*Dagim — Ethiopialived with his father and two siblings in a dilapidated hut in Ethiopia. His
mother recently died from AIDS and his father, Anamo, was left to care for Dagim
on his own. He considered releasing Dagim into Holt’s care. Instead, Holt offered
this helpless father assistance, providing him with chickens and start-up busi-
ness supplies. Giving livestock to impoverished families can make a world of
difference. Chickens create a wonderful resource for nutrients and a substantial
means of income. Through Holt support, Dagim and his siblings were able to stay
with their father, and in 2011, Anamo graduated from Holt’s family preservation
program — stronger, self-sufficient and able to care for his children.
*Watsana — Thailandlives with her loving foster mother, Mrs. Patchara, in Thailand. In October
2011, flood damage reached a critical stage in the two rural provinces where
most of Holt’s foster families in Thailand reside. After transporting many of the
families—including Watsana and her foster mother—from flooded homes to
temporary shelters or to stay with relatives, Holt’s staff provided weekly distribu-
tions of food, water and supplies and worked to ensure all urgent needs were met.
“I always feel supported by Holt during difficulties," says Mrs. Patchara. “During
the flood, the staff called every day and responded immediately to my needs.”
Today, homes are being rebuilt for Holt foster families in Thailand and, with the
help of generous donors, they have started to rebuild their lives.
*Donald — Chinaneeds a family. He’s a smart, outgoing little boy with a ready smile. Donald
has spina bifida and will need extra help finding the right loving family. The
majority of children available for international adoption today have some form of
special need, are older or in a sibling group. This year, Holt placed more children
who have special needs with loving families than any year before. We will con-
tinue to find families for children through domestic or international adoption.
For I assisted the poor in their need, and the orphans who required help.” – Job 29:12
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Opening Doors, Changing LivesGod continues to bless Holt International in abundance. Our work for children
always has been and always will be a reflection of Christ’s love. And I know I
speak for everyone at Holt when I say we are excited to embark on new opportu-
nities in the countries and among the people we serve, and determined now more
than ever to continue this work – the work that Harry and Bertha Holt started
over 55 years ago – for the world’s most vulnerable children.
Love, it seems, can be felt in all facets of Holt’s work. It was love, and a passion
for the message of James 1:27 (…to look after orphans), that led 18,000 individuals
to say ‘Yes!’ to becoming a Holt child sponsor in 2011. Their monthly contribu-
tions have brought warm clothes to children in Mongolia, food and medicines
to North Korean orphanages, school supplies and books to girls in India, and
income-generating livestock to struggling families in Ethiopia.
Like many adoption agencies, we too met with obstacles in 2011. But when
God closes the door on one country or project, He always provides Holt another
opportunity to care for children.
In 2011, 561 children were placed through Holt with forever families in the
United States. More than ever, families welcomed children with special needs
into their homes and their hearts. The face of international adoption has
changed, and prospective adoptive families are whole-heartedly embracing it.
Harry and Bertha would be happy to know that children with special needs are
now first in line to join loving adoptive families overseas.
In April, Holt celebrated its 55th year with a conference in our nation’s capital.
We reconnected with some of Holt’s first adoptees and learned how to better
assist younger generations. Through our successful adoptee camps and heritage
tours, Holt will continue to reach out to adoptees and their families.
In 2011, Holt helped thousands of children through adoption and other efforts.
As you look over our annual report summary, please realize that this would not
have been possible without our devoted foster mothers, caregivers and other
compassionate people like you.
You have taken hold of Holt’s mission and the children, and for this, I am truly
grateful.
Blessings,
Phillip Littleton | President and CEO
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Family Preservation
In countries around the world, Holt works to keep families together by providing the fundamental support parents need
to give their children a safe, stable home. We supplement nutrition, provide medical care and send children to school. We
provide microloans for small businesses and train parents in income-generating trades. Through these efforts and allied
with our partners overseas, we help families work toward a place of self-reliance and lasting stability. Last year, Holt sig-
nificantly expanded the number of families and broadened services in almost all of our family preservation programs.
Throughout the year, many families also successfully exited the program. In Ethiopia last February, 120 families partici-
pated in a graduation ceremony celebrating their extraordinary achievement. By year’s end, every one of the original 360
families had graduated. While in Thailand, China, Haiti, the Philippines and Uganda, Holt helped thousands more children
to stay in the loving care of their birth families.
Family Reunification
Before pursuing domestic or international adoption, our partners overseas first strive to determine whether children
can return to their birth families. Many homeless children have living parents or relatives whose lack of resources, not
lack of love, compelled them to relinquish their child. With a little assistance, however, many birth families can continue
caring for their children. In Guatemala last year, Holt, the Guatemalan government and local NGOs successfully completed
reforms to the country’s system of child welfare, enabling over 1,000 children to reunite with their birth families. These
families continue to receive support through government-sponsored programs in Guatemala.
