"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage, to know who we are, and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning; no matter what our attainments in life, there is the most disquieting loneliness."
-Alex Haley

2011 was the year of change for adult adoptees in the State of Missouri. Compromise, diplomacy and the combined efforts of Tyler McClay of the Missouri Catholic Conference, Jim Russell, our Missouri Senate, House of Representatives, adoptees and birth parents produced a bill that was signed by Governor Nixon in July. Although we have more work to do next year, we are thankful for the hard work and dedication of all.

United We Stand, Divided We Fall

ATC Mission Statement:

• Provide a forum for open dialogue between triad members, that is adopted persons and birth family and adoptive family members, to benefit from other group members' experiences and to gain a better understanding of each other.
  
  
• Be emotionally supportive and encouraging to each member at all times, using outside resources/networking when needed.
  
  
• Use all available avenues including adoption research and the collaboration of all Missouri adoption support groups, to educate policymakers and the public about the importance of giving adopted persons access to information about their origins.
  
  
• Work with lawmakers and develop practical guidelines to change and enhance adoption laws that will benefit all affected by adoption in the State of Missouri.