations are essential to sustaining The Cradle’s ethical, high qualityprograms and services for birthparents, infants, adoptive families and adopted persons.As 2011 comes to a close, please consider making a year-end gift to The Cradle Foundation. You canbe assured that your gift will be put to excellent use, helping The Cradle to create many new familiesin the year ahead, to provide compassionate support for pregnant women, and to care for beautifulbabies like Elijah, left, who spent three weeks in our Nursery this year before going home with hisfamily. From all of us at The Cradle, we wish you a season of joy, and health and happiness in the New Year.For information about making a year-end, tax-deductible donation, please contact Maureen Kelly at847.733.3230 or visit us online at www.cradlefoundation.org/donate.

WEBINARS onAdoptionLearningPartners.orgAdoption Learning Partners,The Cradle’s web-basededucational resource, offerslive webinars several timesa year. Focused on timelyissues with some of the highestregarded subject matterexperts in the field, thesewebinars not only presentimportant information and practical tips, but allow you time topose questions to the experts.If you missed any of our live events, we offer them in recordedversion on our site! Some of our most popular webinars include:Is That My Birthmom on Facebook? provides helpful advice forparents whose tween or teen may be searching for birth relativeson social media channels. Learn how to gauge if your childis ready to connect, talk to them about searching, and identifyonline-related safety risks.Is It an Adoption Thing? Expert advice on child development andadoption discusses the difficult task parents face when sortingout whether behaviors and challenges are adoption-related ornot. Attachment specialist Dr. Greg Keck reviews common challengingbehaviors at each developmental stage and offers reallife examples and suggestions.Are You Sleeping? Expert advice for adoptive families strugglingto get a good night’s sleep explores why adopted children (andtheir parents!) often sleep so poorly. Dr. Julian Davies, ClinicalAssociate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washingtonin Seattle and co-director of the Center for Adoption Medicine,helps parents formulate short and long term sleep strategies andtrouble shoot specific sleep problems.Look for upcoming webinars on subjects including Fetal AlcoholSyndrome, the effects of malnutrition, and special needs inadopted children.www.AdoptionLearningPartners.org/search.cfmPARENTING WORKSHOPSat The CradleSTRATEGIES TO OVERCOMESensory/Regulatory Difficulties in ChildrenSaturday, January 14, 2012, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.This workshop, led by Clinical Pediatric Psychologist DanGriffith, Ph.D., will provide information regarding the identificationof sensory/regulatory difficulties in children; the impactthese difficulties may have on the parent/child relationship; andappropriate parenting/intervention strategies for addressingthese difficulties.2 hours of DCFS Foster Care Training/Hague AlignedADOPTION & IDENTITY:Helping Our Kids Feel WholeSaturday, February 18, 2012, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Adopted children have some extra threads to weave into theirpersonal narrative. Having a realistic understanding of howadoption shapes or does not shape their identity helps themdo better when faced with future challenges. This programwill assist parents in helping their children create an ease withtheir adoption story – both the wonderful and painful parts.Guest speaker Judy Stigger, LCSW, is an Adoption Therapist andDirector of Professional Relations for Adoption Learning Partners.2 hours of DCFS Foster Care TrainingLEGAL ISSUES in Same Gender AdoptionSaturday, March 3, 2012, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Rosemary Mulryan, an experienced adoption attorney who hasworked with many same-gender families, will share her insightson such topics as Civil Unions law, legal implications of lastnames, health insurance, travel, guardianship and estate planning.Adoptive families will also share their practical experience.2 hours of DCFS Foster Care TrainingWorkshops are open to the community. Fees: $20 per person perworkshop, $10 for second family member; non-refundable. Preregistrationand pre-payment are required. Register online at www.cradle.org/parenting-workshops-0 or by calling 847.733.3208.NEWSWORTHYThe Cradle has opened an office in Merrillville, a town in northwest Indiana roughly eight miles south of Gary, to provideBirthparent Services in our neighboring state. After finding our facility, policies and procedures to be in compliance, theIndiana Department of Child Services approved The Cradle’s application for a child welfare license in November. LeislEinerson, LCSW, our caseworker for Indiana, will be based out of the new office, calling on referral sources and providingdirect client service.An adult adopted person born in Illinois on or after January 1, 1946 can now request a non-certified copy of their originalbirth certificate (OBC) through the Illinois Department of Public Health (adoptees born prior to 1/1/46 could already accesstheir OBC). Birthparents of adopted persons born after this date may request that their names be deleted from the noncertifiedcopy, and any birthparent may indicate their preference regarding contact with their adult birth child. For moreinformation, call Nina Friedman in Post Adoption Services at 847.733.2295 or visit www.newillinoisadoptionlaw.com.10 The Cradle Newsletter

