Following the family tree: A community conversation

In an era where tracking down relatives, long-lost friendships and even one’s family history is more accessible than ever before, two Cook County residents are in the process of connecting with family members from their past, or in one case with relatives they’ve never met.

This month’s third Thursday community conversation with Joe Friedrichs is about reconnecting with family members and what the process can entail both emotionally and how it can be done in the modern era. Cook County resident Heidi Doo-Kirk shares her story about a sister who was taken from the home as a young child. We also hear from Cook County resident Stan Tull who was adopted and his efforts to trace his biological roots.

During the program Friedrichs also speaks with Adam Pertman, the CEO from the National Center on Adoption and Permanency, as he explains the benefits and potential risks of following one’s family history and reconnecting with long-lost family members.

For those who would like to explore this topic further, click here for a direct link to the National Center on Adoption and Permanency.