Lund is delighted to announce that Karisa Thompson, Adoption Finalization Coordinator, has been named an Angel in Adoption® by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). Shoreham resident, Karisa’s nomination was supported by the office of Vermont Congressman Peter Welch. The award is a recognition of Karisa’s outstanding work as an advocate for establishing permanency for children in Vermont.
CCAI’s Angels in Adoption® Program honors a wide spectrum of individuals and organizations making extraordinary contributions to adoption, permanency and child welfare. Each year, the Angels in Adoption® awardees travel to Washington, DC, to both celebrate their hard work and dedication to the issues and participate in special events designed to engage them in using their personal experience to effect change on behalf of children in need of families. This year’s events took place on September 26th.
During her 14 years at Lund, Karisa has completed over 1,150 adoptions. She guides families through the adoption finalization process including assisting them with the paperwork, coordinating post adoption services and providing emotional support at what is a delicate and potentially stressful time for families. Karisa goes above and beyond to make sure that every child and their family have all the support and services they need in order to have a healthy and happy future together.
“It is an incredible experience to support children and families through the joys and challenges of their adoption journey,” says Karisa. “Ensuring that every child has a forever family is of the utmost importance and I feel lucky to be able to see the direct impact of my work on Vermont’s children. I am honored to receive this prestigious award.”
Karisa helped to establish the Vermont Adoption Day Celebration in November 2014 during National Adoption Month. She holds the Vermont record for number of adoptions taking place in one month – 64 in November 2017. Karisa is well underway planning for National Adoption Month 2018 with the hope of completing 75 adoptions. These are significant numbers in Vermont where the population is so small.
“Karisa is always willing to help others and is a shining example of team work,” says Wanda Audette, Director of Adoption. “Her clear communication helps families navigate a process that can seem overwhelming at times. She is there to help and encourage at every step along the adoption journey. Karisa has a deep knowledge of the adoption field and there is never a task too big for her. She always believes in the hope and positivity of a situation. The wellbeing of children is at the very heart of Karisa’s work and guides every decision she makes. Lund is so very proud of Karisa who is an extremely deserving recipient of the 2018 Angel in Adoption Award for Vermont.”
Lund helps children thrive by empowering families to break cycles of poverty, addiction and abuse. Lund offers hope and opportunity to families through education, treatment, family support and adoption. Lund is a member agency of the United Way of Northwest Vermont.
If you would like more information or to schedule an interview with a representative from Lund, please contact Charlotte Blend at (802) 861-2580 or [email protected]