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Family Event Raises Awareness for Adoption: Why “Move for Adoption” Matters

  • Writer: Diana Baltimore
    Diana Baltimore
  • Aug 9
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 21

By Dr. Diana Lang, Executive Director & Founder, Iowans for Adoption

Every child deserves a safe, loving, permanent family. That simple belief drives everything we do and it’s the heartbeat of our annual Move for Adoption event. This year’s family-friendly 5K (run, walk, roll, stroll, ride—or simply cheer from the sidelines) brought Iowans together to learn, support, and celebrate adoption and foster care. You can read the full media announcement here: Family Event to Raise Awareness for Adoption (PRLog).

Cy, the Iowa State University Cardinal mascot, connects with walkers during Move For Adoption event.

I’m grateful to our presenting sponsors, Prairie Meadows and Iowa Farm Bureau, and to every partner who stood with us. Your support makes it possible to reach more families, equip more community members with accurate adoption information, and spotlight the needs of children in Iowa’s foster care system.


Here’s why “Move for Adoption” is different. We designed it to be radically inclusive. There is no registration or donation required to participate. If you can run, wonderful. If you prefer to walk, roll, stroll, ride, or watch, you’re part of the movement. We also offer a virtual option so anyone, anywhere, can join at any distance. (Virtual participants may order an event shirt with a $30 donation.) The point isn’t pace or mileage; it’s people... coming together to learn, to advocate, and to help children find permanent families.


In Iowa, thousands of children live in foster care, and more than 500 currently have no parents with legal rights. These children are waiting to be adopted. It often surprises people to learn that adopting from foster care typically costs very little or nothing. Part of our role is to cut through myths and provide clear, practical guidance so families can move forward with confidence.


Our goals for Move for Adoption are straightforward and non-negotiable:

  • Celebrate children, families, and all members of the adoption triad.

  • Raise awareness about adoption and foster care, grounded in accurate information.

  • Help every child reach a safe, permanent, loving, nurturing, stable family.

  • Educate Iowans about the Safe Haven Act and the realities of adopting from foster care.


At the in-person event, families enjoyed a 5K fun run, kids’ fun run, crane games, face-painting, balloons, and take-home items. Most importantly, they left with resources: how to start the adoption process, how to support a friend considering adoption, and how workplaces can treat adoptive parents equitably in parental leave policies.


If you’d like to stay involved:


Not everyone can adopt or foster but everyone can Move for Adoption. Show up. Learn. Share. Invite a neighbor. Encourage a colleague. Your presence helps replace misconceptions with facts and turns good intentions into lasting change for Iowa’s children.


Thank you to every family, volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who made this year’s event possible. Let’s keep moving for adoption, for families, and most of all, for the children who deserve nothing less than a permanent place to belong.

Help Support Adoption Awareness

Every contribution helps us create resources, host events, and connect children with families.

💜 Make a Donation today and help change a child’s life.

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