Foster Care
Rather than institutional care, Holt strives to place children in a more attentive, family-like environment while they wait
to join permanent families. In many countries, Holt has introduced model foster care programs designed to nurture chil-
dren’s growth and development. In the loving embrace of a foster family, children are able to reach critical developmental
milestones, and develop healthy emotional attachments. In countries such as China and South Korea, many children stay
in foster care while Holt works to find them adoptive families. Holt also supports and advocates for foster care in countries
where international adoption is not currently active, such as in Vietnam – home to one of our longest-standing foster care
programs.
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Our Work | Highlights from 2011
Nutrition
Many children enter into care weak and malnourished. With proper nutrition, their health and development dramati-
cally improves – often giving them the strength to rejoin their families or join an adoptive family. Several of Holt’s partner
programs provide regular meals and nutrition training to help struggling families. Last year, Holt partnered with the
government of Vietnam to strengthen day care programs for children in several low-income communities. While children
participate in learning activities, their parents receive education in child nutrition, hygiene, health and development. In
countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia and Ethiopia, Holt also provides livestock for families in our family preservation
programs – providing both constant nutrition and the basis for a small family business.
Medical Care
Critical to the health and wellbeing of families and children, basic medical care is an integral part of our services. All
children in the care of our partners overseas receive vaccinations and other routine medical care. More and more, children
we support and seek homes for also have medical conditions that require surgery or other involved care. Last September,
Holt assumed management of the Ping An Medical Foster Home – or “Peace House” – providing before-and-after care for
orphaned and abandoned children in China who come to Beijing for medical treatment. As their health improves, many of
these children will go on to join adoptive families in China or the U.S.
Education
A significant component of family preservation, educational support includes vocational training for parents, sponsor-
ship for children to attend school, and also parenting classes to help families raise strong, healthy children. Last year,
Holt initiated a pilot vocational training project for woman-headed families belonging to the “Dalit” caste – comprising the
most shunned and most impoverished families in Nepal. Through this program, single mothers will begin earning vital
income to support their families. In India, educational sponsorship helped cover the cost of books, fees, uniforms and sup-
plies needed for 370 children to attend school – most of them girls. While in Haiti, Holt began a school and student-based
sponsorship program – keeping 300 at-risk children in school, and working with educators to monitor their health and
wellbeing.
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Domestic Adoption
Circumstances sometimes make it impossible to reunite children with their birth families. For these children, we first
try to place them with loving families in their birth country. Giving children the opportunity to grow up in their birth
country and culture is central to an ethical system of adoption, and we have long promoted it in the countries where we
work. Because of recurring social stigmas, however, domestic – or in-country – adoption has been slow to develop. But
as cultures grow and change, many more children have in recent years found the loving families they deserve through
domestic adoption.
International Adoption
Not every child is able to rejoin their birth family or join an adoptive family in their birth country. For these children,
we seek homes in the U.S. Since our founding in 1956, Holt has placed more than 40,000 children with families through
international adoption. In recent years, however, the profile of children needing homes – and coming home to families – has
changed. In many of the countries where Holt works, growing economies are giving birth families the resources to care for
their children. As domestic adoption also becomes more socially accepted, orphaned and abandoned children are increas-
ingly finding adoptive families in their birth countries. Most of the children adopted domestically are healthy, infant girls.
As a result, children who once waited longer than others to find families – children with special healthcare needs, older
children, and boys – are now first in line for international adoption
S. Korea, 1956–
Bangladesh, 1972–73
Ecuador, 1987–2005
Bulgaria, 2002-04, 08-11
Brazil, 1984–95
China, 1993–
Costa Rica, 1986–94
Colombia, 1984–88
El Salvador, 1984–86Guatemala, 1986–
Haiti, 2003–
Honduras, 1983–86
Hong Kong, 1986–2001
India, 1979–
Nepal, 2008–
Mexico, 2001–02
Mongolia, 2000–
Nicaragua, 1976–82
Peru, 1984–85
Philippines, 1972–
Romania, 1989–
Russia, 91–94, 98–02
Taiwan, 1979–82
U.S.A., 1956–
Vietnam, 73–75, 89–
N. Korea, 1998–
Cambodia, 91–93, 05–Uganda, 2002–
Thailand, 1976–
Ukraine, 2004–10
Ethiopia, 2007–
Kazakhstan, 2006–08
Bolivia, 1985–88
Chile, 1984–85
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Programs for Children with Special Needs
Children who are older, have special needs or are part of sibling groups often wait longer for families. Holt has for
many years made extra effort to find loving homes for these children, and supported in-country programs that help them
develop to their fullest potential. Last year, Holt initiated a special program to promote adoption of older children in the
Philippines. A team of 6 ambassadors traveled to the Philippines to meet 11 older children. Upon return home, they began
advocating for their adoption. By the end of 2011, 5 of the 11 children had families. Among in-country programs to serve
children with special needs, our first – the Ilsan Center in South Korea – celebrated its 50th anniversary in December. In
1961, Harry and Bertha Holt founded this long-term care facility for children who weren’t likely to be adopted, often chil-
dren with profound medical and developmental conditions. Today, the Ilsan Center continues to provide short and long-
term rehabilitation, vocational skills training and many other services for children and adults with disabilities.
