In the world of permanency and adoption, we often speak about how adoption/permanency is a lifelong journey.
When we look at the lifelong journey of the ACO, there are many amazing people who have been part of that journey. One prominent name that always comes to mind is Pat Fenton.
She was integral to the creation of the ACO and the first executive director of the agency. Her passion and commitment to the work has been seen throughout all the work she has been involved in.
We want to provide people with the opportunity to share the impact Pat has made in the adoption/permanency world by posting this and giving people the chance to add a comment. ❤️
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Hello Pat, Pat’s Family and Friends, and the ACO,
I had my first social work placement at the ACO back in 2006-2007-ish, and Pat was my supervisor. I knew nothing about adoption but Pat was a wonderfully patient, kind and warm teacher. Shadowing Pat opened my eyes to working with children and families, and I’m so thankful that she offered me she a rich learning experience. I think of my days at ACO often, and I’m so grateful that I was a lucky student who had a great placement.
Thank you Pat for taking the time to pass on your knowledge and skills, many that I still use today.
Thinking of you.
Austin Hale
So sorry to hear that you are not well, Pat. We worked together for several years on the ACO, and I was honoured to be a part of the team and work alongside you. You led with calmness and a patient understanding, and drove your vision by engagement. By developing a Board that represented all aspects of the adoption triangle, we were able to understand, empathize and learn about the effects of adoption from every vantage point, The “How to Adopt” sessions we established way back in the 80’s, certainly changed the direction and outcome of thousands of lives, as did your tireless advocacy with government on various bills, etc. And Aaron’s constant support of your passion and volunteerism was commendable.
Along with fond memories, I am sharing all good thoughts and wishes for you and your family.
Ellen, mother of Dean and Michelle
Hi Pat. It’s been quite a while. I’m so sorry to hear you are not well. You have been such a fabulous driving force in the adoption community.
Our connection was a legal one. My husband and I adopted two children. When our first child arrived, in 1985, the law was equal for maternity benefits for adoptive parents. However, around the time that we adopted our second child, (1990), the law changed. Pat was extremely helpful in our challenge against the federal government, fighting for equality for adoptive parents for maternity benefits.
Thank you for your endless support and kindness. Wishing you strength!! XOXO
My dear Pat. I am praying for His hand to heal your body. I love you dear
Pat.
Sending lots of love to you, Pat, and the entire amazing family. When we moved back to Toronto 23 years ago, our first order of business was finding an adoption support group and there you were. How lucky for us, Families in Adoption and the ACO were places we could connect with other families who “got it”. The summer picnics at Chalk Lake were a highlight of the summer. . Our kids, now 25 and 21 have many fond memories of building gingerbread houses at the holiday parties, as well. We love you
I have fond memories of working with Pat for many years. We were both Private Adoption Practitioners and often met at the APPA meetings over the years. She was always innovative and eager to share ideas with others. One memorable time in 2001 she drove an excited van load of private practitioners to the Open Adoption Conference in Michigan. We had such fun and learned so much. We brought our new ideas back to Ontario and helped shape the field of open adoptions . We worked together in forming AdoptOntario. Pat was also a wonderful support at the NACAC conference in August 2008 when I received ,the Adoption Activist Award. She will never be forgotten. I am still getting my head around her illness and so appreciate hearing from Katie about this on Facebook. My love goes out to Pat and the family as she makes her final journey.
Thank you for the legacy that you created and have always continued to support.
Hi Pat, I am shocked and sorry to hear this news. You and Betty-Ann were my mentors during my mentorship and because of you people in the north are able to get homestudies done with someone local. I will never forget what you have taught me. You are in my thoughts!!
Pat, I am praying for you and your family at this time.
Your contribution to the field of adoption is immeasurable, and you have helped many families as well as practitioners over the decades.
Pat, my prayers are with you and your family. Your inspiration in this field will live on with those you helped mentor and the tremendous input you’ve had in adoption. You were always available for consultation when I was starting out in this field and I value all the wisdom you imparted on me.
Pat has been my colleague and my dear friend for as long as I can remember. I have such good memories of our times together at work and outside of work. Pat’s commitment to adoption is genuine and deep. In the past several years we spent many happy hours chatting on the phone and over lunch a few times each year. Often, Aaron would come and join us for dessert. I miss those visits. My thanks for those times Pat, and my love and my prayers for your current illness.
Mary Ann Kennedy
Over many years throughout my adoption career, I have known you to be a leader in the field, guiding families as well as professionals –> always patient, low key and insightful–in various roles at ACO, as an adoption officer the PIAU or more recently as an adoption practitioner!
Please know that you have made a difference ( big & small ) to many.
I’m sending my prayers and hugs to you and your family for strength and courage at this time.
To Pat and family
You are a pillar of the adoption community in Ontario for over 40 years and have contributed so much to the lives of everyone in this sphere. Not only have you been an initiator for ACO and it’s first E.D., you have been a mentor to so many new practitioners and a “wise woman” to all of us who have sought your counsel over the years. I recall the leadership you provided for the adoption conferences, and at NACAC – a leader bringing so many people together on panels, in education seminars, forming support groups and being there for colleagues. Thank you sincerely for all you have given adoptive parents, their children and to your colleagues. What a grand legacy. My heartfelt thank you.
