CADA accepting applications for Adopt-a-Family program

Communities Against Domestic Abuse (CADA) has begun taking applications for its Adopt-a-Family program in preparation for the upcoming holidays. The program matches sponsors with families who may not be able to provide gifts under the Christmas tree.

“As the holiday season approaches, we’d like to announce the kickoff of our annual Adopta-Family program,” said CADA outreach coordinator Cynthia Petry. “Those who have received services from CADA in the past year are eligible to apply.”

Those who have stayed in the shelter will have top priority but others can be served as well.

Applications will be accepted from Monday, Nov. 4, until Friday, Nov. 22. No late sign-ups will be accepted.

“Families who would like to be added to the program can contact our office at (337) 616-8418 for further details on the application process,” said Petry. “Once the application is processed, we ask you to have your children write out their Christmas list and return it to us as soon as possible. Adopters will need time to get the shopping done and presents delivered to the office.”

"We have families that were once assisted by CADA give back once they got on their feet. It’s a great lesson for children of donating families. It shows them how great the feeling is knowing they can make other children happy for Christmas.”
– Cynthia Petry, CADA

Those who would like to sponsor a family should contact the office as well. Anyone is welcome to participate.

“As a sponsor, you will be given a wish list from a particular family and the gifts collected will be given to the families to open on Christmas morning,” said Petry. “It’s a great feeling when we answer our door or the phone with families wanting to help those in need. The community really supports us this time of year.”

In the past, sponsors have bought food and all the fixings for a Christmas meal, she said. In recent years, over 20 families have been sponsored each season.

“We have families that were once assisted by CADA give back once they got on their feet,” said Petry. “It’s a great lesson for children of donating families. It shows them how great the feeling is knowing they can make other children happy for Christmas.”

All sponsors and adopted families will remain anonymous. Sponsors will need to have their gifts to the CADA office no later than Friday, Dec. 13. Gifts will then be distributed to the families in time for Christmas.

“We look forward to this time of year,” said Petry. “For me, it brings back fond memories of my own children enjoying the holidays.”