Adoption Week e-Magazine Formerly Adopting.org Newsletter and Adoption.com Newsletter February 11, 2002 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. ************************ IN THIS ISSUE ************************ 1.  ANNOUNCEMENTS:        - Adoption.com and Adopting.org are joining forces.        - The Adoption.com and the Adopting.org Newsletters have merged. 2.  NEW ARTICLES 3.  ADOPTION NEWS 4.  ADOPTION BOOK CLUB - adoptionbook review 5.  ADOPTION BUZZ - recent message board discussions 6.  MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS 7.  NEW ADOPTIVE FAMILIES - successful adoptions 8.  FEATURED WAITING CHILD 9.  ADOPTION GEM - inspirational thought 10. ADOPTION POLL 11. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT 12. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT - clean weekly humor 13. REUNITED WITH BIRTHFAMLY 14. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL 15. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK - review of a favorite adoption product 16. BARGAIN BUREAU - incredible deal of the week 17. ADOPTION ONLINE GROUP REVIEW 18. ADOPTION POETRY 19. ADOPTION CALENDAR - adoption events, seminars, chats & holidays *************************************************************** 1.  ANNOUNCEMENTS ADOPTION.COM AND ADOPTING.ORG HAVE JOINED FORCES In order to better serve the needs of all members of the adoption community, two of your favorite adoption websites, Adoption.com and Adopting.org, have joined together to create the Internet's most comprehensive network of 82 adoption-related websites. Sandra Lennington, the founder of Adopting.org, will continue to assist Adoption.com in the development of this combined family of websites. Adopting.org and its related websites will continue to grow as a unique family of adoption websites and will carry on Sandra's vision, as it continues to be a website "by the people for the people", with experts and volunteers available in each major section to answer questions, moderate the community, and provide support. We want you to know that we will continue to provide quality information, resources and support to you and that this change will only increase the services we are able to offer. Sabra Cossentine, who has been working with adopting.org since 1997, will be our Community Director for the adopting.org and adoption.com web sites. Visit www.AdoptionWeek.com for a picture of the Adoption.com team during Sandra's recent visit. THE ADOPTING.ORG AND ADOPTION.COM NEWSLETTERS HAVE MERGED The Adoption.com Newsletter and the Adopting.org Newsletter have been combined under the new name "Adoption Week e-Magazine." The format of the two newsletters has been expanded to create an e-mail magazine that will be distributed approximately once per week. Each e-magazine will contain similar features to those in this issue, and will periodically contain additional features, such as job openings, interviews with adoption authors, interviews with others in the adoption industry, and legislative reviews. We are hopeful that a large portion of this current and relevant content will be generated by members of the adoption community. So, we encourage you to visit www.AdoptionWeek.com to contribute well-written adoption-related articles, poems, quotes, book reviews, news-worthy items, event announcements, product reviews, photos, successful adoption and reunion stories, clean humor, job openings, letters to the editor, reviews of adoption websites, product recalls, information on adoption legislation, great deals on adoption and family-related products, and any other adoption-related content. With each piece of content that we use, we can give you source credit and a link from that content to your website or e-mail. *************************************************************** 2.  NEW ARTICLES WHEN LOVE TAKES OVER - a new article from Adoptive Families Magazine The irrevocable moment in which you become a parent is not the moment you conceive a child; it's the moment you conceive of her. Maybe in your mind, she looks partly like you and partly like your husband. Or maybe partly like you and partly like some handsome, genius sperm-bank stranger. Maybe she is coffee-brown and Peruvian; you are albumen-white and Swedish. Maybe she is a he. But whatever your idea of your child, once you have it, once you have thought of her as yours (which may happen years before she's born, or four months into your pregnancy, or six weeks after you meet her), nothing can stop you from wanting her. Read this article at www.adoptionweek.com/afm. ADOPTING AS A SINGLE MOTHER CAN HAPPEN - a new article from Adoption Today Two summers ago Mimi called and said she had a 3-year-old boy for me. His name was Adam. She sent me a picture and told me about his background and his health. The picture of him