ACI Founded
ACI was founded and operated by 2 women, with 2 part-time social workers, and a bookkeeper. They provided primarily domestic home studies for independent and agency situations along with post placement services.
International Expansion
Due to increased interest in foreign adoption, ACI began to work with international adoption more, particularly Guatemala and Paraguay.
50 Placements Per Year
Adoption Choice was seeing 50 placements a year with about 1/3 being foreign adoptions.
Non-Profit Status
Adoption Choice received its Certificate of Incorporation and Non-Profit Status.
80% International Adoptions
Over 80% of the adoptions were international from countries including Guatemala, Romania, Vietnam, Chile and Latin America.
New Countries Added
Ukraine, Bulgaria, China and Poland were added to the list of countries available for ACI families.
Russia Program Begins
Families at Adoption Choice began adopting from Russia.
Community Adoption Center Partnership
ACI formed a relationship with another adoption agency located in NE Wisconsin. The partnership with Community Adoption Center allowed the domestic program to grow in service area and size.
Adoption Advocates Merger
Adoption Advocates, a Wisconsin adoption agency located in the Madison area merged with ACI.
Central Wisconsin Expansion
ACI enhanced its services by adding staff in Central Wisconsin.
Embryo Adoption Program
Embryo Adoption was added as an option to adoptive families.
Foster Care Adoption Program
ACI formed its Foster Care Adoption Program.
Scholarship & Support Funds
Through a grant from The Heart of Canal Program, the Birth Parent Scholarship and Sliding Fee Funds were established.
Digital Expansion
ACI expanded its digital footprint by focusing on online advertising.
First Touched by Adoption Event
The first Touched by Adoption fundraising event was held in Green Bay.
First Annual Family Picnic
ACI held its first Annual Family Picnic.
Waiting Families Support Group
In an effort to support adoptive families, the Waiting Families Support Group was started.
MAD Cares Program
ACI selected as a beneficiary organization to participate in MAD Cares program through MLG Capital.
Southwestern Wisconsin Expansion
ACI enhanced its services by adding staff in Southwestern Wisconsin.
Development Director Hired
ACI hired a Development Director to focus on fundraising.
P.A.S.T. Program Launched
ACI formed its P.A.S.T. (Post Adoption Support Team) and began offering events.
Eau Claire Office Opens
ACI opened a 4th office in Eau Claire.
First Fall Fest Event
ACI held its first Fall Fest event for families.