By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Centre jeunesse de l’Estrie hosted a heartfelt event on Nov. 19 as part of Adoption Awareness Month, featuring testimonies from local adoptive parents. The gathering aimed to highlight the emotional and practical aspects of adoption while encouraging families to consider opening their hearts to children in need. Centre representatives emphasized the pressing demand for adoptive families in the region.
Held at the Centre’s Queen-Victoria Boulevard location, the event adopted an informal approach, prioritizing personal stories over formal presentations. “We wanted to create a space where adoptive families could share their journeys and inspire others,” said one representative.
Marie-Claude, a local parent, shared how her adoption journey began after infertility struggles. “At 33, after exhausting all options, I decided to pursue adoption through the mixed-bank system,” she said. She described the extensive support she received, including in-depth interviews with social workers. “These weren’t just about the logistics of adoption—they helped me understand my motivations for becoming a parent and reflect on my own upbringing. It was life-changing.”
Her experience culminated in adopting two children. “Meeting them was the most incredible moment of my life. They’re the greatest gifts I could have imagined,” she said, her voice brimming with emotion.
Pierre and Marc-André, a same-sex couple, also shared their story. “We’ve been together for 15 years, and about eight years ago, we knew adoption was the right path for us,” said Pierre. Legal and ethical considerations initially shaped their decision. “Gestational surrogacy wasn’t a clear option then, and adoption aligned with our values. We wanted to provide a loving home to a child in need,” Marc-André added.
