Serving With Purpose

Adults Adopting Special Kids and ND Post Adopt Network

The act of service in a job goes beyond completing assigned tasks—it reflects a genuine commitment to contributing to the well-being of others and the success of the organization. It involves approaching work with empathy, integrity, and a willingness to support colleagues, clients, or the community in meaningful ways. Whether through small, everyday gestures of helpfulness or larger efforts that improve systems and outcomes, the act of service demonstrates professionalism and purpose. It is the foundation of a positive workplace culture and a reminder that every role has the power to make a difference.

Within the Adults Adopting Special Kids (AASK) Program and the North Dakota Post Adopt Network, our agency is fortunate to have dedicated staff members who live out this spirit of service each day. It is an honor to share the reasons why these staff members choose to serve at Catholic Charities North Dakota:

• I serve because I don't believe we're put on this earth for our happiness only. I believe we are put on earth to help and serve others and to love one another.
• I serve because I know I’m making a difference.
• I serve because I believe in the power of family and connection. It is an honor and a privilege walking alongside children and families during some of the most pivotal moments in their lives.  
• I serve because I love…. “to be there on finalization day. It's such a beautiful moment to be there with the family and to know all that they have gone through and to be a part of the day where they get to just be family and be recognized as family by everyone.”
  

• I serve because children deserve to be heard. I am their advocate and their voice.
• I serve because I am driven by the opportunity to be a part of the process in helping make a difference in a child’s life. Helping children find a permanent loving family, and helping a family grow or become complete, is incredibly rewarding and heart filling.
• I serve because I love….  “to be there on finalization day. It's such a beautiful moment to be there with the family and to know all that they have gone through and to be a part of the day where they get to just be family and be recognized as family by everyone.”
  

• I serve because I get to support the least, the last, and the lost.
• I serve because…. “I enjoy meeting and talking about their lives and helping with supports if needed, but the best part is just really getting to know them.”
• I serve because I love being a part of the journey for children and families. It's such a special position to be able to be a part of the process of adoption and build relationships with children and families along the way. 
• I serve because I want to make a difference in the lives of kids and families in North Dakota and be a support to them. …It brings me joy and is an honor to meet the kids and families we serve and have a small part in their journeys.

• I serve to help youth in our community find the loving, supportive families they deserve.
• I serve because I am driven by the profound and positive impact our work has on children’s lives, as we help facilitate the creation of stable family units. The opportunity to help children find permanency and a sense of belonging is my primary motivation, and this mission is strengthened by serving alongside a team of equally dedicated professionals. 
• I serve because it’s a privilege to be a small part of an organization that works to fulfill children’s and families’ dreams of a forever home and lifelong relationships.
• I serve because… “I am motivated to continue to provide the best for the children and families I serve to ensure that each child gets a chance for normalcy during the remainder of their childhood. No child should grow up in foster care!”
• I serve because I came from a background where my childhood lacked an abundance of sunshine & happiness and I had to grow up way too fast. If I can bring any joy or a happy memory to just one child, my goals will be accomplished.”

In the words of an AASK staff member, “I serve because we are the hands and feet of Jesus.” What a beautiful joy it is to be part of an organization that truly embodies the definition of service. Each day, through compassion, dedication, and commitment, Catholic Charities North Dakota continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across the state.

Kara Eastlund, Director of Adults Adopting Special Kids