From the start of their relationship, Lance and Lisa Novak knew they wanted to build their family through adoption. They considered several agencies but after attending an information meeting at Children’s Home, they knew this would be the agency they’d work with.
“Before the meeting, we agreed this was for us to learn about adoption,” said Lisa. “We weren’t going to take any action that night.”
Things didn’t quite turn out as planned. Part of the session included hearing from a family with their newly adopted infant son. Lance is quick to point out that it was more than just a cute baby that made an impression on him. “The other agencies focused on the transaction of adopting. At Children’s Home, it was about the experience. They put the child first.”
Less than a year later, in 1987, the Novaks welcomed their son, Jordan, and a year after that, their daughter, Natalie. The Novaks’ commitment to Children’s Home hasn’t wavered. They have given to the organization in numerous ways. They worked together to co-chair the Korean Benefit Dinner for several years. When Mrs. Han Sook Han — the driving force behind the Korean adoptive community — retired, they again both volunteered to help organize a retirement celebration.
And, since 2014, Lance has served on the Children’s Home board of directors. He was recently invited to be the board chair. “There was no doubt in my mind that I would serve,” said Lance. “Children’s Home helped us create our family. I appreciate the chance to give back.”
He has learned how Children’s Home has adapted to changes in the adoption landscape, including the reduction in international adoptions and an increased focus on foster care adoption for children who can’t live with their birth parents.
“These are critical issues,” Lance said. “Finding and supporting foster parents and adoptive families has changed where we put our attention and resources, but the focus of this organization hasn’t changed. My passion is to make sure we always remember that the children come first.”
Lance and Lisa give not only their time, but their financial resources as well. They say it’s easy to be generous when they remember all the children that Children’s Home touches. “That’s the legacy of Children’s Home. We give our time and money to make sure this will be here for generations to come. Every child deserves a family, and every gift helps make that happen.”
