Very much thanks to Edna Gladney; no child is illegitimate in Texas. Edna Gladney devoted her life to work for the rights of children and those living under poverty line. Edna Gladney’s services and her dedication towards the cause speak of an era of more than a century.
Edna was born in 1886. Edna Gladney had to live with her aunt when her father died in 1903.She married Sam Gladney in 1906 and moved to Wolfe City with her husband.
Edna observed the tragic condition of children in Forte Worth and took the crusade of helping these children. She arranged for these underprivileged children to be transferred to Morris Children Hospital and Aid Society.
Edna Gladney was so moved by the cruel treatment of these children that she started a day care facility free of fees in Sherman.
In 1924 Edna Gladney moved to Fort Worth from where she belonged and started such a campaign for the rights of children that lead Texas government to writ off the word ILLIGITIMATE from the birth certificates. Her campaign made adopted children to have the same rights as did other children.
The adoption of West Texas Maternity Hospital by the Aid Society gave birth to Edna Gladney Home as the hospital was named. Edna Gladney Home is now called Gladney Center for Adoption.
Honorary doctor of Laws Edna Gladney fell ill in 1960 and she died in harness in 1961. Gladney Center for Adoption has become a prominent voice for underprivileged children and families involved in adoption. With slogan as Heritage is our stability, the tradition of trust continues even after the death of Edna Gladney.
Adoption is a life long process and Edna Gladney Center for Adoption provides every kind of help to go through this long journey.
We may need another Edna Gladeny and a crusade to make people understand it is better not to give birth to illegitimate lives and try to protect what God has bestowed upon us with full social responsibility.
Edna Gladney
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