About Asia Families
Our Mission
The mission of ASIA Families is to welcome Korean adoptees of all ages, their adoptive parents and siblings and relatives, the Korean community, and friends into an extended family community through mutual support, education, and Korean culture.
Our Vision
In 2019, in celebration of the tenth anniversary of ASIA Families, the organization’s board, executive director, and program leaders updated and expanded on our vision for the next ten years:
• To support the life-long journey of Korean adoptees and their families through a community that provides education and resources about Korean culture and the adoptive experience.
• To foster the development of confidence, resilience, and a strong, positive identity among adoptees throughout their unique journey.
• To grow a community of adoptees who can raise awareness about and guide others in understanding the “Korean Adoption Experience.”
Our Spirit
In preparation for our tenth anniversary, ASIA Families members were asked to reflect on their experiences through the years with the organization’s programs and services.
The varied voices of our community (teen and adult adoptees, families, and volunteers) described ASIA Families as an organization filled with support, love, and acceptance.
Our History
From Grace Song’s remarks at our 10th Anniversary Gala in October 2019:
Korean Culture School: “ASIA Families had a humble beginning 10 years ago. Our first program was Korean Culture School. During our first session in February 2010, we had only 22 children, 25 parents, and 5 volunteers. Fast forward through 80 sessions of Korean Culture School since then. Our enrollments continue to grow each spring and fall. We now welcome nearly 70 children and teens, 85 parents, and 50 volunteers during each season. On any given Culture School day, as many as 200 people are in attendance – and eating a delicious Korean lunch with us.”
Korea Bridge Tour: “Members of our community started asking us about homeland tours to Korea. So, we organized our first Korea Bridge Tour in the summer for 2014. Unlike other homeland trips, our tour brings together adopted children and teens, with their families, as well as adult adoptees. In addition, we offer sponsorships to adult adoptees to pay for most of their tour expenses. Since 2014, ASIA Families has offered five tours to a total of 85 adoptive family members plus 60 adult adoptees.”
Camp Rice: “After launching Culture School, we found that our community was interested in a summer culture camp. We started small, with only 54 campers. Ten years later, we continue to attract more children, teen, and parent campers each year, along with volunteers from across the United States.
In 2019, we welcomed over 200 campers and volunteers to our beautiful location at Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center.”
