About Us

I know I am a new face to most of you, so let me just say how honored I am to have the opportunity to continue the fine work Vicki Peterson has spearheaded over the last 17 years. I am delighted that Vicki is staying with Wide Horizons to support our mission. She has a tremendous track record of accomplishment and I am grateful that she will continue to provide us with her knowledge and insight.

One topic that is very close to both Vicki and myself is waiting children. In the latest issue of our newsletter, you will see a number of references to Horizon Kids, WHFC’s waiting children. Unfortunately, many potential parents shy away from these children because of the unknown or a belief that these children are waiting because other potential parents have declined to adopt them.

In reality, these perceptions are often far from the truth. In most cases, we have more complete medical and developmental information available for these children. Also, many children are classified as “waiting” simply because they may be slightly older.

Waiting children also offer several advantages in the adoption process:

• The time to homecoming is typically faster, and in some cases, far faster when adopting a waiting child.
• Special needs, if any, are often well understood and can be planned for in advance of homecoming.
• Prospective parents can identify a specific child.

I am proud to say that 113 waiting children came home through Wide Horizons last year! This is tremendous progress and represents a trend that we believe will continue to gain momentum. If you have any questions about waiting children, please contact your social worker or our Horizon Kids Coordinator, Amanda Halpern.

And while I may be new in my role as CEO at Wide Horizons, this is a subject with which I have deep personal experience. My wife Debbie and I adopted a waiting child in 2003. And, if I may be so bold, our daughter is truly amazing.

Peter Leppanen,
President & CEO

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