Our Story

Pearl River Outreach was founded by Kevin and Christina Ross, who adopted daughters from China in 2003 and 2005, and Kurt and Julie Humbert, who adopted a daughter from China in 2005. Soon after adopting, they noticed significant delays in their daughters' growth and development. Through research and discussions with many doctors, nurses, and other adoptive parents, they learned these delays were very common. They also found these delays often ranged from three to six months or more. It became apparent to them there was an overwhelming need for training among orphanage staff and foster parents in China. Addressing this lack of training at the most basic level of orphan care has become the mission of Pearl River Outreach.

A Letter From a Mother's Heart

Wanting to help was never a question, but finding a way to do so was! I knew from the moment my adopted daughter was placed in my arms that I would forever be connected to China. I instantly wondered what her life had been like prior to that day. My thoughts were consumed with questions such as what the orphanage looked like, who took care of her, did she share a room with other babies, what was she fed, and did anyone console her when she cried?

I was haunted by those thoughts as well as the images of the babies and children who were left behind. I was overcome with emotions as I was filled with love for the daughter I had just met, yet at the same time my heart was heavy with grief because I knew many babies like my daughter still had no one to call their own. Their cries would go unanswered and their tears would not be wiped away.

I believe Pearl River Outreach can impact the lives of hundreds if not thousands of babies. The ability to train and educate the caretakers of these precious babies is both rewarding and fulfilling. By providing education to the caretakers, we are empowering them to make a difference in the life of each baby they care for. It is for these reasons I helped co-found Pearl River Outreach.

-Julie Humbert