Post Adoption Services
Holt offers a range of services to address the continuing needs of adoptees, adoptive parents and birth parents – from
counseling for families and assistance with birth searches to heritage tours and adoptee camps. Holt Adoptee Camps pro-
vide a particularly unique experience for adoptees, as they are the only camps of their kind designed specifically to foster
healthy adoptee identities. In 2011, Holt Adoptee Camp expanded from four to six locations – adding camps in Wisconsin
and Georgia – and served 559 children. The Post Adoption Services Department at Holt helps adoptees regardless of agency
affiliation and last year, provided services for over 3,900 adoptees and families – many of them not previously associ-
ated with Holt. In an effort to strengthen post-adoption education and support, Holt also initiated a partnership with the
non-profit organization Adoption Mosaic. Together, Holt and Adoption Mosaic presented two free, informational webinars
addressing various post-adoption issues.
S. Korea, 1956–
Bangladesh, 1972–73
Ecuador, 1987–2005
Bulgaria, 2002-04, 08-11
Brazil, 1984–95
China, 1993–
Costa Rica, 1986–94
Colombia, 1984–88
El Salvador, 1984–86Guatemala, 1986–
Haiti, 2003–
Honduras, 1983–86
Hong Kong, 1986–2001
India, 1979–
Nepal, 2008–
Mexico, 2001–02
Mongolia, 2000–
Nicaragua, 1976–82
Peru, 1984–85
Philippines, 1972–
Romania, 1989–
Russia, 91–94, 98–02
Taiwan, 1979–82
U.S.A., 1956–
Vietnam, 73–75, 89–
N. Korea, 1998–
Cambodia, 91–93, 05–Uganda, 2002–
Thailand, 1976–
Ukraine, 2004–10
Ethiopia, 2007–
Kazakhstan, 2006–08
Bolivia, 1985–88
Chile, 1984–85
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ASSETS 2011 2010 Cash & Cash Equivalents $1,830,565 $2,156,303
Receivables 1,295,266 1,013,927
Prepaid Expenses & Supplies 541,633 372,820
Prepaid Support - Holt Children's Services, Korea 1,778,416 1,467,466
Investments 6,059,136 6,377,860
Promise to give, net of discount 529,582 543,941
Land, Building, & Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation 1,449,404 1,500,801
Total Assets $13,484,002 $13,433,118
LIABILITIES Accounts Payable & Accrued Expenses $746,028 $699,510
International Program Support Payable 711,039 682,414
Deferred Adoption Fee Revenue 4,553,974 3,989,804
Deferred Transportation Fees 79,260 76,070
Deferred Revenue - Other 30,250 13,325
Deferred Compensation 102,157 94,395
Annuity Obligation 255,133 194,042
Total Liabilities 6,477,841 5,749,560
NET ASSETS Unrestricted Net Assets:
Undesignated Net Assets 1,439,690 1,792,772
Board Designated Endowment 1,646,302 1,892,973
Temporarily Restricted Net Assets 953,709 1,245,533
Permanently Restricted Net Assets 2,966,460 2,752,280
Total Net Assets 7,006,161 7,683,558
Total Liabilities & Net Assets $13,484,002 $13,433,118
Statement of financial positionDecember 31, 2011 (with Comparative Totals for December 31, 2010)
COUNCIL ONACCREDITATION
FOUNDED1977
Hague AccreditedProgram Services
Fundraising
Management & General
72.5%
9.8%
17.7%
2011 expenses
The partnership between Holt and its
supporters changes children’s lives. We at
Holt recognize that we serve as the hands and
feet of very caring and generous people. We
strive to use our financial resources effectively
and efficiently, and maintain an open and
transparent relationship with our donors. Holt
undergoes an annual audit performed by an
independent accounting firm. The following
charts are based upon the report of Moss
Adams. A complete audit report is available and
gladly provided upon request. The download-
able version is also available on our website at
holtinternational.org
Holt International is a Christian organization
committed to expressing God’s compassion for
children. While always upholding the highest
ethical standards, we:
• Find and support permanent, loving
families for children who are orphaned,
abandoned or at serious risk of separation
from their family
• Provideservicestoensurethatchildrenwill
grow and develop to their fullest potential
• Leadtheglobalcommunityinadvocating
on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable
children
A world where every child has a loving and
secure home.
