LSS Observes National Adoption Month with Local Matching Event

In honor of National Adoption Month, Lutheran Service Society partnered with four other local agencies to organize a matching event at Faranda’s Farm on Nov. 3.

LSS is LutheranSeniorLife’s only location which currently offers adoption and permanency services.

With more than 95 years of experience in western Pennsylvania, LSS strives to provide professional support to families who are pursuing private infant, older child and international adoptions.

One of the ways LSS fulfills their mission of permanency is through an annual matching event every fall.

This year, the nonprofit joined with Adelphoi, Catholic Charities of Greensburg, Children’s Aid Home of Somerset and Professional Family Care Services of Johnstown to hold a variety of activities on Faranda’s Farm in Hollsopple Pa.

Sarah Israel, director of children and family services at Lutheran Service Society, refers to the occasion as one of the largest outreach resources available to the public.

“This year’s event was a bit rainy but there was a great turn out,” Israel said.

“We work hard to offer a variety of things to take the pressure off meeting potential adoptive families so it was nice to see the kids enjoying the different games and prize baskets.”

Since many of the children who attend the matching event are in foster care and their parental guides have been terminated, this occasion serves as an important networking opportunity for children in need of long-term family arrangements.

“Every child deserves a family,” Israel said.

“These children have been through so much trauma in their lives that I feel the only way they are going to be able to heal is if they are part of a loving family.”

Israel further explained that she and her team members work every day to discover those lasting bonds.

“I would just like to add that we have an incredible team of people who work hard toward the common goal of permanency,” Israel said.

“Sometimes it can be very challenging, but our team is immeasurably talented and skilled at what they do.”

If you are interested in learning more about Lutheran Service Society’s adoption services, please contact Sarah Israel at 412-307-1775 or Sarah.Israel@lutheranseniorlife.org.