The mission of the new Floyd and Kathleen Cailloux Visitors Center is . . .

to inspire and educate about The Gladney Center and about the institution of adoption.

As the only facility in the country with such a mission, the Visitors Center offers a unique opportunity to explore the process of adoption from different points of view, and gain an appreciation for adoption as a loving way to build families.

The long and colorful history of The Gladney Center unfolds through authentic artifacts and pictures dating as far back as the 1880s, while touch-screen videos help bring key Gladney personalities to life. Among these real-life heroes was Edna Gladney, Executive Director for more than three decades, whose display of personal belongings includes three of the wonderful hats which became her trademark. In addition to agency history, exhibits also tell the story of adoption.

First person accounts describe the range of emotions felt by birth parents as they make an adoption plan for their babies, and by adoptive parents as their dreams of parenthood finally come true.

Children and adults adopted from the agency also share their view of adoption and what it means to be a "Gladney baby."

For very young visitors, the Children's Corner features age-appropriate books and toys to help promote early understanding of the concept of adoption. A favorite Children's Corner activity is making rubbings at a special table inset with Texas and adoption-related icons.

The Visitors Center is open during The Gladney Center's regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. To schedule a group led by a docent, please call 817.922.6000.