NEW CASTLE (Nov. 19, 2019) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ Adopt-A-Family Holiday program is seeking donors to help make this holiday season a happier one for thousands of children, adults, people with disabilities and seniors in need across Delaware.

The Adopt-A-Family Holiday program anonymously matches donors to seniors, individuals with disabilities or families with children. In 2018, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, through the leadership of the Human Services Council, Inc., helped 2,548 Delawareans.

“The Adopt-A-Family Holiday program is a great way for Delawareans to reach out and lift the spirits of those in need during the holidays,” Governor John Carney said. “Please take a moment to consider making a donation. By giving back, we can help make the holidays happier for our fellow Delawareans.”

The deadline to “adopt” families with children is Dec. 6, and all gift cards must be delivered to the Adopt-A-Family office by Dec. 13. The deadline to deliver gifts for seniors and persons with disabilities to the Adopt-A-Family office is Dec. 6.

Adopt-A-Family provides donors with the age and gender of each child in the family and a brief description of the circumstances that led to their need for assistance. The sponsor then provides gift cards for the head-of-household to use to purchase holiday gifts. The recommended minimum gift is $100 per child, with a gift card for the parent/guardian optional but thoughtful.

Those interested in adopting seniors or persons with disabilities will be matched to an individual who is living in a nursing home or someone who is living alone and receiving in-home care services. A wish list of items that the individual enjoys, needs, or would appreciate, as well as clothing preferences and sizes, will be provided.

“Each year, I am grateful for the generous spirit of Delawareans as they embrace their neighbors in need,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. “During the holidays, there is no better gift we can give than to offer our support to those individuals and families who are facing crises in their lives.”

Families who are “adopted” are contacted by Adopt-A-Family to pick up their gift cards from the Adopt-A-Family office. Eligible recipients are referred to Adopt-A-Family by social workers from social service agencies throughout the state.

“Each year we find that many of our neighbors in need are referred to Adopt-A-Family through our State Service Centers and other organizations, because of serious medical conditions, behavioral health challenges, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment,” said Renée P. Beaman, Director of DHSS’ Division of State Service Centers, which operates the program. “The stories of those in need are poignant, and I am hopeful that my fellow Delawareans will respond generously.”

These circumstances are a sample of the hundreds of individuals and families available for adoption this season:

• This family experienced a fire in 2017 and lost everything. Since then they have not been able to recover financially. The mother is unable to find employment and no longer is receiving child support. She also recently separated from her fiancé, who was the main support for the family.
• This single mother has been hospitalized multiple times throughout the year due to having a serious cardiac condition. She is on disability permanently due to how severe it is and is raising her daughter with no help.
• This client has guardianship of her granddaughter and nephew. She is sickly and has been a victim of domestic violence and, up until recently, has been homeless. Thankfully, she now has a place to live, but the majority of her unearned income goes to her rent. She shares that the children in her care barely have anything, which is especially hard on the oldest girl.

This year, Adopt-Family Holiday has an online platform for “adopting” families. Those interested in using the platform can scroll through a list of available families and choose a family they would like to “adopt” by Friday, Dec. 6. Those webpages are:

• New Castle County: https://www.roonga.com/aafnewcastle2019
• Kent County: https://www.roonga.com/aafkent2019
• Sussex County: https://www.roonga.com/aafsussex2019

To “adopt” an individual or family, please contact:

• New Castle County: New Castle County Adopt-A-Family at 302-792-6510 or email AdoptafamilyNC2@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703
• Kent and Sussex counties: Kent and Sussex Adopt-A-Family at 302-424-7260 or email Adopt-a-family-ks@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963

When donors are matched with an individual or family, they will be given a code to include with the gift cards or items when they drop them off so the Adopt-A-Family staff knows who should receive the items. Items may be dropped off at Adopt-A-Family offices in New Castle County (3301 Green St., Claymont) or Kent and Sussex counties (13 SW Front St., Milford).

Gift cards may be mailed to either Adopt-A-Family office. If choosing this option, please include the family code provided by Adopt-A-Family staff in the shipping address when mailing the gift cards. If you would prefer to drop the gift cards off in person, hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please contact the Adopt-A-Family office if you need alternative delivery arrangements.

