Dillon International’s Missouri adoptive families, along with members of St. Louis’ Young Asian-American Professional Association (YAPA), recently gathered at Creve Coeur's Millennium Park for an annual picnic and to celebrate the joy international adoption adds to lives.
The gathering was a fun way to conclude this year’s YAPA mentoring program. Members of the Young Asian-American Professional Association volunteered their time serving as mentors to internationally adopted adolescents—most of whom were born in Korea, China or India—who participated in Dillon International’s ‘Tween and Teen group. The group is led by social workers. Together, the YAPA mentors and the internationally adopted students formed friendships and celebrated their diverse heritage by diving into everything from lessons in international cooking, games, crafts and literature. The mentors also shared their experiences and offered practical insight that teens need to grapple with the challenges of identity issues, racism and school bullying.
Founded in 1972, Dillon International is a licensed, non-profit adoption and humanitarian aid agency. For information about Dillon International programs, contact the St. Louis office by phone, 314-576-4100, email, DillonMO@dillonadopt.com, or visit the website at www.dillonadopt.com.