Meet the Founders of IFS
Bob and Carol Mardock The Mardock’s adoption and foster parenting saga began when they were kids. Carol came from a proud Irish immigrant family that experienced family challenges along the way. At the age of six months she was sent to live with her aunt and uncle, who became Mom and Dad. As a grade schooler, Carol shared a common back-yard fence with Luanie, one of the first Korean-American adopted children to come to the U.S. in the 1950s. Together these two girls shared their appreciation for the opportunities provided by their non-biological parents. Carol grew up thinking that some day when she was married she would like to adopt, and, she wanted to adopt from Korea just like childhood friend Luanie had been.
In 1990 the world became aware of the tragic plight of thousands of orphaned Romanian children and the Mardocks again prepared the documents needed to adopt, this time a Romanian child. The Los Angeles Times learned of their interests and published a feature article about the family. The Wednesday newspaper was wrapped by the “View” section and there they were, front page for the world to see. The article found its way across the nation and soon calls came in from all over the country and internationally asking for advice and information about adoptions. International Family Services was born.
Read more of the intriguing story of the Mardock family and the history of International Family Services at the IFS website.
In 1990 the world became aware of the tragic plight of thousands of orphaned Romanian children and the Mardocks again prepared the documents needed to adopt, this time a Romanian child. The Los Angeles Times learned of their interests and published a feature article about the family. The Wednesday newspaper was wrapped by the “View” section and there they were, front page for the world to see. The article found its way across the nation and soon calls came in from all over the country and internationally asking for advice and information about adoptions. International Family Services was born.
Read more of the intriguing story of the Mardock family and the history of International Family Services at the IFS website.