The Cradle

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The Cradle

The Cradle is an adoption agency and nonprofit provider of adoption services, counseling, and educational support. Call 800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534).

The Cradle is a nonprofit, licensed child welfare agency providing adoption services, counseling and educational support. Since opening in 1923, The Cradle has facilitated over 16,000 domestic and international adoptions and has been at the forefront of open adoption, African American infant adoption and LGBTQ+ placements. Our team of social workers, counselors, and education and outreach staff of

fer ethical, inclusive and lifelong support to tens of thousands of people touched by adoption, including birth parents, adopted persons, and adoptive parents. Services include options counseling for women facing unplanned pregnancies, placement services, pre- and post-adoption education, an adoption-competent clinical therapy program, post-adoption services to provide information about and/or connect individuals with birth relatives, as well as training for prospective adoptive parents and professionals through Adoption Learning Partners (ALP). The Cradle is the only adoption agency in the country with an on-site nursery, a safe, neutral place for infants to stay while their parents take the time they need to decide if adoption will be the plan for this child. Learn more at Cradle.org or call 847-475-5800. Want to speak with a Cradle counselor about an unplanned pregnancy or to discuss possible adoption for your baby?

31/05/2026

Last chance! Join Julie Beem, Executive Director of the Attachment & Trauma Network, Inc., as she explores the specific parenting tools that adoptive parents need to create relationship, teach regulation and build resilience in their children. In this webinar, you will learn:
- The importance of focusing on attachment-building
- Basic brain science around trauma and development
- Strategies to address behaviors and build resilience

Get tools for your family: https://bit.ly/3OOpuDa

30/05/2026

One Cradle adoptive parent did not initially connect her daughter’s challenges to adoption. Read what she wishes she had known earlier and how understanding adoption led to more effective support in our newest blog: https://bit.ly/3PVonBQ

29/05/2026

Eric and Felicia are ! Read their story and help us share it: https://bit.ly/4wPl1kM

What Eric Thinks about Felicia
"Felicia is quite simply a blessing from the Lord. Once I finally worked up the courage to ask her out, my life changed in so many ways. She will love you in ways that have never been felt before. I’m constantly blown away by her empathy, resilience, joy, patience and kindness. I have seen her go through situations that would cause many of us to give up, but she always comes out of it better for the experience. She is a nurturer by default. Her youthful demeanor hides a lot of hard-earned wisdom. I’m often surprised at the joy she can create. It is a privilege to have her in my life. I’m blessed to be her husband."

What Felicia Thinks about Eric
"Eric is a caring husband, an awesome partner and my best friend. I often say I feel God’s love for me through him. He cares deeply about others and has a has a good heart. If Eric sees someone in need, he does not hesitate to help even if it’s just offering them a kind word. He is a hard worker and great provider, but knows how to have fun. I look forward to spending quality time with him which usually ends with us having a good laugh together. It is a blessing to have him in my life. I have no doubt that he will make a great dad!"

28/05/2026

We are thrilled to announce that The Cradle is attending and sponsoring the Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate! There are two great ways you can join us to support this meaningful community event.

1. Dust off your running shoes and join our staff in one of the races.

2. Not a runner? No problem! Come join our cheering team to root for the children's races that kick off at 9 a.m. There is no fee to attend to cheer, so come on out and enjoy some coffee and donuts with The Cradle!

Register as a runner: https://bit.ly/4uHIti1
Cheer with The Cradle: https://bit.ly/48Qtj1h

27/05/2026

Summer brings a shift in pace for families with children. Learn how to use this season to explore identity, deepen connections and create opportunities for growth with your adopted child: https://bit.ly/4djvknu

26/05/2026

This is your last chance to RSVP to join The Cradle at the Buffalo Grove Pride Parade and Picnic for a day full of joy, community and celebration! This year’s theme is Shine with Pride: Illuminating Resilience.

We’ll gather to cheer on the parade starting at 11 a.m., then head over to Mike Rylko Community Park immediately afterward for lunch together and to enjoy live performances, family-friendly entertainment, and a wonderful business and craft fair. Please bring your own lunch or grab something from the on-site food trucks. To make things a little sweeter, we will provide special treats for everyone to enjoy!

RSVP to celebrate Pride with The Cradle: https://bit.ly/4urlxDy

25/05/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, The Cradle's offices are closed on Monday, May 25.

Our 24-hour Helpline, 800-272-3534, remains available every day of the week.

24/05/2026

Join The Cradle at the Buffalo Grove Pride Picnic for a day full of joy, community and celebration. This year’s theme is Shine with Pride: Illuminating Resilience.

We’ll gather to cheer on the parade starting at 11 a.m., then head over to Mike Rylko Community Park immediately afterward for lunch together and to enjoy live performances, family-friendly entertainment, and a wonderful business and craft fair. Please bring your own lunch or grab something from the on-site food trucks. To make things a little sweeter, we will provide special treats for everyone to enjoy!

RSVP to celebrate Pride with The Cradle: https://bit.ly/4urlxDy

23/05/2026

Subscribe to The Cradle Blog Newsletter to stay up to date on our latest resources! In our last issue, we released Clinical vs. Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing: Education and Ethical Awareness. Be the first to see this month's blog by subscribing today: https://bit.ly/43OKmNk

22/05/2026

Derek and Alexander are ! Read their story and help us share it: https://bit.ly/3RajJAk

Alexander: From Derek’s Perspective
"Alexander is extremely kind and thoughtful. He would do anything for anyone, and is always looking out for those who may not have a voice. Recently, he helped a little boy reconnect with his caregiver at a grocery store. It didn't matter that the boy wasn't his — he wanted to make sure he was safe. And that's how he makes me feel: safe and cared for. He will be such a wonderful dad to your child, just like he has been a wonderful partner to me and dog dad to our pups. He will put all of his energy into making sure they feel safe and cared for."

Derek: From Alexander’s Perspective
"It sounds cliche, but Derek is genuinely one of the best human beings I've ever met. From the minute I met him, I knew that his patience, goofy sense of humor, work ethic and playfulness would make him a great dad. Thankfully, I've had the opportunity to watch him give so much love and respect to his entire family, but particularly his mom and his late gramma. The thing I value most about Derek is his ability to stay calm under pressure and his ability to communicate openly — even when it's difficult. While I never had the chance to meet his dad, David, I am certain that if David were around today, he would be unbelievably proud of Derek for the person he is. I cannot wait to watch Derek become a dad as well!"

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+18474755800

Website

https://cradle.org/

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