Audience: Adoptees
Location: Coffman Memorial Union 300, Washington Ave SE Minneapolis, 55455
Adoptee Hub welcomes you to take time for yourself. Join us for our cultural identity and self-care workshop that promotes self-care and Korean culture. The workshop is an all-day event for adoptees, 18 and older.
We’ll explore and participate in specifically tailored topics surrounding culture, yoga, language, therapy, massage, a tea ceremony, and k-pop dancing. We encourage you to come prepared to discuss, share your experiences and challenges, be curious, and build resilience and self-awareness. Hopefully, by the end of the day, you will feel energized and emotionally centered. All discussion is confidential and will be conducted in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Dinner will be on your own.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Wolfe Park, 3700 Monterey Dr, St Louis Park, MN 55416
Sept. 29th, St Louis Park, MN.
Celebrate one of the joys of Korea and learn about Korean culture with friends and family.
Kimchi is a staple in Korea, served at every meal. Kimchi comes in wide varieties but is most commonly a fermented napa cabbage that has become popular in mainstream America for its health benefits.
The Kimchi Festival is FREE to the public and no registration is required. There will be many different family-friendly activities throughout the day.
REGISTER HERE to participate and learn with others how to make kimchi. Or, if you think you make the best kimchi, enter your kimchi into our kimchi contest. Our grand prize is a beautiful Korean porcelain kimchi vase.
We encourage people to bring chairs and or blankets to stay and watch participants.
Invite your friends and family! We hope to see you there!
Audience: Adoptees
Location: n/a
In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Sejong City, the Korean American Association of MN, and Adoptee Hub, a private, invite-only, ceremony is being held honoring Korean War veterans, commemorating the 71st anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Roseville, MN: Roseville Ice Arena - 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
Event Summary: Click here
When: April 27th, 2024, 3:30 pm social hour, 4:30 to 8:30 pm Central
Where: Roseville, MN: Roseville Ice Arena
2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
Meet the Director/Producer Jennifer Weir, she will be joining us to talk about her film.
As a Korean adoptee raised in North Dakota, I grew up with no reference for Asian American culture, community, or identity. An aspiring actor, I found my way to Minneapolis and Theater Mu. Mu gave me an opportunity to grow as an artist, see myself reflected on stage, and most importantly, to connect with other Asian American artists. I found a new family and a new sense of pride and belonging.
Taiko allows me to become a bigger, better version of myself. It integrates my mind, body and spirit. It allows me to embody strength, grace, and to claim and celebrate my “Asian-ness". Taiko has brought into my life the people I hold most dear, and gave me chance to become the person I didn’t know I wanted to be. - Jennifer
Online Viewing Only (Program and Q&A): $25 - Registration open now
Early Bird (in Person): $25 - Registration starts Now thru April 1st EOD
-- Includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Movie, Director Discussion, and Door Prizes
Regular Price: $35 - Registration starts April 2nd thru April 26th EOD
-- includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Movie, Director Discussion, and Door Prizes
Day of Event: $65 - Registration on April 27th
-- includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Movie, Director Discussion, and Door Prizes
Audience: Adoptees
Location: Coffman Memorial Union 300, Washington Ave SE Minneapolis, 55455
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub welcomes you to take time for yourself. Join us for our cultural identity and self-care workshop that promotes self-care and Korean culture. The workshop is an all-day event for adoptees, 18 years of age and older.
You will be able to participate in four different sessions and choose from among topics about yoga and meditation; Korean culture with a traditional tea ceremony; essential Korean language learning; cooking classes that include making kimbop and kimchi; massage therapy; self-defense; and informational sessions on birth search and visiting Korea.
