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Published on:

6th Jul 2021

18. Melisha Mitchell: "White Oak Foundation"

A former advertising copywriter and magazine editor, Melisha Mitchell stumbled into the world of adoption reform in 1996 after reconnecting with the daughter she had lost to adoption during the infamous Baby Scoop era. Over the next two decades, Melisha launched the White Oak Foundation, a non-profit focused on helping adoption triad members circumnavigate Illinois´ closed record laws, and spearheaded the movement to overturn her home state's outdated adoption statutes. Her efforts led to Illinois becoming the 9th U.S. state to release original birth certificates to all adult adoptees upon request and, through her Foundation, the reunification of thousands of Illinois adoptees with their families of origin. 

Melisha Mitchell can be reached via email ILtreesurgeon@aol.com

Music by Corey Quinn

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About the Podcast

Once Upon A Time...In Adopteeland
Adoptees share their perspective about adoption.
Through an audio drama, episodes of thought-provoking conversations and bonus recordings, the listening audience can learn some of the issues that the adoption community face from the perspective of the adoptee.
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About your host

Profile picture for Jennifer Dyan Ghoston

Jennifer Dyan Ghoston

Hi, I'm Jennifer who is an adoptee in reunion with both sides of my birth family. I have been formally connected with the adoption community for over a decade and am always interested in hearing the personal stories of adoptees from all over the globe. We all have a "Once upon a time". If you wish to share your story please go to www.jenniferdyanghoston.com