Adoption

Arrow Receives ‘Nationally Exemplary Kinship Practice’ Designation

Exemplary Seal for ARROW KINSHIP
Generations United Grandfamilies and Kinship Support Network recently designated Arrow Child and Family Ministries a ‘nationally exemplary kinship practice.’ A designation which recognizes the organization’s commitment to keeping children with family and the intentional design of Arrow’s Kinship Straight Adopt (KSA) program. According to Arrow’s Senior Vice President of Texas Programs, Carolyn Bishop, the designation reflects the belief that family-first approaches ...

Arrow Family Home Developer shares her story of belonging during Social Worker Appreciation Month

arrow social worker kinley gotcher
For some, the concept of a safe home is a given. For others, it is a hard-won reality. Kinley Gotcher is a Family Home Developer at Arrow. Gotcher brings a perspective that most do not: she lived the story she now helps others write. From the uncertainty of multiple placements to the life-changing moment of being adopted at 15, her ...

Arrow Joins Houston Matters for discussion on Multicultural Adoptions

HOUSTON MATTERS SCOTT BATSON NATALIE ADOPTION SEGMENT
Arrow was honored to join Craig Cohen on Houston Public Media’s Houston Matters radio show on Thursday, Feb. 12, for a meaningful conversation about multicultural adoptions in Texas. Scott Batson, Associate VP of Capacity Development, and Natalie Kelly, an adoptive parent of five African American children, shared insight into how adoption works across the state and why culturally responsive placements ...

Two Arrow Families Awarded Top Honor by TACFS

ADRIAN MARK BUCHANAN TACFS WINNERS
This year, two Arrow families received the honor of a prestigious award from the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services (TACFS), recognizing their commitment to children who needed them most. This statewide recognition reflects Arrow’s partnership with TACFS and the shared commitment of families, staff, volunteers and donors who make the work possible. Arrow’s Adoptive Parent of the Year ...

Arrow Spotlight: Buchanan Family welcomes two during National Adoption Day

buchanan adoption amarillo
Adoption is more than a moment. It is a promise and a commitment and marks the beginning of a lifelong journey built on love and belonging. On National Adoption Day in Amarillo, Texas, that promise became official for Moriah and McKenzie Buchanan, who welcomed Katrina and Mary into their family. Surrounded by celebration and support, the Buchanans marked a milestone ...

The Rayburn Family: A Forever Home

RAYBURN FAMILY FEATURED KLTV
One Arrow family is celebrating a milestone that’s been years in the making. The Rayburn family officially adopted their son, Chase, during Smith County Adoption Day, marking the end of a three-year journey toward making their family whole. Chase, who is deafblind, has been thriving in their home, surrounded by love, patience and a shared commitment to communication. Kelly Rayburn, ...

Heart Work in Action: A Forever Home for Jecht

JECHT ADOPTION
At Arrow, our staff is in the business of heart work. An 11-year-old and his newfound family is an exceptional example of this. The Houck family recently finalized the adoption of their son Jecht. This adoption is a remarkable success, preceded by months of hurdles, tremendous efforts by multiple parties and unwavering commitment. According to Leah Wilson, Arrow’s Director of ...

Arrow Spotlight: A Forever Home with the Lopez Family

Lopez Adoption Family
As National Adoption Month is on the horizon, we celebrate the incredible story of Amy and Patrick, who found their forever with the Lopez family. Over the past three years, the Lopez family provided a nurturing and supportive home, encouraging both youths to maintain meaningful connections with their biological family through visits and phone calls. While Amy and Patrick were ...

The Wood Family Grows

the wood family grows
The courtroom was packed as friends and family gathered in matching shirts proudly reading “The Wood Clan Est. 1979.” After two years of love and growing together, the moment finally arrived—Adalynn was officially becoming a Wood. Adalynn was just one week old when she was placed with Caleb and Jessica Wood. From the very beginning, she became family. Now, at two-years-old, she’s ...

Finally Family: The Cummins Story

finally family the cummins story
Natalia’s adoption story is a beautiful testament to love, faith, and family. Since joining the Arrow community in 2021, the Cummins family has held a heartfelt hope—to adopt a child who would complete their home. That dream came true in 2024 when Natalia officially became part of their forever family. From the moment they met her, the Cummins knew Natalia was ...