A Partnership for the Children
Our Mission
Our Vision
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2011 2010
REVENUES & OTHER SUPPORT Unrestricted Temporarily
Restricted Permanently
Restricted Total Total
Public Support:
Sponsorship Contributions $ 439,492 $9,300,102 - $9,739,594 $7,461,605
Other Contributions 1,208,810 2,121,308 105,587 3,435,705 3,473,651
Promise to give - 60,056 108,593 168,649 629,941
Grants Received:
USAID Grant, Ukraine - - - - 230,524
Other - 89,863 - 89,863 372,729
Revenues:
Adoption Fees 9,767,829 - - 9,767,829 10,579,353
Transportation Fees 123,020 - - 123,020 225,570
Investment, Principally Interest, Net of Investment Fees 71,953 30,188 - 102,141 120,486
Tour Charges 315,957 - - 315,957 297,491
Adoptee Services 172,355 - - 172,355 167,225
Publication Sales, Net of Expenses of $37,687 in 2011 and $26,492 in 2010 3,561 - - 3,561 3,556
Other Revenue 62,815 - - 62,815 11,304
Gains:
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Assets 100 - - 100 (185,840)
Net Unrealized/Realized Gains/ (Loss) on Investments (268,389) (119,012) - (387,401) 698,121
Net Assets Released from Restrictions 11,774,329 (11,774,329) - - -
Total Revenues & Other Support 23,671,832 (291,824) 214,180 23,594,188 24,085,746
EXPENSES Program Services:
U.S. Program 6,837,255 - - 6,837,255 6,664,654
International Program 2,164,691 - - 2,164,691 2,012,303
International Program Support:
Holt Children's Services - Korea 2,922,770 - - 2,922,770 2,422,448
Other 5,664,996 - - 5,664,996 6,751,801
Total Program Services 17,589,712 - - 17,589,712 17,851,206
Supporting Services:
Management & General 2,369,636 - - 2,369,636 2,241,976
Fundraising 4,312,237 - - 4,312,237 3,847,777
Total Supporting Services 6,681,873 - - 6,681,873 6,089,753
Total Expenses 24,271,585 - - 24,271,585 23,940,959
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS (599,753) (291,824) 214,180 ( 677,397 ) 144,787
Net Assets, Beginning of Year 3,685,745 1,245,533 2,752,280 7,683,558 7,538,771
Net Assets, End of Year $3,085,992 $ 963,709 $2,966,460 $7,006,161 $7,683,558
Statement of activitiesFor the year ended December 31, 2011 (with Comparative Totals for the year ended December 31, 2010)
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For the ChildrenHarry and Bertha Holt's Legacy of Love
In the mid-1950s, Harry and Bertha Holt saw a film about Amerasian children in Korean orphanages who were desper-
ately in need of help. Harry and Bertha sent money and clothes, but that didn’t feel like enough. Then they came to an
inspired realization – those children needed families.
Harry and Bertha decided to adopt eight Korean children, but soon learned it would be impossible…unless they could
get both Houses of Congress to pass a special law. “Then that’s what we’ll do,” Bertha said, and she moved ahead on faith.
The Holts’ adoption was revolutionary. Their example showed that a family’s love can transcend the barriers of race
and nationality. At a time when adoption was regarded as something to be kept secret, they adopted children who were
obviously not their birth children. Through their deep Christian faith and fierce determination, they showed the world that
adoption is a banner of love, not a badge of shame.
Word spread and inspired people across the nation. Many inquired as to how they, too, could adopt. Only five months
after he brought their eight children home, Harry headed back to Korea to help other children have families. Holt was offi-
cially incorporated in 1956, financed almost entirely by Harry and Bertha’s personal funds.
When Harry passed away in 1964, many thought the Holt agency would simply fold up. But Bertha said, "This work was
always God’s work. If He wants it to continue, it will." Her strength and faith persevered, and Holt continued to grow and
meet the needs of an increasing number of homeless children.
Bertha worked tirelessly on behalf of children in need until her death at age 96. She was affectionately known as
"Grandma Holt" to adoptive families and to the thousands of children around the world whose lives she changed.
Today, Holt International is proud to continue finding families for children. Holt is the largest international adoption
agency, having united more than 40,000 children with adoptive families in the United States. We offer our families unri-
valed stability, an extensive knowledge bank, a highly successful track record, and proven skills in international relations.
Most of all, Holt always has and always will be driven by what is best for the children. By upholding Harry and Bertha’s
ethics, up-front and honest practices, and ongoing support to adoptive families and children, we look forward to finding
many more homes for children who need them.
In Bertha’s words, “All children are beautiful when they’re loved.”
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