Carmel Magazine

110 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 4 part, to the support of local auxiliaries and non- profits. Groups host fundraisers, contribute their own dollars and volunteer with the organiza- tion, and board members donate additional time to set the agency up for success. In addi- tion, Kinship Center merged with the Bay Area- based Seneca Center, a youth-serving nonprofit, in 2011. A year later, Orange County's Canyon Acres Children and Family Services joined the partnership. Being part of the Seneca Family of Agencies positions these organizations to serve families well into the future. Kinship Center's River Road headquarters also confirms its long-term community commit- ment. While children are not housed at the facil- W hen Steve Snider and Kelli Uldall of Carmel Magazine researched op- tions before adopting their oldest child, Evan, 13 years ago, they were introduced to what was ultimately a good fit for their family: open adoption. An open adoption is one where birth parents and adoptive parents meet, often before a child is born, and coordinate con- tact as a child grows up. Whether through shared letters and photos or in-person vis- its, the birth parents can watch their child grow and remain involved in the young- ster's life. Open adoptions help adoptive parents better understand their child's birth family, and that understanding helps them give their child a more complete picture of his or her background. Today, Snider and Uldall maintain a close relationship with Evan's birth mother, Michelle. She comes to his birthday parties and speaks regular- ly with the family. Evan's birth father, Eddie, also visits occasionally. "Michelle is such an integral part of Evan's life, and the ongoing rela- tionship helps keep the entire adoption experience solid and balanced. I wouldn't have it any other way," Uldall says. When she and Snider decided to adopt their second child, Allyn, they worked with Kinship Center on another open adoption. Allyn's birth parents were looking for a family much like theirs; years later, the couple still keeps in touch with Allyn's bir th parents, siblings, grandparents, and great-grandparents. "Adopting a child through the foster care system was the norm when we adopted Evan, but as birth moms have learned about open adoption, more and more are choosing to maintain that role in their children's lives," says Uldall. "We are grateful for our relationships with Evan and Allyn's birth parents and for the understanding, knowl- edge, and most importantly, unconditional love they provide." At Evan's recent birthday party, more than half the children in atten- dance were adopted — some through open adoptions, and many through Kinship Center. "So many beautiful families have been created because of Kinship Center. I see how happy and grateful people are. The people who adopt really, really want to be parents," says Uldall. — Renee Brincks Steve Snider and Kelli Uldall of Carmel Magazine, with their two adopted children Allyn and Evan. Improving Family Dynamics Through Open Adoption The administrative headquarters on River Road near Salinas hosts space for educational conferences and workshops. Throughout the year, other fundraisers and programs—such as the White Party, Kids Helping Kids and the Teddy Bear giveaway—are held in Monterey County. 108-111 Kinship Center_152-161 Garcia story 4/25/14 4:42 PM Page 3

• Cover