The Gift of Adoption Fund announces the establishment of the Virginia Chapter, its twenty-eighth state chapter in the United States. With a mission to promote adoption by providing financial assistance grants to qualified families, the Virginia Chapter aims to help complete the adoptions of children in vulnerable circumstances.
“Gift of Adoption has supported Virginia families from its national office without a chapter in the state, but we now want to expand our impact and raise funds locally to help more families who struggle with the high cost of adoption,” said Allyson Zak, Virginia Chapter President and adoptive parent.
As of December 31, 2023, Gift of Adoption has awarded $416,000 in adoption assistance grants, facilitating the adoptions of 130 children. Each year, approximately 23 qualified families in Virginia seek adoption assistance, representing a funding need of $110,000.
Because all administrative costs are covered by Gift of Adoption’s National and Investor Boards, every dollar raised by the Virginia Chapter goes directly toward uniting children with their forever families in the area.
The Virginia Chapter operates with an all-volunteer board who is committed to raising funds and building awareness. Currently, the Virginia Chapter board has 13 members across the state, with teams in Richmond, Northern Virginia, Chesapeake, Williamsburg, and Western Virginia. The Chapter is actively seeking leaders throughout Virginia to join as chapter leaders, contribute to growth, and reach more families.
“If you believe that every child deserves a loving family, consider becoming a part of our enthusiastic team,” says Zak. “We are building and introducing the organization to various communities around the state.”
How to Support Gift of Adoption’s Virginia Chapter
Those who want to support the Gift of Adoption Virginia Chapter can visit the chapter’s website at www.giftofadoption.org/virginia to learn more and to donate. The group is planning a variety of events throughout the state to help increase awareness and raise funds. Please join us!
For media inquiries or more information about the Virginia Chapter, please contact: Allyson Zak at thezakfamily@hotmail.com. For general inquiries about the organization, please contact Chief Development Officer Julie Pendell at mailto:jpendell@giftofadoption.org.
About Gift of Adoption: Gift of Adoption Fund, a national 501©(3) charity, has awarded over $17.7 million to complete more than 5,583 adoptions. Their mission is to provide adoption assistance grants to complete the adoptions of children in vulnerable circumstances, giving them permanent families and the chance to thrive.