The Adopt-A-Family program aids families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment – throughout the year. The program was started in 1973 by Marge Meyerman and is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to the website or contact your nearest state service center.

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 20, 2018) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ Adopt-A-Family Holiday program is seeking sponsors to help make the holiday season a happier one for thousands of children, adults, people with disabilities and seniors in need in Delaware.

The Adopt-A-Family Holiday program anonymously matches sponsors to seniors, individuals with disabilities or families with children. In 2017, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, through the leadership of the Human Services Council, Inc., helped 2,467 Delawareans.

“We always appreciate those who reach out and help those in need, but it is especially meaningful at the holidays when donations have the ability to lift people’s spirits, too,” Governor John Carney said. “Please take a moment to consider helping your fellow Delawareans in need by making a donation through Adopt-A-Family’s Holiday program. It’s another way we can share a connection with those in need and make sure the holidays are happier for them.”

The deadline to “adopt” families with children is Dec. 7, and all gift cards must be delivered to the Adopt-A-Family office by Dec. 14. The deadline to deliver gifts for seniors and persons with disabilities to the Adopt-A-Family office is Dec. 7.

Adopt-A-Family provides sponsors with the age and gender of each child in the family and a brief description of the circumstances that led to their need for assistance. The sponsor then provides gift cards for the head-of-household to use to purchase holiday gifts. The recommended minimum gift is $100 per child, with a gift card for the parent/guardian optional but thoughtful.

Those interested in adopting seniors or persons with disabilities will be matched to an individual who is living in a nursing home or living alone receiving in-home care services. A wish list of things the individual enjoys, needs, or would appreciate, as well as clothing preferences and sizes, will be provided.

“I am always gratified to see the generous spirit of Delawareans in action,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. “Not only are you helping a Delaware individual or family by donating to Adopt-A-Family this holiday season, but that act of giving back can also increase your feelings of well-being, lower your holiday stress and provide you with a greater sense of purpose.”

Families who are “adopted” are contacted by Adopt-A-Family to pick up their gift cards from the Adopt-A-Family office. Eligible recipients are referred to Adopt-A-Family by social workers from social service agencies throughout the state.

“Each year we find that many of our neighbors in need are referred to Adopt-A-Family through our State Service Centers, and other organizations, because of serious medical conditions, behavioral health challenges, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment,” said Renée P. Beaman, Director of DHSS’ Division of State Service Centers, which operates the program. “The stories of those in need are poignant, and I am hopeful that my fellow Delawareans will respond generously.”

These circumstances are a sample of the hundreds of individuals and families available for adoption this season:

• A single mother of three young children was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. She has started chemo treatments and is living with other disabilities. This family is in significant need of help from the community.
• A family, with one teenage daughter, lost their home in Puerto Rico and all possessions during Hurricane Maria. The family relocated to Delaware. They moved in with friends, found employment and began to rebuild their lives here. Unfortunately, those working were laid off and the family had to stay in a hotel for a week. Since then, they were referred to a program for assistance, Dad has recently found work and the daughter has been able to start school. Starting over after such devastation is humbling for any family but the combination of relocating to a new place where the language barrier affects the access to services has been even more devastating for this particular family.
• A 77-year-old male is a veteran and was awarded the Purple Heart. He has no family to support him. He loves the Philadelphia Eagles and is a big fan who watches their games consistently. He also loves hats.
•  A 93-year-old female, confined to a wheelchair, enjoys being read poems and stories. Stuffed animals bring her great joy. She has no family and is widowed.

This year Adopt-A-Family Delaware has an online platform for “adopting” families. Those interested in using the online platform may scroll through a list of available families and choose which family they would like to “adopt” until Friday, Dec. 7.

• New Castle County: https://www.roonga.com/aafnewcastle
• Kent County: https://www.roonga.com/aafkent
• Sussex County: https://www.roonga.com/aafsussex

To “adopt” an individual or family, please contact:

• New Castle County: New Castle County Adopt-A-Family at 302-792-6510 or email AdoptafamilyNC2@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703.

• Kent and Sussex counties: Kent and Sussex Adopt-A-Family at 302-424-7260 or email Adopt-a-family-ks@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

After shopping for individuals, items may be dropped off at Adopt-A-Family offices in New Castle County (3301 Green St., Claymont) or Kent and Sussex counties (13 SW Front St., Milford). Sponsors will be given a code when they are matched to include with the gift cards or items when they drop them off so the Adopt-A-Family staff knows who should receive the items.