Dear Pat
Words cannot express how deeply I feel for you and your family at this time. Thank you so much for all of your many contributions to the field of adoption over the years. You are truly a leader in the community, loved and appreciated by your clients, and fellow professionals. Thank you for the wisdom, support , and respect you have always shown to me , both as a colleague and as a friend. Sending you a big hug and my caring thoughts are with you…
Message #19 is from Dagmar Niffeler. I did not mean to be Anonymous.
Dearest Pat,
I just wanted to let you know that I’m thinking about you and sending warm thoughts and hugs your way. You are such a gift to the field of adoption, and you have touched the lives of countless families over the years in such positive and profound ways. I have enjoyed every conversation we’ve had and hold you in very high regard ~ it is rare to find people with such a deep level of care and commitment, and I feel lucky and grateful to know you.
Warmly,
Karen xo
it is so sad to be writing this message. Pat was ACO. When I moved into the ED role in 2007, it was to continue building the organization of support for adoptive families, CAS and children who were in need of a family through adoption that Pat envisioned. Pat continued to give me guidance and support through all my years at ACO and ever since. Her commitment, wisdom and generosity will continue to be a part of our community as long as we continue to work in the way that Pat has for these many years – with kindness, honesty, caring – always.
Pat is surrounded by her loving family at this time. I hope they can take some comfort from these messages. Be assured that Pat will continue to a guidance in our work in adoption for many years to come.
I first met Pat as a young, new adoption worker at a local CAS. She was heading the ACO and dreaming of AdoptOntario. I was impressed and inspired by her commitment and vision. A community that worked together and collaborated to give the best possible supports to adoptive/permanency families. Pat has been a force of nature. I am deeply grateful for her work, spirit and commitment.
Patricia was, and continues to be, my mentor in the world of private adoption and life. Leading through wisdom, patience, knowledge, seflessness and a deep dedication to ethical, compassionate practice with the child at focal point. I am privileged and deeply grateful, Pat, for your role modelling,superior editing skills, gentle nature and friendship. You, Aaron and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that you find solace and encouragement in knowing that you have inspired and helped so many. You will not be forgotten. Much love and hugs to you and all those you hold dear.
Dearest Pat,
You are in my thoughts and my heart goes out you and your family . I am thinking back to the days when I first met you about thirty five years ago when I became a private adoption practitioner. You have always been a mentor to many and a leader in the adoption field, where you have made such an impact on so many lives. I have enjoyed working together on cases over the years and I have learned so much from you. Thank you !
Sending lots of love
Karen
Dear Pat
So many of us have been shocked and heartbroken to hear of your situation. I have been told that you are managing with the grace that you have always shown, and I am not at all surprised by this.
Pat – to me, you are synonymous with adoption in Ontario, and I think of you as being personally responsible for most of the changes that have given the opportunities for families to be formed, and for children to feel loved and secure without losing their connections to their families of origin. And I can still picture you on TV marching in Ottawa on a campaign to allow for adoption information disclosure! And all of this while remaining calm and measured and optimistic and strong – a strength that no doubt is allowing you to be the one to help your loving family through this time. With admiration and gratitude – Cheryl
It is with deep sadness that I spoke with Pat last week after learning of her illness and shared my respect and admiration for the pioneering work she did in the field of adoption. I began working with Pat at the ACO in the 80’s on the Board when she was ED and in the past few years as I took on the role with wisdom and support from her. My thoughts and care are with her family during this time.
Thank you Pat for all that you have done. You encouraged me to present our story of adopting our son to potential adoptive parents. You were supportive and kind towards our family and I will never forget you. Your work for the ACO was exceptional.
I was so fortunate to be Pat’s mentee over the past 2 years. She was so calm, wise, professional, humble, articulate, passionate, honest, and understanding. There was a depth of character about her that was evident within the first few minutes of meeting her. This loss is heart breaking both professionally and personally. Her legacy in the adoption realm will live through the ages. I am so very thankful for my time with Patricia and all I learned from her. I extend sincere and heartfelt condolences to those who were lucky to have her as a family member and friend. Thank you Pat for all of the opportunities you gave me and for your trust and kindness. You will not be forgotten.
Pat was my placement supervisor at the ACO during my 3rd year University. We spent 9/11 together, since that was my first day of placement. She taught me so much and is the reason I wanted to wkr in adoption. She was full of compaasio and grace and had so much knowledge that she was willing to share with those around her. We crossed paths many years later when she was training SAFE and I was in her class and then both at adoption events. I could not have asked for a better mentor. Thank you Pat for your guidance and wisdome, grace and compassion.
Thank you so much to the many who have written in memory of Patricia Fenton and her adoption initiatives. I am grateful to you for your thoughts. Husband Aaron