Community Celebrates and Finalizes Adoptions

Families and community members gathered at the Ontario Convention Center with a common mission: to join the San Bernardino County Children and Family Services Adoption Finalization Celebration Nov. 20. This annual event that brought nearly 1,200 locals together honored adoptions throughout the year. According to San Bernardino County’s C.L. Lopez, November is the chosen celebration month since it is recognized as National Adoption Month. Every year, there are nearly 400 adoptions, many of which are finalized at the event; this year, 89 adoptions were finalized - 18 families adopted siblings and 28 children were adopted by family members; 47 of the adopted children were three years old or younger. Keynote speaker Jennifer Brickner, an acrobat, aerialist, gymnast and motivational speaker, was born without legs and was immediately put up for adoption. However, Brickner didn't let that stop her from following her aspirations. After her family adopted her, her inspiring journey began, she shared. Brickner credited her adoptive family for helping her realize that she could do anything if she worked hard and believed in herself. She explained that the word "can't" should never be in her vocabulary. “She is an inspiring and very talented person that was adopted by an amazing family,” Lopez mentioned. “We couldn’t imagine anyone more inspiring than her to speak.” The honorable judges performing the adoptions included Christopher B. Marshall, Juvenile Court Presiding Judge; Cheryl C. Kersey, Judge of the Superior Court; Steve Mapes, Judge of the Superior Court; and Lynn M. Poncin, Judge of the Superior Court. “We are grateful to all of the families who have opened their hearts and their homes to nearly 100 of our children,” said CFS Director Randall Schulz. “This event celebrates the hope that our children have for the future that comes with the gift of a permanent and loving family.” The event also included a “heroes” recognition, in which San Bernardino County thanked and recognized local heroes such as the San Bernardino County law enforcement officers and firefighters.