Twice Blessed

Adoption always begins in tragedy. And the Altmans’ story is no exception. But the story of Stefanie, Claire and Stan is much more. It is the story of a dying mother who gets to choose how her daughter will be raised. It is the story of a couple past their childbearing years who learn to be the parents a little girl's needs. It is the story of a girl’s resilience through devastation and instability. It is the story of a maddening journey through family court. Most of all, though, Twice Blessed is the story of a family forged through love.---Naomi Riley, Senior fellow, American Enterprise Institute and author of No Way to Treat a Child

In this book, the Altmans recount a moving personal and professional saga that is deeply intertwined with the tumultuous history of New York City in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. As Claire and Stan were involving themselves in the early battles against the twin epidemics of HIV/AIDS and homelessness, three-month-old Stefanie came into their lives in a manner that seems at first accidental, but ultimately foreordained. Determined to fulfill their pledge to Stefanie’s dying mother, and fueled by their growing affection for Stefanie and hers for them, Claire and Stan navigate the reefs and shoals of New York family law toward the goal of adopting her. Twice Blessed tells a valuable story about both the complexity of chosen family, and the simplicity of the love that undergirds it.---David Hansell, Former Commissioner, New York City Administration for Children’s Services

This is the story of an incredible journey, made all the more riveting by the fact that it is told in the clear, open and insightful voices of Claire, Stan and their (adopted) daughter Stefanie. I have performed numerous psychiatric evaluations for Family Court, Juvenile Court and adult Criminal Court proceedings, and I have seen how our failure to protect and support a child can result in a troubled adult. In contrast, this story clearly demonstrates how a child with a difficult beginning can become a well-functioning, compassionate adult when she, or he, receives the nurture, guidance, support and yes, love that she requires. If only we truly invested in systems that would identify such children and appropriately intervene in their lives, instead of simply focusing on punishing those adults we had failed to protect.---Richard G. Dudley, Jr., M.D., Clinical & Forensic Psychiatrist

This is a captivating book that highlights love, faith, and selfless commitment to parenting an orphaned child. It is a story of healing, resilience, and celebration of creating a family in a pluralistic community through formal adoption. This is a must-read book for child welfare and mental health professionals.---Rosa M. Gil, DSW, President Emerita, Comunilife, Inc., Former Executive Deputy Commissioner, Family and Children Services, NYC Human Resources Administration

What makes Twice Blessed unique and important is how Stefanie, Claire and Stan’s individual experiences and perceptions create a fulsome, complete narrative. Each of us should play a significant role in the forming a family. Twice Blessed sheds light on the equally significant roles that trust, patience, endurance and love play. A truly worthwhile read!---Ronald E. Richter, CEO & ED, JCCA | Repair the world child by child

This is a wonderful story about love, loss and commitment. Stan and Claire’s unwavering support of Rosa and their unconditional love for Stefanie are testament to how family can be found in unexpected places, and it can blossom regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and all the things that we mistakenly believe define our lives. Stefanie’s strength and resilience in the face of all her early losses and suffering are a tribute to the power of love.---Lilliam Barrios Paoli, Former New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services