There will be breakout rooms limited to 12 people per room. We encourage you to come prepared to discuss, and share your experiences and challenges, be curious, and build resilience and self-awareness. Hopefully, by the end of the day, you will feel energized and emotionally centered. All discussion is confidential and will be conducted in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
Participants will receive a free t-shirt and specific items depending upon the session attended. A continental breakfast and a Korean-inspired lunch are included.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Roseville Center, Banquet Hall: Roseville Ice Arena: 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville, MN 55113
Event Summary: Click here
Meet keynote speaker Rebecca Kimmel from Washington (state) who will speak about her adoption experience with KSS (Korea Social Service). She will talk about her story in the Korean media of how her falsified adoption case led to the reunion of a Korean birth father named Mr. Park with his real twin daughters.
Where: Roseville Center, Banquet Hall
From: 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Early Bird: $45 - Registration starts now to the end of March
-- Includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Discussion, and Door Prizes
Regular Price: $55 - Registration starts April 1st to April 14 EOD
-- Includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Discussion, and Door Prizes
Day of Event: $65 - Registration on April 15
-- Includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Discussion, and Door Prizes
* Registration covers the cost of the venue, Korean dinner, airfare for the speaker, and administration costs. Adoptee Hub is looking to raise funds to start its adoption registry which aims to bring adoptees and birth families together.
Audience: Adoptees
Location: Hilton Hotel 3900 American Blvd W. Bloomington, MN, 55437
Adoptee Hub welcomes you to take time for yourself. Join us for our cultural identity and self-care workshop that promotes self-care and Korean culture. The workshop is an all-day event for adoptees, 18 years of age and older.
You will have an opportunity to participate in four different sessions such as yoga and meditation, Korean culture with a traditional tea ceremony, basic Korean language learning, understanding our ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences), and birth search conversation. There will be breakout rooms limited to 12 people per room. We encourage you to come prepared to discuss, share your experiences and challenges, be curious, and build resilience and self-awareness. Hopefully, by the end of the day, you will feel energized and emotionally centered. All discussion is confidential and will be conducted in a safe, nonjudgmental space.
Participants will receive a self-care package at the end of the day. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Dinner will be on your own, we have reservations at Hoban’s Uptown.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: Kimchi Contest And Kimchi Making
Other Date Info: PLEASE REGISTER to be a Food/Vendor or Participant in Kimchi Making or a Kimchi Recipe Contestant
Location: Silver View Park, 2700 County Road I Mounds View, MN 55112 (10:30am to 4:00pm CT)
Event Summary: Click here
This is the first Kimchi Festival in Minnesota.
Celebrate one of the joys of Korea and learn about Korean culture with friends and family.
Kimchi is a staple in Korea, served at every meal. Kimchi comes in wide varieties but is most commonly a fermented napa cabbage that has become popular in mainstream America for its health benefits.
The Kimchi Festival is FREE to the public and no registration is required. There will be many different family-friendly activities throughout the day.
REGISTER HERE to participate and learn with others how to make kimchi. Or, if you think you make the best kimchi, enter your kimchi into our kimchi contest. Our grand prize is a beautiful Korean porcelain kimchi vase.
We encourage people to bring chairs and or blankets to stay and watch participants.
Invite your friends and family! We hope to see you there!
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Register for address
Event Summary: Click here
Join us for an Adoptee Hub’s IN-PERSON, Parklane Jewelry Party!
Our very own Lisa Hanson will be showcasing some sparkly Parklane Jewelry collections.
Come to Peruse!
Come to Purchase or Just to Socialize.
Shop for yourself or for a gift!
30% of all the sales from purchases will be donated to Adoptee Hub.
Register for your invitation!
Adoptee Hub’s Online Parklane Jewelry Party!
June 16 – June 26, 2022
Can’t make it in person? Still want to Shop?
ORDER ONLINE!
The Online event is happening now and ends on June 26th!
View the collections here:
https://parklanejewelry.com/a/786676-9
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: Registration Starts May 10
Other Date Info: Auction Bidding starts May 10
Location: Mounds View Community Center, Mounds View, MN 55112
When: June 11th, 2022, 3:00 pm Central
Where: Mounds View, MN: Mounds View Community Center
5394 Edgewood Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112
Meet the Director/Producer Yeon Wang-Mo who will be joining us in Minnesota to talk about his film.
