KAAN is Family

KAAN is family—a place where adoptees, parents, and allies connect, share, and feel truly understood. For so many of us, KAAN isn’t just a conference or a community; it’s where we finally feel at home. To kick off National Adoption Awareness Month (NAAM) we sat down with KAAN Executive Director Katie Bozek along with a few of our family members around the country to learn more about the lasting impact of KAAN in their lives.

“KAAN was fantastic because when I attended the conference, I realized I wasn’t alone.” This simple statement from Korean American adoptee Noel King resonates with so many of us. Through KAAN, we find the support we’ve been searching for, a place where each story is welcomed and affirmed.

Jonathan Hurley, also a Korean adoptee, described KAAN as “a place where I can just drop my guard and be myself.”  Chinese adoptee Janie Arseneaux echoed that sentiment: “At KAAN, you belong somewhere. The more you help, the more you get out of it and to go far, you kind of go together with people.” This support and sense of belonging, where you know others truly understand and are with you on your journey, is what makes KAAN more than just a network; it’s family.

For adoptive parent Kala Sharp, KAAN is invaluable as an adoptee-led and adoptee-focused organization: “There’s nowhere else that challenges you more, or helps you see things more broadly. KAAN supports adoptees through their entire life.”  KAAN’s Youth Program for preteens and teens, resources for adults, and commitment to accessibility mean everyone can fully participate at every step along their own journey.

Ultimately, KAAN is a space where we lift each other up, connect deeply, and remember we’re not alone. As long-time member and Korean adoptee Glenn Morey explains, “There’s this concept of paying it forward, which is more than paying it back. It’s about contributing to the future.”

Today, we need your help to build KAAN's future and keep our family thriving. Donate now and help share KAAN's story on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube.