NonprofitHR has released its 2024 Social Impact Women to Watch, and Kidsave’s own Lauren Reicher Gordon is included among the twenty-four women recognized for their “profound contributions to nonprofits, associations, foundations, social enterprises, and the communities they passionately serve, showcasing the pivotal role they play in driving positive change.”
Lauren Reicher Gordon has been with Kidsave since 2000 and serves as the Senior Vice President and Director of Family Visit Programs. She oversees Weekend Miracles—which operates in Los Angeles and Houston—and Summer Miracles which brings older orphans from Colombia to the U.S. Under Lauren’s leadership, these programs help older youth (ages 9-17) be seen, find family, and thrive.
This is not the first time Lauren has been recognized for her passion and advocacy for youth in foster care. In September 2018, Lauren was given the Angels of Adoption award by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute for her work finding families for children here in the U.S. and overseas. During her time at Kidsave, Lauren has helped thousands of children find their forever families, all while raising three children of her own and now spending as much time as possible with her granddaughter.
“It’s an honor to be recognized among so many amazing women,” said Lauren. “But you know we don’t go into this work for recognition—we do it because we have a passion for it, and it needs to be done. There are thousands of children in foster care in Los Angeles County and even more around the world who need loving families, and that’s why I do it. The recognition is nice, and I appreciate it, but it’s nothing compared to standing in a courthouse and watching a child who once thought they would never find a family hug their new parents. That is what gets me out of bed every morning.”
A young man named Massimo is just one example of a kid who had all but given up on finding a family, but thanks to Lauren and the Los Angeles Weekend Miracles program, met his parents just in time. Massimo was seventeen when he met Frances and David, and it was just weeks after his eighteenth birthday when the three finalized Massimo’s adoption to become a family. Read more about Massimo’s story here.
Kidsave is incredibly grateful for Lauren and all the work she does to help find caring adults for kids in need. Her impact on this organization and thousands of children and families is truly immeasurable.
Learn more about our Weekend Miracles and Summer Miracles programs by attending a free, online webinar conducted by our program staff.