Yeon Wang-Mo is an award-winning documentarian and poet from South Korea. As a poet, he made his debut in 1994, published two poetry books, and won the ‘Contemporary Poetry Award’ in 1998. He has worked on TV documentaries for 25 years and has traveled to over 70 countries. His documentary feature ‘Hello?! Orchestra (2013) won the International Emmy Award in Arts Programming. He is also honored with the KIPA (Korea Independent Productions Association) Award for the Best Director (2015).
Online Silent Auction Only: $20 - Registration Starts May 10 thru June 11
Early Bird (in Person): $50 - Registration Starts May 10 thru June 5th EOD
-- Includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Movie, Director Discussion, and Door Prizes
Regular Price: $65 - Registration Starts June 6th thru June 10 EOD
-- includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Movie, Director Discussion, and Door Prizes
Day of Event: $65 - Registration on June 11
-- includes Auction, Korean Dinner, Movie, Director Discussion, and Door Prizes
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub is pleased to offer our next Open Space Session with Shelby Redfield Kilgore. As part of a monthly offering Adoptee Hub will provide an Open Space for Adoptees to share their search and reunion challenges and successes. We understand that whether you are just beginning your search or are in reunion there are many things you have learned along the way. Some of you have a great amount of expertise to share, and others might benefit from that experience. It is our hope that as a community we can support each other emotionally and logistically.
Shelby Redfield Kilgore has 15 years of experience as a Filmmaker and Documentarian of Adoptee Stories. She has listened and shared a multitude of Adoptee Search and Reunion Stories as well as stories covering the Adoption triad. You can explore them on her website: https://www.wearemirrorlight.com/films .
This will not be a “HOW TO,” session. It is formatted more as a listening and sharing session.
Shelby’s experience will provide a backdrop for Adoptees to speak openly in a private and safe space. As a facilitator she will be able to contribute her understanding of the many pathways and pitfalls adoptees engage in, steering information when she can and being a welcome ear when needed.
We look forward to holding monthly sessions.
In order to make these programs available we request a suggested donation of 5-10$
Thank you for your support and community!
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Adoptee Hub is pleased to offer our first Open Space Session with Shelby Redfield Kilgore. As part of a monthly offering Adoptee Hub will provide an Open Space for Adoptees to share their search and reunion challenges and successes. We understand that whether you are just beginning your search or are in reunion there are many things you have learned along the way. Some of you have a great amount of expertise to share, and others might benefit from that experience. It is our hope that as a community we can support each other emotionally and logistically.
Shelby Redfield Kilgore has 15 years of experience as a Filmmaker and Documentarian of Adoptee Stories. She has listened and shared a multitude of Adoptee Search and Reunion Stories as well as stories covering the Adoption triad. You can explore them on her website: https://www.wearemirrorlight.com/films .
This will not be a “HOW TO,” session. It is formatted more as a listening and sharing session.
Shelby’s experience will provide a backdrop for Adoptees to speak openly in a private and safe space. As a facilitator she will be able to contribute her understanding of the many pathways and pitfalls adoptees engage in, steering information when she can and being a welcome ear when needed.
We look forward to holding monthly sessions.
In order to make these programs available we request a suggested donation of 5-10$
Thank you for your support and community!
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: Register Early To Receive A Discount.
Location: In Person and Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here Watch
This year Adoptee Hub is showcasing an adoptee transracial film titled “Forget Me Not”. Come also to meet director Sun Hee who will speak virtually from Denmark to share her film. Adoptee Hub is also featuring a Korean birth mother, who is traveling here from Korea, to tell her personal story of why she gave up her child for adoption. We hope that seeing and hearing these stories, will help to provide insight into the importance of our friends, families, and our community. Join us in stepping up to make possible the opportunity to build post-adoption services for adoptees and their families.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Mounds View, MN and Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub is back in the kitchen with Auntie Grace Vigilante, as she shows us how to make Kimbap and Kimchijeon, two quick and easy eat-on-the-go snacks.
