MEDIA RELEASE

June 14, 2010

Contact: Bev Carlson
Director of Public Relations
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska
(402) 978-5654
bcarlson@lfsneb.org

New Era for Adoption Services in Nebraska
Adoption Links Worldwide Affiliates with
Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska

June 10, 2010 (Omaha, Nebraska) – Two of Nebraska’s premier adoption organizations are combining forces, creating a full-spectrum resource for waiting children and adoptive families. Adoption Links Worldwide (ALW) is now an affiliate of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS).

The boards of both organizations approved the decision this week, which comes after due diligence performed during a 30-day management agreement. “This merging of assets preserves the unique programs of Adoption Links Worldwide and enhances the excellent adoption and foster care services offered by both ALW and Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska,” says LFS President & CEO Ruth Henrichs. “We are delighted to now begin working as one to bring these resources to Nebraska families.”

Adoption Links Worldwide is Nebraska’s leading organization for international adoptions and specializes in the placement of children of color. It is the only Nebraska-based organization with Hague accreditation, a designation which was established to protect children involved in international adoptions. Furthermore, ALW is Nebraska’s only local adoption partner for Wendy’s Wonderful Kids, a signature program of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. Wendy’s Wonderful Kids funds recruiters dedicated to finding adoptive families for waiting foster children.

“We are very excited about our affiliation with LFS," says Maureen Moseman, Board President of Adoption Links Worldwide. "This is a very positive decision that will strengthen and extend adoption services statewide to help more children find permanent homes through adoption. The 115 families and many foster children currently working with ALW will continue to experience excellent service.”

The staff of ALW will move into the LFS Children’s Services building located at 124 South 24th Street in Omaha. ALW Executive Director, Cheryl Murray, has joined the LFS Development Department and will continue to work with ALW friends, Guild and donor constituents.

Clients with questions should contact Bev Carlson at 402.978.5646.

Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska (LFS) is a faith-based, non-profit, multi-service human care organization with more than 30 locations. The organization impacts nearly 35,000 people annually through community-based programs in Children’s Services, Community Services, and Behavioral Health. The work of LFS is supported by caring members of our community whose contributions help make services available for those unable to pay. 87% of all donations go directly to client services.