Page 11 - Samaritas Fall/Winter Our Hands 2022

LEGACY ADOPTION SERVICES (LAS) CELEBRATES
NEW BEGINNINGS AND 10,000 ADOPTIONS!

LAS is celebrating its 45th anniversary and the achievement of its 10,000th adoption this year. In honor of National
Adoption Month, they have chosen to announce its new name, "Legacy Adoption Services!" LAS believes every child is
valued and has unique, God-given potential. They also believe every child is adoptable. More than 2,000 children are
eligible for adoption in Michigan today, and 300 of these children hold out hope for a family to call their own. Families
are the best place for children to grow and thrive, and communities are stronger when waiting children are placed in
caring families' loving and capable arms.

In 1977, LAS was formed through a joint partnership of two Lutheran organizations, Samaritas and Wellspring
Lutheran Services. With a unified approach, thousands of children have had an opportunity to build a new legacy.
When communities of all backgrounds across Michigan partner to help children in need of adoption today, every child
can have a safe and loving forever home.

PUTTING THE "L" IN LEGACY
LAS is proud of its Lutheran legacy of faith and service, which
propels them to be responsive, caring, and innovative in its
approach to building families. They deliver a sense of love,
belonging, and the stability of a lifelong family that gives each child
a chance to make a legacy of their own.
As a leader in adoption services in Michigan, LAS is committed to
growing as an agency to meet the expanding needs of the children
and families we serve. Linking arms with like-minded agencies,
faith communities, and caring individuals statewide is critical to
the goal of helping every child find a family uniquely suited to
meet their needs and support them through each stage toward
FOREVER HOME TOSS FOREVER HOME RUN successful adulthood. LAS encourages you to look for ways to join
May 14th, 2022 October 8th, 2022 their mission and be a light that gives hope to a waiting child!

FUNDRAISING FOR FAMILIES Thank you Forever Home Run Sponsors & Donors!
2022 has been a banner year for the LAS “It was such a joy to see so many people
mission! The village of Milford and the city come out to the Run this year,” said
of Bloomfield Hills raised $80,000 to Rachel Sykes, Executive Director of LAS,
support foster children awaiting adoption. “this is a community that celebrates
children and families and has taken up
The 2nd annual “Forever Home Toss”
Charity Cornhole Challenge presented by the charge to help foster children feel
Next Rec, and Chris & Alicia Wilcox valued and get the specialized support
brought in $30,000. A novel family team they need to make it through this
bracket and bracket of serious competitive challenging time in their lives.” Carol Bielecki Mary Kriewall
contestants gathered at the STS Athletic All proceeds help LAS recruit families Chris & Dave Boone Nancy Kriewall
complex. The cornhole competition and provide adoptive families with BSLC Brotherhood Kathy & Mike Lewis
combined an on-site silent auction featuring support groups, counseling sessions, and Debbie & Paul Coughenour Marilyn & David Lochner
treasures from over a dozen local businesses! relief from financial barriers to adoption. Ellen Demray Anne Oliver
The 8th annual “Forever Home Run” hosted These funds also help ensure each child Lois Falsette BSLC Outreach
by Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church (BSLC) has a birthday and Christmas present Louise & Ray Green Sarah & Tom Post
in Bloomfield Hills and presented by The and access to childhood experiences like Molly Husman, Biz & Lilly Thrivent
KSG Group of Morgan Stanley and Mike camps, athletics, and extra-curricular James Kershner Neil Weisman
Kneale inspired over 100 5K and 1K racers to activities that build identity and self- Judy & Bill Knapp Alicia & Chris Wilcox
run for LAS, raising just over $50,000! esteem. Mike Kneale Jean Yee
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