This event will be available online for everyone and in-person for the first 15 people who register.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Please join Adoptee Hub for our July Event. We will be sitting down to interview a fellow Korean adoptee, Ben Martin. He is a qualifying season 8 Ninja Warrior. Come and learn about his extraordinary triumph and journey. This event will be great for all ages.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, Via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here Watch
Adoptee Hub is pleased to invite you to our “Introduction to Yoga Workshop” hosted by our very own Adoptee Hub volunteer, Kara Dewhurst. She received her yoga teaching certificate (RYT 200) in 2014 and has taught a wide variety of yoga and fitness courses. This 90-minute virtual event will include an educational session on the basics of yoga followed by a yoga class. You will learn about the history, styles, and benefits of yoga, how to choose the style and teacher for you, and will practice a foundational yoga sequence called a “sun salutation.” At the end of the session, there will be time for discussion and Q&A.
The physical portion of this event is designed for beginners, so no experience is needed. It’s recommended that you have a yoga mat and an optional blanket or towel if you’d like to have extra padding. You should wear comfortable clothing that you can move freely in. You will not be required to be on camera.
Kara would love to answer any questions or concerns that you have, so please feel free to reach out to her at Kara.Dewhurst@adopteehub.org.
Audience: Adoptees
Location: Online, Via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here Watch
Join Adoptee Hub along with Mei Hwang, author of 100,000 Kranes For My Mother, as she leads us in a letter-writing exercise to our birth mothers. Mei will address the range of emotions, from grief to relief, that we may feel while participating in this exercise in a safe and supportive environment that Adoptee Hub will provide to everyone who attends.
*Due to the sensitivity of the event, we are opening the event only for adoptees / transracial adoptees to participate. Thank you for your care and understanding.*
Mei Hwang is an adoptee. She was adopted at age two. Her profession involves conducting Expressive Arts workshops at conferences, Healthcare, and Educational workshops as well as conducting individual, group, and family private coaching. She also educates organizations on cultural competency and diversity development in her ongoing pursuit of Reaching beyond the Bamboo Ceiling.
Audience: Adoptees
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here Watch
Please join Adoptee Hub, along with Auntie Grace Vigilante, and Brooke Newmaster for a live event via Zoom as they teach us how to make authentic Korean Bulgogi and Japchae.
We will be giving away five cooking packages during our event. Must be registered and attend to be eligible.
Follow @AdopteeHub on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and for the list of ingredients needed for the event.
*Due to high shipping costs, we are only able to offer the free gift to shipping within the continental United States at this time.
Audience: Community
Other Date Info: Limited copies of the 2nd edition will be given away!
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here Watch
With the anticipated release of the 2nd edition of ’Outsiders Within’, Adoptee Hub is proud to support and promote this with a virtual reading event. Join editors, Jane Trenka and Sun Yung Shin, as they read excerpts from their 2nd edition. Following the reading, there will be time set aside to engage with Jane and Sun Yung.
’Outsiders Within’ features compelling and intimate essays, fiction, poetry, and art, from the perspectives of transracial adoptees as they tackle difficult topics they face.
Follow Sun Yung Shin on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @sunyungshin
FB Page: Outsiders Within Adoptee Community
Please note that this event will be scheduled later in the evening of March 27th at 8 PM Central to accommodate the appearance of one of our guests that lives overseas. We appreciate your interest and understanding.
’Outsiders Within’ BOOK GIVEAWAY:
Adoptee Hub will be giving away a limited amount of their books to our guests who attend. We hope to see you there!
