The Gorde Family

Our family has been a part of the M&M program at Children’s Home Society & Family Services for the past two years. M&M matches adopted youngsters with adopted adult mentors to share their adoption experience and cultural heritage. Theresa (age 15) and Michael (age 13) have enjoyed the opportunity to meet with adult adoptees who “take them places.” Gabriella (age 10) just started meeting with her mentor, who has already attended Gabby’s Bharatanatyam dance recital this spring. All three pairs are sharing in some of life’s milestones, including Michael’s mentor, who met his birthmother for the first time this winter in Guatemala.<

We are happy our kids enjoy the opportunity to develop a relationship with another adult outside the family with whom they can share intimate details of their lives. While we’re not sure there’s a lot of talk about adoption issues in these monthly meetings, we know that our kids are developing a relationship where they feel safe to talk to a young adult who has personal experience in adoption, too.

– The Gorde Family, CHSFS M&M program participants