Testimonials

"Pinebrook, thank you! I say thank you for your intrepid spirit, for doing the trench work without being heralded. You are angels of the living!"
-Victoria Rowell, Emmy-nominated actress, bestselling author and former foster child


In a message to Congress nominating Pinebrook for the prestigious 2007 Angels in Adoption award (later conferred on Pinebrook by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute), Representative Charles Dent stated the following:

"For the 2007 Angels in Adoption Award conferred through the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I proudly submit for this year the nomination of a local organization. On behalf of Pennsylvania's 15th District, it is my honor to name Pinebrook Services for Children and Youth, a non-profit agency which, for 28 years, has been dedicated to adoption and foster services for children throughout our area. These services cover a broad range of challenges from diagnosis and treatment to placement and education for children and families who are immeasurably strengthened by Pinebrook's existence in their lives.

"Currently led by Executive Director Robert M. Jacobs and an excellent staff, Pinebrook has been built on the vision of two extraordinary women - Florence Applebaum, principal founder and first Executive Director, and Nancy Center, successive Executive Director for 12 of her 23 years of service to Pinebrook. Sadly, Nancy Center was lost to us last year, so it is in particular tribute to her memory - and to Florence's continuing impact on Pinebrook - that we recognize their defining and driving force behind Pinebrook's mission.

"[The Agency believes] that every child deserves a family who can provide security, nurturance and a commitment to parenting, whether the adoption is domestic, international, or a case with 'special needs.' Many of those children were victims of abuse from their birth parents; some have been languishing in foster homes.

"Pinebrook's continuum of adoption services begins with a carefully prepared Child and Family Profile, which matches a child with the adoptive parents' histroy, home life and strengths. Training, casework and supervision occur throughout the process to enusre stability and bonding. Post-adoption services include in-home respite care for special-needs children. By giving adoptive parents a much needed break, in-home respite care helps stablize the bonding process.

"With this overview, I respectfully submit Pinebrook Services for Children and Youth for consideration as 2007 Angels in Adoption."


"Pinebrook plays a badly needed role in our community, and I was happy to co-chair the [2006] luncheon with County Executive Stoffa. The great turnout is a testament to the dedication and focus of Pinebrok in such a difficult area of human services."
-Don Cunningham, Lehigh County Executive


"[Pinebrook's Family-based Mental Health Services] program has helped to build healthier relationships - our relationship with our son is starting to bloom."
-The family of "Brian," a successful client of Pinebrook's family preservation program


"I have someone to talk to when I have problems and don't want to talk to my family or friends."
"This is really a place for children to get the help they need. All the staff members are courteous and helpful - the kids need that."
"We've only been coming for two months. However, we already see changes in our child. I'm sure things will be 100% as time goes on. Thank you!"
-Clients of Pinebrook's Behavioral Health Center, Easton


"I feel that [Pinebrook] does an excellent job. They are there whenever needed. I look forward to working with them for a long time. I feel they really care for the children they help."
-Edward McCartney


"I think foster care not only allows children a safe haven but teaches the fostering family about love, sharing, caring and helping."
-Kathleen McGovern