Giving Back – Kindred Hearts Post-Adoption Services
ENJOY Q&A, with Haley Bagnaschi Co-Founder and Executive Director
What inspired the founding of Kindred Hearts?
The inspiration for Kindred Hearts is deeply rooted in my professional and personal journey. As a social worker at a Foster Family Agency, I witnessed the profound impact of trauma on children. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialized in early childhood trauma and working with foster and adopted youth. My personal life was profoundly enriched when I adopted a little girl who quickly became my world. Trauma doesn’t magically heal when the adoption paperwork is signed, yet many services stop at that milestone. One adoptive mom, Traci Baker, and I saw an opportunity to reignite post-adoption support. Kindred Hearts stands as a beacon of hope for adoptive families, ensuring they are not left to navigate the challenges of trauma and loss alone. This work is more than a mission for me; it’s a calling born of love, both for my daughter and for every family that deserves the chance to heal and succeed.
What are some of the core programs Kindred Hearts offers?
Kindred Hearts offers three core programs designed to support families and individuals in our community: A counseling program, post-adoption community program, and wraparound program, which is aimed at children at risk of being placed in residential treatment due to behavioral or mental health challenges. We also host an annual event that brings a keynote speaker to our community, and this year, we are thrilled to host Gaelin Elmore, a former NFL player turned motivational speaker, who will share his powerful message on the importance of belonging.
How does Kindred Hearts collaborate with other local organizations?
Kindred Hearts collaborates with local organizations in a variety of meaningful ways, fostering partnerships that benefit our families, youth, and the broader community. Collaboration is also at the heart of our monthly youth respite events, where we partner with community organizations to bring engaging, therapeutic experiences to our youth.
How can people support your mission?
Financially, people can donate money, sponsor events, or participate in fundraising events. They can donate program supplies, or share your professional skills to enrich our programs. They can also simply spread the word or partner with us to bring new opportunities to life in the community.
How has Kindred Hearts shaped you as a leader?
The experience of building and leading Kindred Hearts has taught me the value of persistence, collaboration, and creativity in solving complex challenges. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about surrounding yourself with people who share your vision and working together to bring it to life. It’s about listening to the voices of those we serve, embracing vulnerability, and making decisions that prioritize the well-being of families and children, even when the path forward is uncertain. Every story I hear from a family reinforces the importance of what we do and drives me to grow as a leader. It has reminded me of the incredible resilience of children and families and inspired me to continually advocate for resources, innovation, and systemic change to meet their needs.
What is your vision for the future of Kindred Hearts,and how can the community help you achieve it?
My vision is to expand our reach and deepen our impact, ensuring that every adoptive, kinship, and guardianship family in our community has access to the support, resources, and care they need to thrive. I envision Kindred Hearts as a model for trauma-informed, adoption-competent services—a place where families can find healing, hope, and a strong sense of community.
If you could make one wish for the future of Kindred Hearts, what would it be?
My wish is for Kindred Hearts to be a cornerstone in building a compassionate, trauma-informed community where families feel empowered, children feel a deep sense of belonging, and no one has to navigate the challenges of adoption or trauma alone.
www.kindredheartsprogram.com • (530) 539-1612