Gift cards may be mailed to either Adopt-A-Family office. If choosing this option, please include the family code provided by Adopt-A-Family staff in the shipping address when mailing the gift cards: Adopt-A-Family – FAMILY CODE 00000. If you would prefer to drop the gift cards off in person, please contact the Adopt-A-Family office to schedule a drop-off appointment, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Adopt-A-Family program aids families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment – throughout the year. The program was started in 1973 by Marge Meyerman and is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to the website or contact your nearest state service center.

NEW CASTLE (July 25, 2018) – With back-to-school shopping already well underway for many Delaware families, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) asks you to consider helping students in need get off to a good start this school year by participating in the annual Adopt-A-Student program.

DHSS, in partnership with the Human Services Council, Inc., is seeking individuals, businesses and organizations to help thousands of the state’s children living in poverty or in low-income households by providing much needed backpacks, school supplies, and gift cards to purchase uniforms. The deadline for donations is Aug. 3.

“Providing resources and support for low-income students has always been high on my list of priorities,” said Governor John Carney. “The work done by the Adopt-A-Student program – thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors – helps make sure all Delaware children are ready to start learning with the first school bell of the year. I urge Delawareans to donate to Adopt-A-Student so our most vulnerable students are ready to take that next step toward success.”

Designed to encourage a positive attitude toward school by helping with the supplies students need to achieve success, Adopt-A-Student accepts backpacks and school supply donations, as well as $50 gift cards to retail stores that carry school uniforms such as Forman Mills, Rainbow and Walmart.

“This year we shared the poem ‘Children Learn What They Live,’ written by Ms. Dorothy Law Nolte many years ago, with our sponsors – a poem that has been an inspiration to many over the years,” said Lisa MB Johnson, Program Administrator for the Adopt-A-Family program in the Division of State Service Centers. “Our goal is to decrease the stress level of vulnerable families as parents and children prepare for a successful school year.

“We are excited about the support we have received from the Delaware community at-large and want to reiterate the point that our sponsors continue to be an inspiration to the many children and parents whose lives they encourage by the annual educational support they provide.”

In 2015, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 12 percent of Delawareans lived below the poverty line.

To “adopt” a student or make a donation, please contact the closest Adopt-A-Family office:

• New Castle County: Contact the Adopt-A-Student program at 302-792-6510 or email sharon.brown@delaware.gov. Donation hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Kent and Sussex counties: Contact the Adopt-A-Student program at 302-424-7260 or email elizabeth.senato@delaware.gov. Donation hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Any donor who needs to drop off donations outside of these hours may call either office for an accommodation. More information can be found at www.adoptafamilyde.org.

In 2017, the Adopt-A-Student program, through the leadership of the Human Services Councils, Inc., helped more than 1,400 Delaware students. Year-round, the various Adopt-A-Family programs aid families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment. The program, begun in 1973, is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

For these programs, Adopt-A-Family accepts financial and in-kind donations. All donations are tax deductible (Federal Tax ID# 51-0292966). Checks can be made payable to: Adopt-A-Family, and mailed to either 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703; or 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to www.adoptafamilyde.org/ or contact your nearest state service center.

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 16, 2017) – The Department of Health and Social Services’ Adopt-A-Family Holiday program is seeking donors to help make the holiday season a happier one for thousands of children, adults, people with disabilities and seniors in need in Delaware.

The Adopt-A-Family Holiday program anonymously matches donors to a senior, individual with a disability or a family with at least one child. In 2016, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, through the leadership of the Human Services Councils of New Castle County and Kent/Sussex counties, helped 1,927 Delawareans.

“It’s important those of us who have the ability to help others in need take the opportunity to do so, especially during this time of year,” said Gov. John Carney. “Donating through Adopt-A-Family’s Holiday program is a good way to make sure the needs of some of our fellow Delawareans are being met over the holidays.”

The deadline to “adopt” a family is Dec. 8, and all gift cards and gifts must be delivered to the Adopt-A-Family office by Dec. 15.

