Buckner International is a member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). Several Buckner staff attended the CAFO annual summit in Nashville, Tennessee. More than 2,400 attendees from 45 countries gathered at Brentwood Baptist Church to learn how to better serve vulnerable children and families worldwide.

Buckner shared about its Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls® 25th anniversary of providing 5 million new socks and shoes to vulnerable children across the globe in more than 80 countries.

In addition to attending the conference, many staff members presented and hosted workshops based on their expertise. Christie Gibson, senior director of marketing for Buckner International, hosted a workshop on the use of artificial intelligence and led a coaching table session on nonprofit marketing and client care.

Randy Daniels and Lynn Hendricks, members of the Buckner International government relations team, led an instructional workshop titled, "Building Family and Organizational Stability." 

Claudia Leon, executive director of Buckner Peru, collaborated with members from other organizations on a presentation, "Family Strenthening on Three Continents: Real-World Ideas for Keeping Families Together." Leon also led a "Better Together" workshop titled, "Baby Steps in Moving Toward Family Solutions.

Andi Harrison and Nicky Locker, staff from the Buckner Children and Family Services Foster Care and Adoption team, led an informative presentation about kinship, "Supporting Grandparents and Fictive Kin Raising Grandchildren."

Dr. Albert L. Reyes, Buckner International president and CEO and CAFO board member, signed 145 copies of his newest book, "Never Alone: The Power of Family to Inspire Hope" in honor of Buckner’s 145th anniversary this year.
 
Buckner International looks forward to participating in the #CAFO2025 Summit in Houston, Texas.