“Your presentation was exactly what we needed to introduce ourselves to adoption.”
-Medical student
“The students loved your presentation and said that they really learned a lot! I feel your message needs to be heard by all.” -High school teacher
“Trish touched on all aspects of adoption. It turns out that I had many wrong ideas about the entire adoption process. She made us feel comfortable enough to ask questions.” -College nursing student
“It helps knowing there is somebody to help if this situation (an unplanned pregnancy) ever happens.” -High school student
“I like how well she explained things.” -High school student
“Her visits to our group have provoked great discussions and she has been well-received by our clients each time.” -Counselor (treatment program for women)
“She answered many questions I had regarding adoption. I did not know much about the adoption process beforehand, and now I feel more equipped to answer questions patients may ask me.” -College nursing student
“I especially enjoyed the facts you shared about looking at the biological mothers’ points of view. This really made me understand what the mothers go through. It is my hope to call upon you next year.” -High school teacher
“Thank you! I really enjoyed it and found the videos and handouts excellent. You do very important work and I will utilize you whenever I can.” -Health clinic director
“I wanted to let you know that I truly enjoyed collaborating with Catholic Charities. I learned so much from you, and am grateful for all of the information that you passed on to me.” -Counselor (women’s jail diversion program)
“Thank you so much for discussing adoption options with our senior nursing students. We appreciate the generosity of your time and effort and are glad the students had the opportunity to meet with you. They found your presentation very informative and they especially appreciated the pamphlets and referral sources. As you can see by the evaluations enclosed, they appreciated your presentation a great deal.” -College nursing instructor
What I liked most about this presentation is “that I used to think that it was bad that people [placed for adoption], but it’s not.” -High school student
What I liked most about this presentation was “knowing options if it (an unplanned pregnancy) ever happens to me.” -High school student
“Thank you for the terrific program you put on. I was able to take home with me not only lots of printed information, but also a new awareness and appreciation for all parties involved in adoption. Your presentation was one of the best I have been to!” -Hospital social worker
“I really appreciated you coming and speaking to my class regarding adoption. My students really enjoyed it and got a lot of facts and information about the whole process of adoption as a choice. I also thought it was great that you brought in the career aspect. It is important for our students to be exposed to different careers.” -High school Consumer Education teacher
“I would just like to thank you for coming into our health class and speaking to us. The information you had was fantastic and you really got the students’ attention.” -High school Health teacher
“I like that the presenter started off with the biases we may have about the adoption process. Doing this really facilitated reflections and promoted openness.” -College nursing student
“It helped me become more knowledgeable about my options—and be able to recommend this agency to a friend.” -High school student
“I liked how she was friendly and open to questions.” -High school student
“Speaker seemed very knowledgeable and seemed to really enjoy what she is doing.” -High school student
"During your excellent training session I learned about transracial adoption. I’m so glad that’s part of our core curriculum in the State of Wisconsin.” Pre-adoptive parent
“We really found the presentation interesting and stimulating--and stayed up late into the night talking about it. Lots of good food for thought there.” Pre-adoptive parent
“We have enjoyed the sessions very much. It was worth it. Thank you for organizing such good courses.” Pre-adoptive parent
“I came in to work this morning feeling rejuvenated, invigorated and cheerful—and realized it is because of the wonderful presentations given by the panel last evening.” Pre-adoptive parent
“It is nice being with other people who are going through the same things we are.” Pre-adoptive parent
“Thank you for having [a birth parent] come in last week. Her story really touched us; we have discussed it many times. We have really been enjoying the classes and reading material!” Pre-adoptive parent
“We are really enjoying the classes. My husband and I enjoy discussing the speakers after each class and we talk through the reading materials we are given.” Pre-adoptive parent
"I have attended the Birth Parent Support Group and have found it to be a warm, welcoming and supportive environment."
"I am a birth mother and it has been an enriching and beneficial experience to listen to other people’s stories and experiences, as well as to share my own. I am grateful for this unique resource to tap into at this time in my life to help me to heal, find peace and to gain new perspectives."
“Although the situations and circumstances surrounding the decision to place a child for adoption are unique to each individual birth parent, there are some common emotions and experiences that all birth parents have in common. (The) Birth Parent Support Group is a safe place to share thoughts and feelings with people who truly understand what it is to be a birth parent.”
“It’s a comfort to know there is a place I can go to talk with others in a similar situation. I get support and to give support in return.”
“We had a very positive experience with the Catholic Charities Adoption Program."
"Jerilyn and Trish are knowledgeable and professional, and we enjoyed working with them.” -Adoptive parent
“It means so much to us that there are good workers like your group. We so much appreciate the time and thought that you and your agency have put into us and our case.” -Adoptive parent
“We have had a very positive experience working with Jerilyn. She has been a wealth of knowledge and we look forward to continuing our process with her. We are grateful for everything that Catholic Charities has helped us with.” -Adoptive parent
“We cannot say enough about how wonderful it was to work with Jerilyn!” -Adoptive parent
“Jerilyn was very helpful and we feel went above and beyond.” -Adoptive parent
“I really appreciated the combination of warmth, caring and professionalism for both of us and our birth mom.” -Adoptive parent
“We really appreciate all you’ve done, your thoroughness, professionalism, and warmth; our family is now complete.” -Adoptive parent
“Thank you for making the home study process so comfortable for us. We appreciate your time, attention and dedication to us.” -Adoptive parent
“We couldn’t have hoped for a better experience thus far. Thank you.” -Adoptive parent
“Jerilyn was a great social worker. She helped us a great deal and she felt like family.” -Adoptive parent
“Our experience with Catholic Charities was incredibly positive."