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here Watch
Please join Adoptee Hub, along with Auntie Grace Vigilante, and Brooke Newmaster for a live event via Zoom as they teach us how to make authentic Korean Kimchi.
The first ten people who register will receive a free cooking gift to kickstart your Kimchi making! Must be registered and attend the event to be eligible.
Follow @AdopteeHub on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and for the list of ingredients needed for the event.
*Due to high shipping costs, we are only able to offer the free gift to shipping within the continental United States at this time.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Adoptee Hub invites you to preview Side by Side, a documentary produced and directed by Korean Adoptee Glenn Morey and his wife, Julie Morey. Adoptee Hub will be featuring a panel discussion with perspectives from three of the adoptee participants of the Side by Side Project. A link for the film will be sent out to attendees one week prior to the event date. It is recommended attendees watch the film prior to the live panel discussion on the day of the event.
Registration for the event also includes:
• Door Prizes
• Silent Auction
• Giveaways
• Performance by JangmiArts Players
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: Separate Registrations Will Be Required For Both Events.
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub is pleased to present, in partnership with 325Kamra and President Linda Papi Rounds, an information session to help you understand and interpret the components of your DNA.
If you are considering starting the DNA process or have already initiated one, this session may be helpful. We will offer a Q&A session immediately following. Please submit your questions when registering.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: Separate Registrations Will Be Required For Both Events.
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub is pleased to present its Birth Search Series
Searching for your biological family can be daunting for people who don’t know where to start or are unsure of the questions that need to be asked. The process is different for every adoptee, but there are common steps that most should follow. Adoptee Hub will provide these guidelines, including which organizations to partner with during your search. This series is broken into two sessions.
The first session will focus on the process of starting and executing a birth search. We are pleased to feature our CEO and Founder, Ami Nafzger, as she provides a ’How-To’ on everything birth search during a virtual information session on September 19, 2020, at 2:00 PM CDT. If you are considering starting your own journey or are in the process of one, this may be of assistance to you. We will offer a Q&A session immediately following.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
Are you curious about what it’s like to live in South Korea? Wondering what the day-to-day norms are including specific pros and cons? Have you ever considered moving there, but are unsure where to begin planning? Register today for our ’Living In Korea’ virtual event where four Korean adoptees share their advice and tips they’ve learned from their experiences along the way.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
Join Adoptee Hub and G.O.A’L to learn more about how to obtain an F4 Visa and/or Dual Citizenship.
Joo-Hoon Schneider from G.O.A’L will be available immediately following the informational session to answer your questions.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
This film examines the paradox of the handsome male model who feels unattractive, ashamed and emasculated because of his Asian ethnicity. Why does Kevin then choose to be a male model where validation is based on his physical appearance?
Audience: Adoptees
Additional Info: Registration For This Event Has Closed
Location: Online, via Zoom
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub is pleased to present the third part of our Birth Search Series - showcasing a panel of adoptees who have reunited with their birth families through various searching methods. They will discuss emotional responses, as well as what to expect if a reunification were to happen.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: This Is A Free Event. Duration 2 Hours
Location: Online
Event Summary: Click here
The second session of our Birth Search seminar will focus on adoptee questions and comments. If you have questions regarding the information that is given, please write them down and you will have a chance to ask them during this session.
If you wish to share your own birth search story, this is the time and place to do so.
Registration for the first event will automatically sign you up for both events.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: This Is A Free Event. Duration 1-2 Hours
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub is pleased to present an educational series on the Birth Search process. The first session will focus on the process of starting and executing a birth search.
Searching for your biological family can be daunting for people who don’t know where to start or are unsure of the questions that need to asked. The process is different for every adoptee but there are common steps that most adoptees follow Adoptee Hub will provide guidance on the steps to follow and which organizations to partner with in your search.
If you are thinking of searching or in the process of a birth search, this event may be of assistance. Please join us as our Chief Executive Officer provides guidance and tips on how to conduct a birth search.
