Five Siblings Formally Adopted by Ortiz Family of La Habra

June 25, 2014 - PRLog -- ETTIE LEE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES

         Contact:

         Vicki Mastro

         626/960-4861

         vicki_m@ettielee.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Five Siblings Formally Adopted by Ortiz Family of La Habra

Last week Judge Spear of Los Angeles County presided over the adoption of five siblings, ages 3 to 9, into the loving family of Gloria and Enrique Ortiz and their 3 grown children Enrique Jr., Ashleigh and Erika.

Although not unprecedented, the adoption of five biological children is rare.   The children, Addison, Jacob, Michael, Gisselle and Jeremy, however, have been part of the Ortiz family – ever since Gloria and Enrique began fostering them in March of 2011.

“It was a long process,” remarked Gloria, “and worth every minute of it!”  She continued to say that although she didn’t think she would become emotional at the formal proceedings, “I just was overwhelmed with happiness -- the kids were finally ours -- for real.”  That happiness was also clearly seen in the face of the oldest of the 5 siblings, who smiled broadly when Judge Spear read her new name – Gisselle Amy Ortiz!

Claudia Cuevas, Social Worker at Ettie Lee recalls, “I was fortunate enough to be the intake coordinator when the children were placed with our agency. We placed them separately and eventually found that special family that wanted each and every child!  For several years they have lived with the Ortiz family while the case was in “reunification status”.  In February of 2012, I began working with the Ortiz family as their social worker and it’s such a joy to see that the children were not only were able to stay together, but they now live with the family who has made the commitment to care for them and love them as their own.”

Last year Ettie Lee served 373 unduplicated youth and families: 64% were Hispanic, 18% African-American, 11% Caucasian, .1% Asian/Pacific Islander; .1% American Indian; 5% mixed and over 97% were from low-income and/or disadvantaged families.

About Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services

Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services is a nonprofit, non sectarian organization started in 1950.  Ettie Lee Does Whatever It Takes to help vulnerable children, youth and families to build a life worth living.  The vision of Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services if for all children, youth and families to achieve safety, permanency, and well being in their lives.   Ettie Lee Youth & Family Services is accredited by the California Alliance for Children & Families and the Council on Accreditation.   To learn more about Ettie Lee, visit the website at www.ettielee.org.

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