This is Baxter! He is 5 years old. Baxter needs a family that can provide loving, focused attention and access to therapeutic resources. Could you or someone you know be the right family for Baxter? Baxter is described as a friendly child who enjoys interacting with other children and is said to have a close bond with his caregiver. Baxter has been diagnosed with multiple special needs, including epilepsy and cerebral palsy. He is described by medical professionals as having mild developmental delays, but he is making great progress. Baxter can also now speak in sentences, stand and walk indep ..read more

Holt recently conducted a survey of more than 7,000 households in rural Uganda. Its findings will help us better address the needs of families — particularly those with disabilities. Uganda is a nation in East Africa where nearly 20% of the population lives in chronic poverty. Holt has been working in Uganda since 2001 to help vulnerable families and children, particularly those affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2023 alone, Holt Uganda provided nutrition and health screenings, vitamin supplements and treatments to more than 165,000 children, thanks to local partnerships and Holt donor support. Holt als ..read more

Meet Nadia! Holt staff have met Nadia in person, and when they did she was lively and friendly. Nadia needs a family who is interactive, patient and loving! Could you or someone you know be the right family for Nadia? When Holt staff met Nadia, she sat patiently and colored with crayons while they talked to her. Nadia was also happy to sing some songs and play! Nadia’s caregivers describe her as friendly, outgoing and happy. She loves participating in various activities at her care center. She particularly loves playing with toys and other children. Nadia shows affection to others. When she is ..read more

It is with a heavy heart that we announce after more than 20 years of service to children and families in Haiti, Holt International is suspending our family strengthening and orphan care programs there indefinitely, effective April 1. Since February 28, the security situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly. Criminal gangs now control 80% of Port-au-Prince and have blocked access to the ports and all major roads in, out, and around the city.  Rising tensions led to the resignation of Haiti’s prime minister and it is unknown when there will be an interim government to bring stabili ..read more

Meet five-year-old Tala! Tala needs a family who is warm, enthusiastic and who can be flexible with her needs as she grows up. Could you or someone you know be the right family for Tala? Tala’s caregivers say that she has fun giggling with everyone and is eager to talk and interact with others. Her favorite toys are puzzles and stuffed animals. They also say that when music starts playing, Tala starts dancing! She likes to receive praise and affirmation from her caregivers. In her videos, you can see positive interactions between her and her caregiver, as the caregiver provides her with guidan ..read more

Holt’s president and CEO, Dan Smith, just returned from visiting Holt’s adoption and family strengthening programs in Colombia — where children and families are being empowered to thrive. I lifted 6-year-old Carlos up off the paved basketball court, just high enough so he could reach the rim. As I looked up at him, the smile on his face said it all — his first slam dunk! This was one of my favorite moments from my recent, and first, trip to Holt’s programs in Colombia. I traveled with members of Holt’s international programs and Colombia team, and I was so encouraged by all the work Holt spons ..read more

When Semere fractured his leg in a serious accident, Holt sponsors and donors stepped up to pay for his medical care and ensure that he was able to return to school. Semere is a 9-year-old boy who lives with his two siblings and parents in southern Ethiopia. Though Semere’s mother sells fruit at a local market, his father, Abal, struggles to find work, and the family lives in extreme poverty. Because they are unable to afford even the most basic necessities, the family lives with Abal’s brother and are financially dependent on him. Semere with his mom and little sister Four years ago, Semere e ..read more

Lyam needs a family! This sweet six-year-old is excited to have parents of his own. Lyam’s caregivers describe him as a happy child who is almost always in a cheerful mood. Our staff recently received videos of him happily playing alongside other children, being very talkative and practicing his language skills. We would love to share them with prospective adoptive parents! Recent reports state that Lyam shows interest in peers’ activities and initiates greetings to familiar teachers and peers. He also enjoys observing in group activities and games. Although Lyam requires more guidance when ex ..read more

After meeting and assessing children in the Philippines, Holt’s director of clinical services, Celeste Snodgrass, shares three unique aspects of Holt’s Philippines Special Needs Project — and the children she is advocating for to find permanent, loving families. Several weeks ago, my team and I returned from the Philippines where we met and assessed 40 children for our Special Needs Project. We sat down with each of these children one-on-one, learning about their needs, personalities and desire for an adoptive family. And now, we have six months to advocate for them to find a families. These c ..read more

Pigs, and other Gifts of Hope, helped one family in Vietnam recover from tragedy, and begin their journey to overcoming poverty. High in the mountains of north Vietnam, Houa and her children were in crisis. Houa’s husband had just passed away from a brain tumor, leaving her the sole provider for her 4- and 5-year-old daughters, and 2-month-old son… Through her fresh grief and caring for her newborn baby, Houa didn’t know how she would provide for her children.  Today, with support from Holt, Houa and her children are doing well. Even before her husband passed away, life was difficult. The ..read more