We’re excited to announce the launch of 80 Days of Barker, a powerful and joyful countdown to our 80th Anniversary Celebration this November. Starting August 13 and running through November 1, we’re marking this milestone with a community-wide journey that honors our past, celebrates the present, and charts a bold path for the future.
For eight decades, Barker has walked alongside children, expectant parents, adoptive families, birth parents, and professionals with a steadfast belief in ethical, child-centered adoption practices. But what makes this anniversary truly special isn’t just the number—it’s you, our community, and your unwavering support that makes Barker who we are today.
What to Expect During the 80 Days
During these 80 days, we’ll be sharing the stories, values, and vision that continue to define Barker’s impact across generations. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming:
- Community-Hosted Events: Families, friends, and supporters will be hosting “Friends & Fundraising” gatherings to spread awareness and raise critical support for Barker’s work.
- Spotlights on the Barker Commitment: Born out of real voices in our community, we’ll unveil the core pillars of The Barker Commitment—our renewed promise to uphold ethics, lifelong support, compassion, and a child-first approach in everything we do.
- Powerful Stories from the Constellation: You’ll hear directly from adoptees, birth families, and adoptive parents about how Barker’s mission has shaped their lives.
Ways to Get Involved
This celebration isn’t just about looking back—it’s about taking action today. There are several ways to give and get involved:
- Make a donation to support Barker’s programs and services for children and families.
- Volunteer to support our Connect-a-thon, host a pop up event in your community to raise awareness and funds for Barker.
- Share your story or amplify others by engaging with our campaign on social media.
- Save the date and attend our 80th Anniversary celebration the evening of November 1.
Every act of support—big or small—helps us extend the Barker legacy of compassion, connection, and lifelong care.
Why 80 Years Matters—Then. Now. Always.
During our 2025 Annual Meeting, we asked a simple but meaningful question: “Why does Barker need to exist 80 years from now?” Your answers reminded us why our work matters more than ever. You told us:
- Because adoption doesn’t end at placement—support must be lifelong.
- Because truth, transparency, and ethical practice matter.
- Because every child deserves a future grounded in love and belonging.
These reflections helped shape the heart of The Barker Commitment—a declaration of our purpose and a promise to those we serve. It’s not just who we say we are. It’s who you’ve told us we are—and who we must continue to be.
Let the Celebration Begin
We can’t wait to share these 80 days with you. Follow along on our website and social media, join or host an event, sign up to volunteer, and help spread the word. Because together, we’re not just looking back—we’re building forward.
Here’s to 80 years of impact, and to the next 80 to come.
With gratitude and excitement,
Sue Hollar, LCSW-C, LICSW
Executive Director & CEO
The Barker Adoption Foundation