Adopt-A-Family provides the donor with the age and gender of each child in the family and a brief description of the circumstances that led to their need for assistance. The donor then provides gift cards for the head-of-household to use to purchase holiday gifts. The recommended minimum gift is $100 per child, with a gift card for the parent/guardian optional but thoughtful.

Those interested in adopting a senior or a person with a disability will be matched to an individual in need who is living in a nursing home or living alone receiving in-home care services. A wish list of things the individual enjoys, needs, or would appreciate, as well as clothing preferences and sizes, will be provided.

“Even as many Delawareans face their own struggles, they continue to show their generosity each year by giving to the Adopt-A-Family Holiday program and helping neighbors who find themselves in even more vulnerable positions,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of DHSS. “I am heartened by the true spirit of giving witnessed through this program.”

Families who are adopted are contacted by Adopt-A-Family to pick up their gift cards from their respective Adopt-A-Family office. Eligible recipients are referred to Adopt-A-Family by a social worker or case manager through state agencies and human service nonprofit organizations.

“Each year we find that many of our neighbors in need are referred to Adopt-A-Family through our State Service Centers, and other organizations, because of serious medical conditions, behavioral health challenges, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment,” said Renée P. Beaman, Director of DHSS’ Division of State Service Centers, which operates the program. “The stories of those in need are poignant, and I am hopeful that my fellow Delawareans will respond generously.”

These circumstances serve as a sampling of the hundreds of individuals and families available for adoption this season.

• Single veteran father and teenage son experienced homelessness this past year, but were recently placed into permanent housing. Father is seeking employment. His 15-year-old son is active in school and loves football. This family would appreciate any assistance to brighten up their holiday.

• Mother and four children lost their apartment earlier this year. After staying with friends and in shelters, the family is now living with the children’s paternal grandfather. Family lost most of their belongings. Mom is working three part-time jobs as well as taking classes to become a certified medical assistant with a goal to complete the program by next year.

• Family of seven, including a new baby. Husband is no longer in the home due to domestic violence. In addition to her children, the mother is caring for her elderly mother who has stage 4 cancer. Mother is seeking resources and assistance to ensure her children can enjoy the holiday season despite their hardships this year.

• Family of eight. Grandmother recently gained custody of six grandchildren. The parents are not active in the children’s lives. Grandmother cannot work because she is the only caretaker of the children. Her 18-year-old daughter is still in school and helping with younger children when possible. Grandmother is struggling to keep her grandchildren out of foster care.

To “adopt” an individual or family, please contact:

• New Castle County: New Castle County Adopt-A-Family at 302-792-6150 or email sharon.brown@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703.

• Kent and Sussex counties: Kent and Sussex Adopt-A-Family at 302-424-7260 or email elizabeth.senato@delaware.gov. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Mail or drop off donations to this address: Adopt-A-Family, 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

After shopping for the residents, items can be dropped off at Adopt-A-Family offices in New Castle County (3301 Green St., Claymont) or Kent and Sussex counties (13 SW Front St., Milford). Donors will be given a code when they are matched to include with the gift cards or items when they drop them off so the Adopt-A-Family knows who should receive the items.

If you need to arrange an alternate “time” for delivery, please feel free to ask the Adopt-A-Family Team as they are able to make accommodations when needed.

The Adopt-A-Family program aids families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment – throughout the year. The program began in 1973 by Marge Meyerman and is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to the website or contact your nearest state service center.

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The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

This Holiday Season, Adopt-A-Family Seeks Donors to Help Provide Gifts for Delaware Children, Families and Seniors in Need

NEW CASTLE – By participating in the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, Delawareans can help bring the holiday spirit to thousands of Delaware children, adults, people with disabilities and seniors in need. There are many ways to support individuals and families in need, including an online shopping option called CommuniGift.

Each holiday season, donors are anonymously matched to a senior, individual with a disability or a family of one or more children through the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program. Adopt-A-Family provides the donor with the age and gender of each child in the family and a brief description of the circumstances that led to their need for assistance. The donor then provides gift cards or certificates for the head-of-household to use in buying holiday gifts. The recommended gift is $100 to $125 per child, with a gift certificate for the parent optional but thoughtful.

