Each year, Adoption Network Cleveland honors individuals who have influenced the wider community through their advocacy and outreach efforts, improved the lives of individual children and teens waiting for adoption, and enhanced the experiences of adoption triad members by providing information, advocacy, or other support. This award recognized individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Adoption, Child Welfare, or DNA Discovery fields or community(ies) in Ohio as demonstrated by specific accomplishments and milestones.

Adoption Network Cleveland is thrilled to announce our 2024 Advocate of the Year: Estes Turner.

About Estes

Estes has been involved with Adoption Network Cleveland since the early 1990s. After attending and utilizing programs, Estes, a reunited adoptee, quickly got involved in leadership roles including committee and board service, and as a General Discussion Meeting facilitator. Estes has served as a General Discussion Meeting facilitator for over 25 years and is consistently seen as an exemplary role model to other facilitators. When Estes retired from his career as a general contractor he pursued certification as a life coach, a service he has offered in partnership with Adoption Network Cleveland since 2017. Estes has poured his heart and soul into Adoption Network Cleveland, and the adoption community, in countless ways over the last 30+ years.

Estes has been a constant source of support, serving as a volunteer, donor, participant, and mentor. His warm and comforting presence has been a guiding light to many, offering life coaching, sharing his expertise with other facilitators, and creating a space where everyone feels seen and understood. Estes's commitment to helping others has been a gift, and we are honored to have had him participate in and help shape our community for so many years. 

Thank you, Estes, and congratulations on this well-deserved award!