"Through difficult transitions and paperwork, switching counties and years of dossier updates, Jerilyn was an expert and a great support.” -Adoptive parent
“Our experiences with Catholic Charities thus far into the process have been overwhelmingly positive. We really appreciate Jerilyn’s straightforward, realistic, yet encouraging, approach.” -Adoptive parent
“We were so happy with the services we received and we loved working with Jerilyn Robinson. We will most definitely recommend Catholic Charities to others.” -Adoptive parent
“Jerilyn has been exceptional. She really knows the answers, inspires confidence and spends the time to answer questions.” -Adoptive parent
“We strongly recommend Jerilyn Robinson to everyone we meet. She has been patient, knowledgeable and supportive to us throughout our entire adoption journey.” -Adoptive parent
“We enjoyed working with Jerilyn and appreciated her sharing some of her experiences as an adoptive parent. The whole process went smoothly and we thank all of you for helping us.” -Adoptive parent
“Jerilyn was wonderful to work with. She was always warm and compassionate about her work. We came into the home study timid, but upon exiting the home study we feel educated and confident.” -Adoptive parent
“We have been extremely happy working with Jerilyn. She has been so helpful with our adoption process. The fact that she has adopted two children added a special part to our process. She has been there and understands.” -Adoptive parent
“Your assistance in sharing our information with families created through international adoption means so much to us – we cannot thank you enough.” Community Outreach Coordinator
“As you can imagine, the decision to search for my daughter has at times been somewhat overwhelming, sorting out what is best for her and for me. This decision affects many people, especially my daughter and her family. You are the first professional I’ve talked to regarding this matter and I wanted to let you know that your open and kind response to my questions is very much appreciated, as well as your professionalism.” - Birth mother
“You made a big difference in the lives of 130 people. I had parents with tears in their eyes thanking us for what we provided. I saw children making connections with each other. I saw girls bursting with pride in their beautiful braided hair.” -Co-organizer of African American Culture Camp
“It was good to be in a group of adoptive parents sharing ideas, learning and listening.” -Adoptive parent (support group attendee)
“We liked the support and sharing with other parents in the same situation with teens. The guest speakers were very knowledgeable.” -Adoptive parent (support group attendee)
“Thanks again so much for helping us out the other week with some materials and resources.” -Adoptive parent (Special Needs Adoption)
“Our social worker suggested that I should talk to you about an issue we have coming up at school.” -Adoptive parent (Special Needs Adoption)
“I like the way the group was set up so we can be as open as we want. No one is here to judge us.” -Teen adoptee (support group attendee)
“As parents, we appreciate the opportunity to socialize. The kids love rock climbing, fishing, arts, the quilt, etc.” - Camp Gray attendee
“I had a two hour consult with Amy from Catholic Charities today. It went very well and I’m feeling a lot better with my emotions and have received some excellent information and advice.” -Adult adoptee’s reunion with birth family
“Sincere thanks for taking my call yesterday and fielding my questions. Thank you for your willingness to offer your experienced feedback.” -Adult adoptee’s search for birth family
“You have been such a WONDERFUL help! Thanks so much for all of the information—and most of all, for the encouragement.” -Adoptive parent
“Thank you. I appreciate your help. It’s nice to know that you’re available to help.” -Adoptive parent
“Trish has a lot to offer our clients. Over the years, she has provided non-judgmental pregnancy counseling to women in the community."
"She provides education about adoption, is an amazing advocate for the rights of pregnant women (whether or not they choose adoption or parenting), can answer many questions of our clients who have experienced adoption themselves and offers a support group for birth parents.” -Counselor (treatment program for women)
“Thanks so much for all of the help. I truly couldn’t have done it without you.” -Birth mother
“Trish made me feel very comfortable. I think she is a great counselor! Thanks for being supportive about my decision.” -Birth mother
“You guys have an awesome program! You kept me well informed the whole time. Everything was explained to me. I understood what I was doing. I will and have been recommending you guys to everyone I know. Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful and loving family for my daughter. Without you, I would be lost. Thank you so much!” -Birth mother
“Trish was excellent to work with. She was honest and supportive with us and always supportive of the birth mother as well.” - Adoptive parent
“I can’t believe that my daughter is about to be one year-old! I’m still happy and proud of my decision, and that’s a lot of help from you. I will never forget everything that you did for me…[you] always knew what to say.” - Birth mother
“Thanks for being a support to women like me, who don’t have much else of an outlet or voice for our situations.” - Birth mother (Birth Parent Support Group attendee)
“Trish, I can’t thank you enough for everything that you have done for me. You mean a great deal to me and I will never forget it. You helped me find a good place for my daughter and because of you I know in my heart that everything will be OK.” -Birth mother
“Trish is an amazing counselor. She was so patient with my decisions and is a fantastic listener. I felt so comfortable asking her questions, and she was understanding with my emotional days. I am eternally grateful for her help.” -Birth mother
“Your counseling, time and help were very helpful. Thank you very much.” -Birth father
“I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for my daughter. She is doing so well--it makes me very happy. Her decision to give her daughter up for adoption has made her a stronger, more confident young lady. It is wonderful she gets to keep in touch with the adoptive parent--seeing pictures helps. She is a beautiful baby--my second granddaughter. It will be wonderful to see her grow up. My daughter is very fortunate to have you in her life.” -Birth grandmother
“Trish Grant was very friendly and knowledgeable about everything. She helped make this process easier and more comfortable for us to go through.” -Step father
“Thank you so much for helping us. Your courtesy made our wait a lot easier.” -Step parent
Catholic Charities has a “very friendly and considerate staff.” -Step parent