Stories from The Cradle

Since opening in 1923, The Cradle, based in Evanston, IL  has helped place more than 16,000 children into forever families. Their holistic approach to lifelong support is unlike any other adoption and child welfare agency in the nation. Their team of social workers, counselors, and outreach staff offer trustworthy, ethical, and lifelong support to tens of thousands of people touched by adoption, including birth parents, adopted persons, and adoptive parents. As The Cradle enters its second century of service, they are channeling their values and expertise to reach more families, including those not touched by adoption. This work starts this year in Lake County.

Jason Friedman has worked in service to children and families for nearly 20 years. His experience includes leading fundraising efforts for The SEED Foundation in Washington, DC and a large, Chicago-based human service agency, One Hope United. Prior to joining The Cradle as President and CEO, Jason served as the Executive Director of iMentor Chicago. Before moving into the nonprofit sector, Jason was a national award-winning broadcast journalist. He graduated from Emory University with a double major in journalism and political science.

Jason and his family first got to know The Cradle as prospective adoptive parents themselves. In 2019, they met their son Miles through The Cradle. Jason lives in Evanston with his wife Brandis, news anchor of WTTW’s Chicago Tonight; Miles; his big brother Blake; and their dog Roux.

Host: John Barth