The Alfaro Family of Frisco nominated Kimberly for this honor. Kimberly was the Alfaro's caseworker as they adopted two children from the New Beginnings program. They write, "We could tell from the beginning that Kimberly was enthusiastic, dedicated and loved what she did. Adoption can be such a scary road and there are so many unknowns and so many questions. Kimberly took us by the hand and educated us. She is truly an advocate for abused and neglected children. We are grateful to have Kimberly as well as the entire Gladney staff on our team."

This exciting honor is perhaps even more special because it falls during National Adoption Month. National Adoption Month is a time the Gladney Center honors and gives thanks to families everywhere who are touched by adoption and also to reflect on the thousands of children who are currently in the Texas state foster care system. It is Gladney's mission to advocate for children here at home and around the world. Frank Garrott, President of the Gladney Center, says, "Kimberly is an amazing caseworker and embodies the heart and soul of Gladney's mission. Because of her passion and dedication, more children will be placed in warm, caring and permanent homes."

The New Beginnings program is specially designed to assist the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services by recruiting loving adoptive homes for children currently waiting in the Texas state foster care system. Most of these children are over the age of five and have been removed from their homes because of abuse or neglect. There are numerous children available, and there is no fee for families who adopt a child waiting in the Texas foster system.

The Gladney Center for Adoption is one of the oldest and largest maternity homes and adoption agencies in the United States, placing more than 28,000 children in permanent homes and assisting more than 37,000 birth mothers. In addition to placing children born in the United States, Gladney's intercountry adoption program is committed to finding permanent homes for children in other countries. Adoption opportunities are available in several regions of the world including Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. A genuine commitment to children and professionalism makes Gladney an exceptional adoption agency and a national leader in adoption.

For more information about Gladney's adoption programs and humanitarian aid efforts please log onto www.gladney.org.