Becoming a Parents as Teachers (PAT) Affiliate was not just another milestone for Adoption Option Inc. It was the fulfillment of a dream first envisioned by our former Child Welfare Director, Mary Johnson.

Mary had an unwavering passion for early childhood development and education. She saw, long before many others, the life-changing benefits of empowering parents to be their child’s first and most important teacher. She believed that by investing in parents, we were also investing in the brighter futures of children and communities.

When we officially became an affiliate in November 2024, I felt both honored and humbled to help carry forward that vision. This past affiliate year (July 2024 – June 2025), we completed our first official review and proudly achieved 20 out of 21 Essential Requirements of being a PAT affiliate.

For a brand-new affiliate, this is an incredible accomplishment. I know Mary would be proud to see how her passion has come to life. I'm reminded that while achieving 20 out of 21 requirements shows we are implementing the model with fidelity, the true measure of success is the difference it makes in families’ lives. The vision is alive in every parent who discovers they are capable, and in every child who benefits from a stronger start in life.