One of the most fulfilling aspects of our role is supporting the children who join their adoptive family each year. While many emotions and feelings emerge with adoption, peace is certainly one that is cherished and valued. This past year, AASK helped 245 children finalize their adoption with their forever family!

November is extra special because we get to celebrate National Adoption Month! One initiative we work on year-round but focus heavily on in November, is raising awareness for children who are not yet in their adoptive home. In North Dakota, there are approximately 25-30 children who are waiting for an adoptive family at any given time. This fueled our desire to establish the Red Shoe Campaign! The Red Shoe Campaign was started as a collaborative effort between AASK the local Recruitment and Retention Coalitions in eastern North Dakota to raise awareness to the number of North Dakota children waiting in foster care to be adopted. The campaign is a reference to the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy clicks the heels on her red shoes three times exclaiming ‘there’s no place like home’. It is the campaign’s overarching goal to spread the message that there’s, truly, no place like home and that all children deserve a family to call their own. Take a peek at some of our efforts below!

While it is difficult to fully experience peace knowing children are still waiting for their forever home, we can find comfort in our continuous efforts to bring awareness to the community to learn about all of the brave, kind, and resilient children who need an adoptive home. 

We are grateful to have such an important role in a child’s life and are honored to be a small part of their life. We look forward building peaceful moments for children and families in the upcoming year! 

Written By:

Kara Eastlund

Director of Adults Adopting Special Kids