Those interested in adopting a senior or a person with a disability will be matched to an individual in need living in a nursing home. A wish list of things the individual likes and would appreciate, as well as clothing preferences and sizes, will be provided. After shopping for these residents, items can be dropped off at the Adopt-A-Family offices in New Castle County (3301 Green St., Claymont) or Kent and Sussex County (13 SW Front St., Milford).
“Through a simple gift, we can touch the hearts of children and their families or seniors in a nursing home,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “One act can have a powerful impact, especially for those most vulnerable this holiday season. I encourage people to reach out through Adopt-A-Family and showcase the best of our community holiday spirit.”

Again this year, Adopt-A-Family makes it easier to support a Delaware individual or family through a partnership with the online giving platform, CommuniGift. Donors are able to browse and learn about individuals and families in need, and then directly purchase products for them through one-click integration with retailers. To familiarize yourself with the process, go to https://holidays.communigift.com/o/aafde

Another option is to buy gift cards or shop for items in your favorite stores or your favorite online shopping sites. You can either have the items mailed to Adopt-A-Family or drop them off yourself (offices addresses below). Just include the family code with the gift cards or items, so Adopt-A-Family knows who should receive the items. Otherwise, Adopt-A-Family staff will distribute the items to the individuals or families most in need first.

A sampling of Delawareans in need:

• A Wilmington family of four is currently homeless and staying with a relative. The father is not involved with the family financially or physically. The family, including two sons, ages 8 and 6, and a daughter, age 1, would really appreciate any assistance for the holiday.
• A Dover mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer this year. She is currently undergoing radiation and will be out of work for another month at least. Her health is declining. She has two sons, ages 12 and 8, and a daughter, age 6.
• This nursing home resident in Seaford is a quiet, sweet lady. She loves her stuffed animals and writing in her notebook. She would like a radio, notebook & pencils, watch, and rosary.

“Please think about coming together as a family, a workplace, a place or worship, a school or an organization to adopt a family or a senior in need,” said Rita Landgraf, secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services, which oversees the Adopt-A-Family program. “During this holiday season, your generosity on behalf of vulnerable Delawareans is greatly appreciated.”

The deadline to “adopt” a family is Dec. 14, and all gift cards and gifts must be delivered to the Adopt-A-Family Office by Dec. 18. Families who are adopted pick up their gift cards from their respective Adopt-A-Family office.

In 2014, the Holiday Adopt-A-Family program, through the leadership of the Human Services Councils of New Castle County and Kent/Sussex counties, helped 2,593 Delawareans. Most of the beneficiaries are single-parent households, children, adults with a disability, and senior citizens. Eligible recipients are referred to Adopt-A-Family by a social worker or case manager through state agencies and human service nonprofit organizations.

Year-round, the Adopt-A-Family program aids families in crisis – those struggling with illness, homelessness, domestic violence, poverty or unemployment. The program, begun in 1973, is coordinated by the Division of State Service Centers in all three counties.

In 2014, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 12.5 percent of Delawareans lived below the poverty line. In November 2015, more than 143,000 Delawareans qualified for food benefits and more than 230,000 people are clients of Medicaid. Delaware’s unemployment rate for October 2015 was 5.1 percent.

“While the economy continues to improve, the need for our Holiday Adopt-A-Family program remains far-reaching,” Secretary Landgraf said. “So many Delaware families continue to be impacted by medical conditions, behavioral health issues, domestic violence, homelessness and unemployment. The personal stories of need are truly heart-breaking. That’s why we are grateful for your support in adopting a family, an individual with a disability, or a senior in need.”

To “adopt” an individual or family without using CommuniGift, please contact:

• New Castle County: Contact the New Castle County Adopt-A-Family at (302) 792-9538 or email lisa.mb.johnson@delaware.gov. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
• Kent and Sussex counties: Contact the Kent and Sussex Adopt-A-Family at (302) 424-7260 or email shannon.smith@delaware.gov. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For these programs, Adopt-A-Family also accepts financial and in-kind donations. Checks should be made payable to: Adopt-A-Family.

• New Castle County: Adopt-A-Family, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703.
• For Kent and Sussex Counties: Adopt-A-Family, 13 SW Front St., Milford, DE 19963.

For more information about Adopt-A-Family, go to dhss.delaware.gov or contact your nearest state service center.

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.