Adopted For The Holidays: Watch These New Jersey Families Cry With Joy – Bloomfield, NJ Patch

NEW JERSEY — Lori Umbria now knows what it’s like to have her soul “broken” … in a good way.

Umbria and her partner, David, were among the dozens of New Jersey parents who experienced a lifechanging moment last month, finalizing adoptions for their new child – or children, as in their case.

“As soon as that gavel raps, as soon as the judge announces it – it’s the best feeling in the world,” Umbria said. “It just breaks your soul.”

In late November – just before the Thanksgiving holiday – county vicinages held adoption ceremonies for dozens of families across New Jersey in tribute to National Adoption Day, honoring an effort that many judges and court employees have called their favorite of the year.

As usual, the celebration included a day of free fun and festivities organized for the new families with the help of local community groups. Some events took place in person, others remotely due to the pandemic.

In Essex County, kids and parents were treated to a virtual tour of the Turtle Back Zoo, and got gift baskets filled with pastries, edible arrangements, cupcakes, books, toys and gift cards.

In Monmouth County, where 10 adoptions were finalized for five families, a vicinage employee dressed as Captain America shared a special message with the children, a guest speaker shared her personal adoption story, and a slideshow of photographs from the adopting families inspired smiles all around.

In Passaic County, a magician put on a show for the kids, who also got a personalized gift donated by the local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

In Union County, families got a free breakfast from a local restaurant, festive balloon arrangements, gift baskets of donations from the community and a sheriff-led caravan to each of their homes. Parents and children also got a chance to pose for their first family portrait, courtesy of the Union County CASA.

The scene was equally as jubilant in other counties, court officials reported. In Hudson County, eight new families were gifted with commemorative plaques and gifts. And in Camden County, gift bags containing teddy bears, coloring books, pajamas, blankets, and other items were delivered to each child’s home.

Those celebrating included Jaleesa Graham, the adoptive mother of Gabe.

“He knows adoption day is a special day for him,” Graham said, sharing a photo of her child grinning and sitting in front of a cake that read: “Even Superman Was Adopted.”

Gabe was thrilled that his new family members were there, his mother said. But he was also super-excited about the police officer that was present in the courtroom.

“That really made his day,” she remembered. “He loves the police.”

In Middlesex County, where about 120 adoptions have been finalized since November 2020, a group of new families got a warm congratulations from County Commissioner Deputy Director Shanti Narra and other officials on Nov. 17.

“Adoption changes lives in the most extraordinary ways, and National Adoption Day is a bright spot for those of us who are fortunate enough to witness and participate in the event,” Narra said.

It isn’t just parents and children who get choked up during the annual event.

Harold Johnson, presiding judge of the family division in Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem Vicinage, recalled a recent adoption that “really stands out” to him, which drew family members from Texas, Florida and Washington.

The kicker? The child’s preschool classmates who stood at the back of the courtroom cheering.

“It was so joyous,” Johnson said, his voice trembling with emotion.

It’s a vantage point that Haekyoung Suh, presiding judge in the family division of the Somerset/Hunterdon/Warren Vicinage, also shared this year.

“Adoptions are the one time judges know with 100 percent certainty how the child and the family feels,” Suh said. “Every adoption is a joyful moment.”

Bergen County Assignment Judge Bonnie Mizdol said National Adoption Day is a tip of the hat to the “extraordinary commitment” parents make when they choose to give a permanent home to a child.

“The most important participants are the children whose lives are forever changed by the families who have opened their hearts and homes to them,” Mizdol emphasized.

Burlington County Assignment Judge Jeanne Covert said that as New Jersey reflects on the past year-and-a-half, it’s important to focus on blessings – including the “importance of family.”

“For every new family created in the adoption process, you hold our hopes and dreams in your hands … and the entire Burlington Vicinage community is here to celebrate with you as you find that promise fulfilled,” Covert said.

Last year, 196 adoptions were finalized in New Jersey on National Adoption Day through the collective efforts of judges, court staff, county surrogates and the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. According to New Jersey Court officials, 1,058 children were adopted in 2018.

Court administrators said that people seeking more information about becoming a licensed foster parent can call 1-877-NJFOSTER or visit www.njfoster.org. For more information about adopting a child in New Jersey, call 1-800-99-ADOPT, or visit www.njadopt.org.

Send news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

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