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Children’s Hope International/ China’s Children had its start in April, 1992 when China first opened its doors to international adoption. Living in Beijing at the time, I ‘volunteered’ to help parents who might need help. “The phone started ringing,” can I say, “and has never stopped,” necessitating a move back to the United States and to St. Louis. Melody Zhang became a passionate part, and the rest is history. There are now 72 people on staff in 14 different locations, including St. Louis, Kansas City, Chicago, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, Hot Springs, New England, New York, and one representative for California families. Overseas we have offices in Beijing, Moscow, and Vietnam with representatives in the other countries. What an incredible ride through those first turbulent years in China and then through the doors opening up into, first Russia, and then Vietnam, India, Guatemala, and lastly, Colombia. Last year 517 children came to join their forever families and the celebrations continue. It appears that about 650 will be adopted this year. Doors of adoption soon opened up into humanitarian aid opportunities and both continuously expand. In all these countries, the programs are stable and growing. We are fiercely committed to changing the lives of children. Last year saw a significant rise in the numbers of people adopting through the older and special needs programs. More than a hundred children of that description found homes, and this continues to grow. Most were from China and Russia’s Operation Hope. How grateful we are to be linked with you in this wonderful work – and together with God to be in excited anticipation of all that is ahead. |
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1992—14 adoptions our first year.
1993—Dwyatt moves to St. Louis and Melody immigrates from China. Only 20 adoptions due to moratorium.
1994—We move into an apartment office in St. Louis. 66 children adopted.
1995—We buy our present building and 5 additional staff hired. 240 adoptions
1996—Applications pouring in. We are joined by several ‘branch’ representatives. Russia program begun. Political difficulties among China adoption officials create problems but 304 adoptions despite problems.
1997—Cascade in Portland becomes part of Children’s Hope; development begun to include programs in India, Guatemala and Vietnam. 349 adoptions
1998—220 adoptions, but this was the year of rebuilding our China program.
1999—We are on our way back up with 257 adoptions. 2000—Our staff continues to grow. We become one of the first agencies to be accredited in Russia! 389 adoptions
2001—A year of celebration for 513 children finding their forever homes from six different countries. A total of 71 staff members nationally and internationally. Four new branches started. Children’s Hope International Foundation started, and two people hired to give direction and enable more funding for all the places God shows us a need. COA Accreditation underway. A new program started in Colombia. Even though only 4 adoptions from there this year, it shows signs of being a strong program.
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