FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sara Hanson
Public Relations Specialist
shanson@sierraadoption.org
916.368.5114 ext. 237
fax: 916.368.5157

Nonprofit Known for Transforming the Lives of Children in Foster Care, Makes a Transformation of Its Own

June 18, 2009 – Sacramento, CA - For 25 years, Sierra Adoption Services has transformed the lives of children in foster care by building and nurturing permanent families. During that time, over 2,000 children and youth have found the love, acceptance and security of a permanent home – a forever family.

As of July 1, 2009, the agency’s name will change to Sierra Forever Families. The new name represents the culmination of many years of hard work by the agency’s board, staff and volunteers. Removing the word adoption from the agency’s name more accurately represents the wide range of services provided and enables the agency to assist more children in finding forever families.

The mission remains the same - to transform the lives of children in foster care by building and nurturing permanent families. Sierra promotes permanency. “A child’s forever family can look as different as the children we serve: returning to one’s birth family, going to live with relatives, adoption, or perhaps a permanent guardianship,” says Bob Herne, Executive Director. “Our priority remains providing each child in foster care with a safe and permanent family they can call their very own.”

With nearly 4,000 youth in the Greater Sacramento area living in foster care, Sierra provides permanency services to these youth through a variety of programs: Capital Kids are Waiting, Destination Family, Wendy’s Wonderful Kids and Placer Kids. All programs and services provided by Sierra are free and focus on finding permanent, loving homes for youth who are languishing in long-term foster care.

The necessity for families and community support is needed more than ever and will ensure positive outcomes for youth who are waiting for a forever family. If youth emancipate from the foster care system without a permanent connection, within 2-4 years, over 50% are homeless, addicted to drugs, in prison or dead. This outcome is devastating.

For a full listing of services and programs, or more information on becoming a parent or giving opportunities, please visit the agency’s redesigned its website at www.sierraff.org.

Opportunities for interviews with agency leadership and adoptive families are available upon request. Sierra would like the opportunity to reach your audience and would appreciate any assistance in securing features.