About Us
The Jockey Being Family Foundation, a non-profit 501c(3) organization, helps to support and strengthen adoptive families. The Foundation allocates financial resources and support to assist organizations on the front lines of the adoption process for post-adoption support.
Three Generations: Harry Wolf, Debra S. Waller & Donna Wolf Steigerwaldt
We are a family here at Jockey
Adoption is not an event. It is a lifelong journey.
We hope to be a guiding hand for families along their path, while leading the charge in raising awareness of the need to expand post-adoption services to make a difference in the lives of adoptive families in North America.
With your help we can keep the promise of a “forever family” alive for thousands of children and families.
I hope you will join us on our journey.
Debra S. Waller
Founder of Jockey Being Family
Chairman & CEO of Jockey International, Inc.
Our Story
“One failed adoption is one too many” – Debra S. Waller
Our mission began in 2005 when Debra S. Waller established the Jockey Being Family Foundation in support of Jockey International’s corporate initiative to strengthen adoptive families. Adopted herself as an infant, this philanthropic cause was not only a personal endeavor for Debra, but also reflected the values and dedication of Jockey as a family-owned company focused on providing comfort to every life we touch.
At Jockey Being Family, we know that adoption is not an event – it is a lifelong journey full of ups and downs. Together with leading experts and dedicated partners, we help to ensure families have access to crucial post-adoption support and services so that every child can grow up with a loving family.
For the past 15 years we have worked tirelessly to keep the promise of a “forever family” alive for thousands of children and their families – and we will do the same for generations to come.
Timeline
2023
2023
2022
2022
2022
2021
11,392 Jockey Being Family backpacks distributed across the nation.
2020
Celebrated 15 years of raising awareness, providing support and funding for post-adoption services to help adoptive families remain strong and united, together forever.
2019
Jockey International, Inc. was recognized as one of the top 100 best adoption-friendly workplaces by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.
2019
10,445 national backpacks distributed – a small gesture with a big impact on a child’s life.
2018
Partnered with Adopt Together.
2017-2018
Sponsored Creating a Family (CAF) radio show and podcasts focusing on adoption-related topics.
2017
Created College Ambassador Program to bring awareness of Jockey Being Family on college campuses.
2017
2016
Gained presence on social media and expanded our reach through Facebook’s Share your Story and Traveling Sam campaigns.
2016
Held the first-ever Jockey Being Family Gala and Golf Outing, which is our largest yearly fundraising event.
2015
Created a meaningful new Jockey Being Family logo that represents strength, family and adoption.
2015
Launched the website portal for the Jockey Being Family national backpack program.
2014
In partnership with the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.), launched the Jockey Being Family national backpack program spanning across all 50 states.
2014
Worked with the Dave Thomas Foundation to develop the guide, Educating Childcare Providers about Post Adoption.
2013
Sponsored C.A.S.E.’s Strengthening Families webinar series, which reaches more than 2,000 adoptive families all over the world every year.
2013
Together with the North American Council for Adoptable Children and Adoption Council of Canada, launched the Youth Speak Out program bringing together youth and young adults.
2012
Launched local events for adoptive families, including a Starry Night movie night and pumpkin farm visit.
2011
Together with the Dave Thomas Foundation and American Academy of Pediatrics developed a Pediatrician Post-Adoption Trauma Guide with over 60,000 copies distributed annually.
2011
Created the Journey Home Bus Ride with the Coalition for Children Youth and Families for local community leaders to learn about adoption through the eyes of a foster child.
2011
Helped fund Coalition for Children, Youth & Families’ Our Home Our Family program.
2010
Together with Jockey retail stores and Jockey.com, launched a Jockey Being Family promotion where consumers raised $55,000 for the cause.
2010
Added Adoption Council of Canada as our Canadian partner and sponsored their AdoptWalk event.
2009
Sponsored the Dave Thomas Foundation’s Post-Adoption Guide, which is distributed to more than 100,000 families annually.
2009
Held the first Jockey Being Family kids conference in partnership with the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) and Coalition for Children, Youth & Families.
2008
Created the National Adoption Month promotion. During November, 100% of the bear sales benefit Jockey Being Family.
2007-2008
Completed two home adaptation projects for local Wisconsin families with special needs children.
2007
Created and began selling Jockey Being Family® teddy bears.
2006
Launched North America Council for Adoptable Children Community Champions Network of adoptive families and professionals.
2006
Partnered with the Coalition for Children, Youth & Families to launch the Home to Stay® backpack program.
2005
The Jockey Being Family Foundation was created to support and fund post-adoption resources and bring comfort to families touched by adoption.
Our Impact
Families impacted
Contributed to support post adoption initiatives*
Backpacks provided to children
Parent totes with FREE resources
*Funds contributed from Jockey International, Inc. and Jockey Being Family Foundation