Please note that this is an informational session ONLY. Follow up questions will be addressed at the next session.
RSVP REQUIRED: Adoptee Hub is using a Zoom meeting for this event. Registration using your email is REQUIRED (preferably your Zoom email address).
Adoptee Hub believes all American adoptees have a right to be a U.S. Citizen. Please support the inclusion of the deported adoptee community in the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019. This petition is in partnership with Adoptees For Justice.
Adoptee Hub supports Adoptees for Justice in asking people to sign a petition that urges U.S. legislators and the adoptee community to support the inclusion of the deported adoptee community in the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019.
Reason: Due to a loophole in the Childhood Citizenship Act of 2000, U.S. citizenship may not have been secured for these individuals born before 1983 and were adopted into this country as children by U.S. citizen parents.
Resolution: If passed, the Adoptee Citizenship Act of 2019 will grant automatic citizenship retroactively to adoptees who were not naturalized by their adoptive parents.
To sign the petition:
The 2020 Census is underway! You will receive your forms by April 1, 2020 and will have until April 15, 2020 to return the form. Participation is required by law. An accurate count is critical for our community since the results will affect community funding, congressional representation, and more.
When completing the census, it is important to write in ’Other Asian – Korean Adoptee’ and nothing else.
DO NOT write in ’KAD’ or anything else. Nobody from the census office will understand the acronym.
A unified response will allow Korean adoptees to be recognized and counted, allowing for the possibility for more funding to be allocated to organizations that support our community.
Audience: Community
Other Date Info: 2020/10/12
Location: Office of Congresswoman Betty McCollum
Thanks to Josh and Chao at Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s office (D MN-4) for meeting with us this morning about the 2019 Adoptee Citizenship Act, MN leadership on immigration reform, and the importance of reaching across the aisle. We hope to work together to protect the rights of thousands of Minnesotan adoptees whose families were formed through international adoption.
Audience: Adoptees, Community
Location: Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale St N, St Paul, MN 55103
Event Summary: Click here
Adoptee Hub and Adapted Podcast invite you to be part of the discussion on one of the most important issues facing international adoptees today, citizenship. There are several thousand individuals adopted internationally by American citizens between 1948 and 2016 that may not have received their U.S. citizenship and who face many barriers including possible deportation.
Today, many live in fear because of an immigration loophole and its subsequent fix that has still not protected all adoptees. Come hear more about the issue, proposed bipartisan bills in Congress, and what resources are available.
Panelists: Greg Luce, attorney, Adoptee Rights Law Center
Leah, impacted adoptee
Taneka Jennings, adoptee rights advocate, Adoptees For Justice
Moderator: Kaomi Goetz, Adapted Podcast
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Additional Info: Tickets Additionally Sold At Door. Silent Auction, Drawings, And Giveaways.
Location: Mounds View Community Center, Mounds View, MN
Event Summary: Click here Watch
Adoptee Hub invites you to a private showing of “Found in Korea”, an adoptee produced film. The producer will be here from New York to discuss her film. Discussion will include a dinner and dialogue along with trained facilitators. This will provide a safe and comfortable place to share personal adoption stories.
The film begins after 35 years, Korean adoptee Nam Holtz, an actress and dancer, returns to her birth country.
Audience: Adoptees, Family, Friends, Community
Location: New York
Location: Ami Nafzger, serving as the expert witness traveled to New York over the span of two years to advocate for Russell at the legal proceeding. In the end, Ami’s efforts helped Russel from deportation.
Russell arrived in Massachusetts from Korea as a 12-year-old boy, but after only a few months, his “forever parents” returned him to the adoption agency before his adoption was finalized. He was then placed with a single foster parent living in Brooklyn, New York who exposed him to drugs and abuse. Instead of facilitating a permanent family and home for him as a U.S. citizen, the U.S. adoption system set him up for a lifetime of addiction and vulnerability. It let him fall through the cracks where he has lived under constant threat of deportation.
