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The Cradle is proud to celebrate 100 years of building families through adoption. We are so proud of our legacy. Since opening in 1923, The Cradle has facilitated over 16,000 domestic and international adoptions and has been at the forefront of open adoption, African American infant adoption and placements with LGBTQ+-identifying families. Learn more about our 100-year history.

Look Back at Our Centennial Celebration

Birth Parent Sculpture

In an intimate unveiling ceremony held on June 11, 2023, The Cradle invited birth parents to be the first the new sculpture commissioned by The Cradle to honor birth parents. Designed by Illinois-based artist Carrie Fischer, the sculpture honors birth parents as core to all adoption journeys. The birth parent sculpture is a lasting commemoration that shines a light on the often-overshadowed stories of birth parents.

Read more about the sculpture here.

Birthday Bash

On June 24, 2023, The Cradle threw a huge party for our 100th birthday! More than 300 families and supporters gathered to celebrate with music, activities and food. We were joined by Jean Sargeant, a Cradle adoptee from our first year of operation, and her family.

See photos and a video from this special occasion here.

Faces of The Cradle

Read, watch and listen to the stories of people whose lives have been touched by The Cradle and consider sharing your story with us.

View the Faces of The Cradle

Centennial Gala

On Sept. 23, 2023, The Cradle celebrated our first 100 years and raised support for our next 100. It was an unforgettable night full of celebration, music, food, dancing, a live auction and stories of The Cradle’s impact on the individuals and families we serve.

Guests were immersed in a video journey, “Faces of The Cradle: 100 Years of Impact,” where heartfelt narratives converge to vividly reflect The Cradle’s core mission over the last 100 years — building families through adoption, supporting families through life’s challenges and strengthening communities. Watch the video:

Live Podcast Taping​

The Cradle hosted a live podcast taping of season 2, episode 1 of Angela Tucker’s popular adoption podcast, The Adoptee Next Door, on Nov. 16, 2023. This season, Angela is focusing on how media can shape societal perception of adoptees. Click here to listen to the episode, which includes guests from TLC’s Long, Lost Family.

See images from the live taping here.

Historical Narrative

The Cradle is a beloved and storied organization, having helped so many families form over the past 100 years. We are so proud of our legacy. Since opening in 1923, The Cradle has facilitated more than 16,000 domestic and international adoptions and has been at the forefront of African American infant adoption and placements with LGBTQ+ families. There is much to celebrate in the pages that follow. We hope you enjoy learning about The Cradle’s history, evolution and impact.

Read The Cradle Historical Narrative

Virtual Storytelling Event

On Dec. 5, 2023, The Cradle held an intimate virtual gathering for people whose lives have been touched by The Cradle to share and hear each other’s stories. Click on the video to listen to their stories.

Make a Donation on Behalf of Our Centennial

We provide lifelong support to individuals and families touched by adoption thanks to the generosity of our community of donors. Learn how your gift can honor 100 years of impact and support our next 100 years!

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Unplanned Pregnancy?

Call our 24-hour toll-free number to speak to a Cradle counselor

800-CRADLE4 (800-272-3534)

Text CRADLE to 66746

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Call 847-475-5800

 

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