Oakland adoption agency Adopt A Special Kid (AASK) was among the first in the USA to encourage LGBT, single, lower-income and older adults to adopt children. Founded in 1973, it was also the first to focus on special needs kids, including sets of siblings, older children, and queer youth neglected in foster care.  Dennis Hanley and his partner adopted three brothers through AASK.  Hear Dennis’ story and that of AASK executive director Doni DeBolt on this week’s Out in the Bay.  Doni’s parents, AASK founders Dorothy & Bob DeBolt, raised 19 children, most of them adopted. (Eric Jansen hosts live interview 7pm Thursday, Oct. 24, on kalw.org + 91.7 FM; hear it after broadcast at link below.)

AASK’s 40th Anniversary Gala is Friday, November 1, in Oakland’s Jack London Square.  Click here for details and tickets.