A FOND FAREWELL to Jane Page“Helping people to be prepared for adoption and become a family is a pretty profound experience,and very gratifying,” said Jane Page, Clinical Director of Adoption Services and our longest servingstaff member. Last July 17th Jane celebrated her 32nd anniversary at The Cradle; January 3rd willbe her last day. Over the years she has worked with hundreds of Cradle families, witnessed majorchanges within the organization, and touched the lives of countless clients and staff members.When Jane was hired in 1979, her job consisted of doing home studies 22 hours a week. Eventuallyshe became a clinical director, supervising several members of the Adoptive Parent team whilealso continuing to work with families. Over the years, Jane has watched as The Cradle moved froma traditional closed domestic adoption agency to one that embraces open adoption. She addedpreparing international home studies to her skill set, and was a force in shaping The Cradle’s curriculumfor pre-adoptive families.Jane’s fellow clinical director, Phyllis Laughlin, offers the following observations about her longtimecolleague and friend:Jane Page was already a Cradle legend when I arrived 11 years ago. We didn’t really work together until 2003 but I wasn’t far downthe hall from her big corner office. When the domestic and international teams merged that year, Jane and I helped one another learnthe ropes. We joined forces in the redesign of Adoption 101. A few years later when I became a clinical director, Jane was the first personI went to see. She graciously welcomed me as a peer, but I would still go to her for supervision from time to time. When an office nearhers was vacated she invited me (quite persistently) to move closer so we could talk more easily. I’m sure the others in our wing canvouch for the amount of conversation that goes on through open doors.Speaking of graciousness, when her big corner office was converted to an office for two counselors last year, Jane couldn’t stop talkingabout how she loved the coziness of her new space. It’s hard to imagine that soon she won’t be occupying an office here at all. Jane is awalking repository of the evolution of open adoption at The Cradle. Her memory of people’s names, and her ability to recognize peopleafter years have passed, is legendary. Her compassion, patience, and occasional garrulousness are renowned. Jane always reminds usthat grief and loss are at the center of the adoption circle. The adoption counseling staff are about to experience our own grief and lossas Jane moves on after a stellar career.“When adoption grabs your heart, it doesn’t let go.” – Jane PagePROVIDING Lifelong SupportIn addition to the key components of “education” and “guidance” in The Cradle’s mission statement, there is “lifelong support.”What does that mean, and how does The Cradle provide it?At The Cradle we are committed to the belief that our relationship with a client – whether that client is a birthparent, a baby inthe Nursery or an adoptive parent – does not end with a placement. We do not send off new families with a “goodbye and goodluck,” or close the door on a birthmother after she has signed a surrender.Research has shown that adoption affects people in many ways throughout their lives. When issues arise, where can you turn?Through The Cradle’s Post Adoption Services department, we offer continuing guidance and support to any member of the adoptioncircle.Nina Friedman, LCSW, is Post Adoption Supervisor at The Cradle. She compiles background histories, conducts and facilitatessearch and reunion services, helps adoptive and birth families mediate open adoption issues that arise, and provides counseling.Our experienced Adoption Therapists, Judy Stigger, LCSW, and Dori Fujii, MSW, LCSW, work with adopted persons (includingchildren and teens), adoptive families and birthparents. The types of issues they address include:• Helping children understand their adoption stories• Helping to navigate issues that arise in transracial adoptive families and in open adoptions• Helping adoptive parents and their kids communicate more effectively• Helping adopted children deal with issues of adjustment, attachment and loss• Helping birthparents work through grief and lossFor more information, or to make an appointment, go to www.cradle.org/post-adoption-services or call 847.475.5800.

2049 Ridge Avenue | Evanston, IL 60201847.475.5800 | www.cradle.orgCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICERJulianne S. Tye, President/CEONON-PROFITUS POSTAGEPAIDPALATINE P&DC, ILPERMIT NO. 240BOARD OF DIRECTORSAnna Marie Hajek, ChairCaryn Rowe Africk, Vice ChairMargarita E. Kellen, Vice ChairPeter C. Hickey, TreasurerJanet S. McDonald, SecretaryJohn K. BarthDavid G. BrittsanRichard C. Burnstine, M.D.Stephen S. ColeErin S. DickesJohn F. Dix, Jr.Therese K. FauerbachRose FealyAndrea I. HerchenbachSharlene P.B. HobsonNicholas B. KalmJohn Salvatore Luce, Psy.DLawrence G. MacyKevin J. RochfordLawrence H. RublyArdythe E. and Gale E. SayersBarbara S. SeredaKimberly A. SimontonWilliam R. StasekVirginia L. UhlenhopHONORARY DIRECTORSMargaret M. AdamsHarold S. Bott, Jr.John L. FairfieldStanley M. FreehlingRose Ann and Addison C. HoofCharles F. Hovey, Jr.Nancy M. HoveyMargaret K. and David E. MasonMary T. and Michael E. PhennerWilliam C. Rands IIICorrine V. ReichertCynthia M. SargentJacqueline L. SchoellhornMary H. and Bernard F. SergesketterPaul B. UhlenhopTHE CRADLE FOUNDATION BOARDJames G. Connelly III, ChairPhyllis S. Thomas, Secretary/TreasurerMelville H. Ireland, Jr.CRADLE Calendar WINTER 201201/14 OVERCOMING SENSORY/REGULATORYDIFFICULTIESParenting Workshop*The Cradle, Evanston9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.02/09 FIRST LOOK FOR CHARITYMcCormick Place, Chicago6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.02/18 ADOPTION AND IDENTITYParenting Workshop*The Cradle, Evanston9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.03/03 LEGAL ISSUES IN SAMEGENDER ADOPTIONParenting Workshop*The Cradle, Evanston9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.*Open to the community. Fee: $20 per person per workshop, $10 for second family member;non-refundable. Learn more and register online at www.cradle.org/parenting-workshops-0or by calling 847.733.3208.Happy Holidays!12 The Cradle Newsletter