Kimberly Craddock
New Beginnings Adoption Caseworker
The Gladney Center for Adoption
Fort Worth, Texas
We would like to nominate Kimberly Craddock for social worker of the month. As soon as we were assigned to Kimberly, we fell in love with her. We could tell from the get-go that Kimberly was enthusiastic, dedicated and loved what she did. Adoption can be such a scary road and there are so many unknowns and so many questions. Kimberly took us by the hand and educated us. She answered our questions with care and compassion. During moments of uncertainty on our part, she never imposed her personal opinion, but always helped us to find our own answers and make our own decisions. Waiting has been such a trial of patience for us and we were so grateful that even when there was nothing to report, Kimberly kept in touch with us to keep us excited and hopeful. Due to unusual circumstances we had spoken to Kimberly on the phone countless times and communicated excessively through email, but didn’t actually meet her in person until placement day. She was just as warm and enthusiastic in person as she was on the phone. During our monthly visits we always felt warm and comfortable with her in our home. Kimberly truly is an advocate for abused and neglected children. Any child who is being helped or represented by Kimberly is a blessed child. We are excited as we have already adopted two and are in the process of adopting more. We’re grateful to have Kimberly on our team, as well as the entire team at Gladney.
The Alfaro Family
Adoptive Parents
Frisco, Texas
“Adoption is not just something I do; it’s my passion. Being able to work toward your passion all day every day is a tremendous blessing, and for that I am truly thankful. That passion started in my personal life over ten years ago when my husband and I were privileged to complete the first of two adoptions. As a school teacher I began to realize I wanted to do something different in child welfare, and once our son was safely home I began worrying about the other children who were still in care; those who might never be adopted. I knew that all of the children could not possibly be meant to be mine, but I also knew I wanted to play a role in their lives. A few years after being asked to volunteer with our adoption agency in the role of Area Representative and hold information meetings for families, who were interested in building their families through adoption, I understood my true calling and enrolled in the Graduate School of Social Work. During graduate school my focus remained primarily on adoption, and I was given the opportunity to complete an internship at The Gladney Center for Adoption. Working in their Family Services Dept. as well as their international program, Gladney provided a not-so-needed confirmation that adoption was where my heart would always be. That internship was followed by an 8-month-long legislative internship during which time my heart longed for adoption. I could hardly wait to return to my passion after graduation. Just days before graduation (and a decade after deciding to pursue social work) I received a call from Gladney about their rapidly growing State program and the need for a caseworker on their already strong New Beginnings team. Unaware that this program even existed at Gladney, I was eager to learn more and determined that it would be a good fit. Working with CPS in the state of Texas (and nationwide in some cases) to help children find permanent homes has been more exciting and rewarding than I could ever have imagined.
“The families with which we are privileged to work are committed to children and prepared to endure a tumultuous road to bring their children home. Approximately one year ago I was fortunate to meet one of our waiting families, the Alfaros. The Alfaro family already had four biological children and was waiting to adopt a sibling group through the foster care program. The Alfaro family never waivered in their commitment to the children, and they were eventually matched with two precious little boys who have blended seamlessly into their family. Working with such caring parents and seeing the children securely bond with a family are what keeps caseworkers going. The Alfaro family is so committed that upon finalization of their first adoption they turned right around and re-entered our program. In fact, we did their second home study the same day their adoption was final. Very soon the Alfaros will likely be welcoming a large sibling group to their existing brood of six children, and we cannot wait to see this happen.
“Those who work in the adoption arena know the joys and rewards that come along with helping unite children with loving families. It is with complete honesty and sincerity that I tell clients, co-workers, and friends that I do not even feel like I’m working; I would do this for free. Helping children who have suffered abuse and neglect find safe and loving permanent homes is a truly humbling experience, and receiving recognition makes me feel completely unworthy, so on behalf of the children and the many hardworking caseworkers out there I want to say thanks to all of the professionals, organizations, and adoptive parents who make this happen. Together we are making a difference, one child and one family at a time”. - Kimberly Craddock
Read the press release.