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The Buchtelite •

Alumni Elec Simon’s Talent Took Him from UA to Broadway, but Proudest Moments Come from Helping Others Succeed

Upon meeting Elec Simon for the first time, his experience on Broadway, role in a Golden Globe-nominated film and gig with the Cleveland Cavaliers may be what come to mind first. However, it was a long road before Simon met success.

“Lace those boots up and keep walking up the hill,” Simon said. “Everybody’s not going to support what you’re doing; someone is always going to be negative.”

Simon was born and raised in Steubenville, Ohio. His mom was a stage manager, so he watched musicians warm
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Ohio House Passes Bill to Establish Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study Commission

The Ohio House of Representatives’ vote on HB 352 to establish the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study Commission marks an important step forward in addressing childhood trauma. In support of this bill, Adoption Network Cleveland garnered the support of over ten advocates who submitted written testimony, including heartfelt letters from two children adopted from foster care. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Rachel Baker (D-Cincinnati) and Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton).One touching...
Adoption Network Cleveland •

September is National Kinship Care Month

September is recognized as National Kinship Care Month, a time to acknowledge and support families who have stepped in to care for their relatives’ children. In Ohio, approximately 124,000 children are being raised by relatives or close family friends, known as kinship caregivers. While most children in kinship families are in “informal” kinship placements and not involved in the child welfare system, the county public children services agencies often also rely on kin to care for children who ha...
The Buchtelite •

Hower House: women’s history and the era of elegance

The Hower House Museum, home of the Hower family of Akron, OH, showcases women’s history and is “filled with artefacts collected by three of the Hower women on their travels around the world during the decades that spanned the 1880s through the 1930s,” says Tine Hreno, the Museum Guild’s co-vice president.

Those three women whose history is intertwined with the prominent Victorian Mansion are: Susan Youngker Hower, Blanche Bruot Hower and Grace Hower Crawford.
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Meet Savannah Johns

Savannah joined Adoption Network Cleveland as the Communications Coordinator in July 2023. In this role, she is responsible for informing our community, enhancing outreach, fostering engagement, and sharing valuable resources with the public.

Savannah is fueled by a passion for making a difference in the lives of others. Prior to starting at Adoption Network Cleveland, she served an Akron nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting adults with severe and persistent mental illness who faced si
Adoption Network Cleveland •

A Secret in Plain Sight | One Man's Adoption Journey Becomes His Compelling Solo Show

Adoption Network Cleveland is proud to have played a supporting role in an adoption story soon to be showcased at Playhouse Square in Cleveland on Aug. 4 and 5. The one-hour solo performance, titled "A Secret in Plain Sight," is written and performed by Kevin Gladish, a native of Cleveland currently residing in Chicago. In his show, Kevin takes the audience on a journey through his personal experience as a Late Discovery Adoptee and his search for truth.

“I started to want a story worth telling
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Supporting Families Formed Through Transracial Adoption

Earlier this year, a group of nine families met for a book club featuring Angela Tucker’s book, You Should be Grateful: Stories of Race, Identity, and Transracial Adoption. This book and meeting time were so impactful for the parents involved, that it has been extended into a regularly scheduled meeting available to any transracial adoptive parents.

For many years, Adoption Network Cleveland has worked with and supported families who have been formed through transracial adoption. Many iteration
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Aging Out of Foster Care: Navigating the Path to Independence

Every year, approximately 20,000 young adults age out of the foster care system in the United States—stepping into the adult world without the safety net of family and navigating life independently.Emancipation from foster care occurs when young adults turn 18 or graduate from high school without a permanent family. This situation, commonly called “aging out,” puts youth at risk of encountering difficulties in securing a stable living situation, completing their education, and finding employment...
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Honoring the Legacy of Jeanne Hood: A Devoted Volunteer and Advocate

Adoption Network Cleveland mourns the loss of Jeanne Hood, a longtime volunteer, who passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 89. Jeanne was a passionate advocate, a talented artist, and a source of unwavering support for those navigating the complexities of adoption. Her kindness, commitment, and impact on our community will always be remembered.Jeanne first connected with Adoption Network Cleveland as a birth mother seeking understanding and support. Over the years, she became an invalu...
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Emancipated Foster Youth: “A Title that Reflects My Resilience and Determination”

At Adoption Network Cleveland, we are privileged to work with extraordinary individuals who have faced adversity and emerged as advocates for foster youth. Russ Lang, our newest team member and iFoster TAY (Transition Age Youth) AmeriCorps Intern, is one such individual whose journey through the foster care system is a powerful testament to his strength and perseverance.“Being an emancipated foster youth means a lot to me,” Russ says. “It’s a title that reflects my resilience and determination....
Adoption Network Cleveland •

From Trepidation to Transformation | Aaron Ockerman on Lobby Day and the Volunteer Experience

“After every Lobby Day, people come back at the end and they are invigorated and excited and say—that was amazing! I’m so glad I did that! I felt like I made a difference!” our contract lobbyist Aaron Ockerman said. “Any trepidation they had at 9 am is completely gone by 3 pm.” Lobby Day participation has the potential to be genuinely transformative for many volunteers who initially felt intimidated but later realized the impact they could make.

Join Aaron Ockerman, Adoption Network Cleveland’s
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Never Stop Asking Questions: Philanthropy and Curiosity with Eamon Larkin, Finance Committee Chair

Eamon Larkin is a husband, father, Certified Public Accountant, entrepreneur, Crain’s CFO of the Year recipient, treasurer, board member and dedicated supporter of Adoption Network Cleveland. In the bustling world of non-profit organizations, volunteers and donors stand out as beacons of purpose-driven engagement. Eamon’s journey as a board member and integral part of the finance committee at Adoption Network Cleveland is a testament to the generosity of our community members.

Eamon first conne
Adoption Network Cleveland •

Thank You CAECP! | Donation from The Center for Adoption Education of Central Pennsylvania

For Mary O'Leary Wiley, the founder and president of the Center for Adoption Education of Central Pennsylvania (CAECP), the last 25 years have been a testament to the power of support and advocacy in the adoption community.

CAECP was established as a volunteer organization and served as a beacon of support for individuals whose lives were impacted by adoption. Inspired by the inclusive model of Adoption Network Cleveland, CAECP opened its doors to adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents a
Adoption Network Cleveland •

The Team Behind the Scenes: How Adoption Network Cleveland Unites Families

Searching for family members is a personal and important life event. Each journey is unique, filled with hopes, questions, and a longing to connect. That's where Adoption Network Cleveland steps in—an experienced, trusted, reliable search resource for adult adoptees and family members, birth parents and siblings, those facing DNA discoveries, and others who are involved in or considering searching for relatives. Our mission goes beyond just finding names; it's about offering a full-circle suppor