Welcome to Barker's Blog Corner

Are you interested in becoming a guest blogger for Barker's Blog corner? Your voice and story make a tremendous impact on all those who are part of the adoption constellation and support the work we are doing within the adoption community. Please share your story with us today!

If you are new to writing or need a place to start, we have provided some tips and information to help you through your writing process. Please review our submission guidelines here and email your draft to info [at] barkerfoundation.org today.

September 9, 2016

Feel Good Friday!

When Abby's adoption finalization hearing was scheduled for the same day as her first day of school, her entire class came to support her big day! Read More

August 16, 2016

When Foster Youth are Given a Chance, This is What Happens...

Despite all of the obstacles in his way, James Turner was able to graduate from high school, excel in track, and get accepted to college. Read More

July 13, 2016

Perspectives of Children in Foster Care

Children in foster care have often experienced trauma and find it difficult to communicate how they feel to the people around them. Read More

June 24, 2016

Feel Good Friday!

In case you missed it, watch this little girl's adoption finalization become even more special with a lot of hard work and a little magic.    Read More

June 17, 2016

Barker Celebrates Fathers!

I am always surprised by the calls and emails I receive from adoptive dads around this time of year.   One father of teenagers wrote: “Each Father’s Day as I reflect on my family and our two beautiful daughters, I think about ALL the families made possible throug Read More

April 6, 2016

Chinese Characters

This week’s freakishly winter-like weather has made it even harder to get back into the groove of the school week after an extended Spring break spent in Caribbean sunshine.  This morning as we looked for winter coats in early April, loaded lunchboxes and checked Read More

April 4, 2016

A Barker Legend Has Retired

The longest tenured employee at Barker, Beth Kirby, has retired, effective March 31, 2016, after 25 years of extraordinary service. Beth has served in many capacities, and her warmth and versatility are well known and greatly appreciated.  Read More

March 8, 2016

Covering College Expenses When you Adopt an Older Child from Foster Care

Before you know it, it will be time to begin thinking about a college education for your child (and how you will be paying for it!).  Many of you may already be thinking about and planning for this time.  Below is a list of resources for D.C., Maryland, and Virginia families interested in securin Read More

February 16, 2016

Joining in the Great Migration: Chinese New Year Family Celebration

The text came in saying: “At WoHop! Table for 10 is ready! Can’t wait to cu!” Read More

February 12, 2016

Remembering Anita Datar: Celebrating Her Commitment to Family

In late January 2016, the U.S. Read More

February 2, 2016

On My Own

When many people think of an orphanage, I think they often envision babies and toddlers. I used to be one of those people myself. On my many trips to China, however, I began meeting and falling in love with the older children who have grown up in institutions, many who never had any true chance of finding a permanent home. Read More

February 1, 2016

Barker Families Celebrated Hispanic Heritage

This past Sunday, after a long, post-blizzard week, 70 members of the Barker community -- including many toddlers and young children -- attended Barker's Hispanic Heritage Celebration, held at Los Tios Grill in Alexandria, Virginia. Read More

Pages