News

Program focuses on the joys of adoption

By Renae Bauer
Communications Department

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay found a picture-perfect way to celebrate November as National Adoption Month.

Kelly Richardson and Jennifer Alf, both child welfare specialists for the agency, wanted the celebration to recognize all the parents who have adopted through the agency's open adoption program since it received its license in January 2002.

Their idea: Capture this moment of a lifetime on film. So they invited all eight adopting families to attend a portrait session at Harmann Studio in Green Bay on Nov. 21.

One of the three couples who attended was Andy and Lynn Teska. They adopted their daughter, Maisie, seven months ago, and found it to be a rewarding experience.

While the adoption process itself brought a wide range of emotions, said Lynn, "in the end, it's all worth it."

Each family will receive a copy of the group portrait as well as an individual family portrait as an appreciation gift from Catholic Charities.

The gifts are possible because of the generosity of Harmann Studio. General manager John Harmann, a member of St. Mary Parish in De Pere, decided to donate the studio time and the group portraits to Catholic Charities because "I feel pretty close to the Green Bay Diocese and I wanted to help out. I recognize their hard work."

As for the portrait, the Teskas are looking forward to receiving this keepsake on Maisie's behalf. "The group photo will be a great thing for her," Lynn added.