was taken at Christmas when he was 2. The little amazed face was looking up at an adult, holding his arms out to receive a present. Could this fragile, adorable little niblet really become my son? Immediately, I said I wanted to adopt him. For anyone single who is interested in adopting, I would urge him or her to do it. Pursue that thread, with all its twists and turns; the child at the other end of it was meant, from all eternity, to be yours. Read this article at www.adoptionweek.com/atm. If you enjoyed these articles, you'll love Adoptive Families Magazine and Adoption Today. To subscribe, visit www.AdoptionMagazines.com. OLDER CHILDREN ADOPTION - a new article by Susan Ward "Giggling. Joking. Silliness. Laughing. Having fun makes us better parents, helps the relationship with our children, and pushes us through the rough times." http://www.adopting.org/OlderChild/laughing.html WHY YOU SHOULD UNDERSTAND ADOPTION - a new article by Kathryn Creedy of Celebrate Adoption Adoption is only one in a mix of non-traditional families. Others include divorced, step, foster, multi-racial, single, gay and families headed by grandparents. All of which can complicate children's lives in the classroom and on the playground. Negative perceptions and depictions of such families can adversely affect children. This is why teaching tolerance and understanding is critically important. Even though adoption is too often misunderstood, it is also gaining a wider acceptance, making it a valuable prism through which to view not only non-traditional families, but all families. Indeed, by understanding adoption, we lay the groundwork for the understanding of all families. http://www.adopting.org/WhyYouShouldUnderstandAdoption.html TIPS FOR PARENTING THE TOUGH ONES http://www.adopting.org/OlderChild/tips.html WHO AND WHAT TO TELL http://www.adopting.org/OlderChild/whoandwhat.html GOTCHA DAY (Adoption Days Celebrations) Nowadays, many families celebrate the day their child was adopted. Families vary in what they call it: Gotcha Day, Adoption Day, Family Day, Adoption Anniversary Day." http://www.adopting.org/OlderChild/gotchaday.html AT THE MOVIES Movies About Adoption: Snow Dogs Just Released Sandra Once Again Disagrees With the Experts! http://www.adopting.org/SnowDog.html *************************************************************** 3.  ADOPTION NEWS More Than 4 Thousand Russian Children Adopted by U.S. Families http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.allnews.ru/english/2002/02/01/kids/ Babies stolen for sale on Chinese black market http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/0,,3-2002052635,00.html States allowed to call fetus an 'unborn child' http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/washdc/2002/01/31/bush-fetus.htm Custody battles erupt over kids of terror victims http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.detnews.com/2002/nation/0202/06/a09-408901.htm Couple's adoption hopes hit obstacle http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.bergen.com/news/adoptdc200202058.htm Designer Babies http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/genes/future_human/reproduction/intro.shtml Vietnam Scolded for Adoption Policy http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/today/localnews/stories/lo012902s3.shtml Brokering Heartbreak http://www.msnbc.com/news/520546.asp#BODY Schumer scolds INS on Vietnam adoptees policy http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/today/localnews/stories/lo012902s3.shtml Hoping Love Can Bridge the Great Divide http://www.latimes.com/features/lifestyle/la-000007209jan29.story Foster mother leaves legacy of love http://www.thejournalnews.com/newsroom/011302/13reisman.html Custody Fight over Young Victim of WTC http://www.newsday.com/news/printedition/ny-nycust282567702jan28.story If any of the links to the news articles do not work, see http://www.adoption.com/news/ for a list of headlines. *************************************************************** 4.  ADOPTION BOOK CLUB THE FIRST TIME I SAW MY FATHER'S EYES Cheryle Timbrook Jenning's, My Father's Eyes, is the book in focus for this week. As an adopted child herself, Cheryle has come a long way from where she started. Her audience in this book are the children who were adopted or "given away" and don't know why. In her journey, she has realized that no matter how far one goes or what she achieves, as an adopted child, there is no rest until the birthparents are found. There is always a longing, though sometimes secret, a need to validate feelings, and to know their roots: who and where they came from. It is a plea for adoptive parents to let go for a while and give their adopted children the chance to finally find their roots. For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=6&pf%5Fid=1086 *************************************************************** 5.  