Focus on the Family president visits Coeur d’Alene ahead of pro-adoption event

Jim Daly, president of the Christian conservative organization Focus on the Family, visited Coeur d’Alene on Thursday to promote the organization’s Wait No More adoption conference, to be held in Spokane in September.

Daly, who was a foster child himself, urged local pastors and church leaders to come and to invite their congregations to attend the event.

He said finding “forever homes” for teens and children, including those who might have a difficult background, is the goal.

“There’s no box on the sheet that says, ‘Give me the normal one,’ ” he said, adding that adopting a child is the best thing you can do for them. “For a foster kid that’s got nobody, you hear someone say they won’t abandon you, and that’s worth more than anything.”

Daly said the program is not political, although the group opposes LGBT adoption.

Organizers aim to bring 60 families into foster care, adoption or support services, said program director Sharen Ford.

“They need you,” she said. “They need to have a community.”

The adoption program is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Valley Assembly of God church in Spokane Valley.