ADOPTION BUZZ A LETTER OF GRATITUDE Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. IMPORTANT FOR ALL TO READ WHO ARE DOING SEARCHES Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. SUCCESS STORY Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. WHEN TO TELL CHILDREN Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. If any of the links above do not work, visit www.Adoption.com for direct links to these discussions. For more online adoption discussions visit www.AdoptionBoards.com, www.AdoptionCafe.com and http://www.adopting.org/boards.html. *************************************************************** 6.  FEATURED HOPEFUL ADOPTIVE PARENTS Outdated material has been removed. Please visit ParentProfiles.com. *************************************************************** 7.  NEW ADOPTIVE FAMILIES Congratulations to all of the new adoptive families this week! **Marlene and Clayton on the adoption of their baby boy! **Antony and Rene on the birth and adoption of their baby boy! **Rob and Mindy who happily announce the adoption of Emily Kate!!! **Steve and Diana on the placement of a daughter! **Congratulations Sissons! "We have a Baby Girl!!! 8.4 pds , 19 1/2 inches. Rachel was born on 1-30-02." "We have adopted a beautiful baby boy! Our Birth mom and her family found us on Adoption.com. We feel so incredibly lucky to find such a wonderful tool to help our dreams come true. We all feel so comfortable with how things came together. We will all be forever thankful." If you are hoping to adopt, visit www.ParentProfiles.com today to start building your online profile. *************************************************************** 8.  FEATURED WAITING CHILD David is a talkative, happy boy who likes to tell stories. He enjoys sports, movies, and school. At school, however, he tends to be a class clown who seeks attention by trying to make people laugh. This gets him in trouble, even though he is a bright child. He is in good health, although he is taking medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and difficulty sleeping. David is having problems with separation and loss issues. He needs to work through these issues before he will be able to bond to a new family. A strong two-parent family is best for David. He does well in a family setting and will adjust to adoption. photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,000 children awaiting loving, permanent homes. *************************************************************** 9.  ADOPTION GEM The essence of our effort to see that every child has a chance must be to assure each an equal opportunity, not to become equal, but to become different-- to realize whatever unique potential of body, mind and spirit he or she possesses. -John Fischer *************************************************************** 10.  ADOPTION POLL RESULTS OF OUR LAST POLL Question: Regarding the new baby "safe haven" laws: 49% - Adoptees have the greatest rights to know the identity of their parents and their medical records. 45.5% - The babies have the greatest rights to be placed in the safest place possible, even if the birthmother must remain anonymous. 5.3% - Birthparents have the greatest rights, and should be able to place a child in safe custody anonymously without fear of reprisal. VOTE IN OUR CURRENT POLL The abortion debate re-ignited last Thursday as the Bush administration proposed allowing states to classify a fetus as an "unborn child" to make it easier for low-income women to receive prenatal care under a government health program. Abortion rights groups said the proposal was part of an administration attempt to undermine the legal status of the procedure. Administration officials said it was an attempt to raise the level of health care for poor pregnant women. Read the article: http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.usatoday.com/news/washdc/2002/01/31/bush-fetus.htm Question: Do you think the government should classify a fetus as an "unborn child?" No, the government should not have a say in this decision, which should be made by the individual. No, this particular approach of defining a fetus as a person is unnecessary. No, this proposal is part of an administration attempt to undermine the legal status of abortion. Yes, a child is alive before it is born. Yes, this makes it easier for low-income women to receive prenatal care under government health programs. Yes, we should do everything we can to make prenatal care available for all pregnant women. Visit www.Adoption.com to vote and share your opinion. *************************************************************** 11.  ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: photolisting.adoption.com. This adoption website focuses on children presently awaiting adoption. Pictures of individual children are available in most cases, with a little history or background on each child. Siblings who would like to be adopted together are also shown on this site. Each child's age and location is available, and you can even narrow your search in order to find the child you would be most willing to open up your heart and home to. For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit adoptions.adoption.com. *************************************************************** 12.  JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT FOREIGN ADOPTION A couple was delighted when finally, their long wait to adopt a baby came to an end. The adoption center called and told them they had a wonderful Japanese baby boy, and the couple took him without hesitation. On the way home from the adoption center, they stopped by the local college so they each could enroll in night courses. After they filled out the form, the registration clerk inquired, "What ever possessed you to study Japanese?" The couple said proudly, "We just adopted a Japanese baby and in a year or so he'll start to talk. We just want to be able to understand him." *************************************************************** 13.  REUNITED WITH BIRTHFAMILY Congratulations to everyone who has been reunite with their birthfamily this week! Please share your story with us at www.AdoptionWeek.com. Thank you so much for everything! With the help your registry site, I have found my birth family! I talked to my sister last night, and we chatted like we had known each other forever... well, not forever, but it was a wonderful start. I'll be meeting everyone else soon. Thanks again! --Kim Yes, I found my bmom around X-mas and found out she lived just a couple of blocks away from me all my life. We are keeping in contact and gradually establishing a relationship with our hectic lives. Without adoption.com this would never be possible. I thank you for this program very much. I don't have a lot of money, so it really came in handy. Thanks again. -- Kayla My name is Adele, and I placed an ad on behalf of my friend Chris on Sunday 1/13/02 (he was adopted a few days after birth back in 1976). Within 24 hours, I had gotten three replies from a mother & daughter who believe they are Chris' birth mother & birth sister. Tonight - only three days later - I received verification that they are indeed Chris' birthfamily from an attorney who played a part in the adoption (I was given his name by Chris' adoptive family). Thus, I wanted to provide a testimonial for you - I am AMAZED that we found them (or they found us) within 24 hours of when I put the ad up! -- Adele I wanted to thank you once again for the wonderful registry you have. As a volunteer adoption "search angel" in California I have helped100's of triad members find their loved ones because of the registry you have been maintaining so well. Once again...thank you for keeping your registry going strong. Kind regards, Judy Sheinbein - Search Angel To register in the Internet's largest adoption reunion registry for FREE, visit www.AdoptionRegistry.com. *************************************************************** 14.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL THE LAW OFFICES OF D. DURAND COOK This week's adoption professional is adoption attorney, Durand Cook, a co-founding member of the AAAA (Academy of Adoption Attorneys and ACAL (Association of California Adoption Lawyers), both well recognized for the work they have done in the area of adoption. Mr. Cook has been assisting in adoptions for over 22 years. The counselors associated with his firm are noted authors and teachers with personal experience in the area of adoption. For more information on Mr. Cook and the Law Offices of D. Durand Cook, visit http://www.adoptionoption.com/aboutus.php. *************************************************************** 15.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK All About Me Craft Kit --$24.95 If you know any teachers with elementary students from various backgrounds, this kit is the perfect gift. If you or anyone else you know owns a daycare and needs something to keep children busy and learning, this kit is for you! Children teach you and their fellow classmates more about themselves and their cultural backgrounds through this fun, expressive kit. For more information on this product, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=4&pf%5Fid=884 for more adoption products, visit www.AdoptionShop.com. *************************************************************** 16.  BARGAIN BUREAU Amazon.com has the Holmes Table Top HEPA Air Purifier for $10. Shipping is ~$8. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OU76/slickdeals/104-1886714-1444764 Here are a few items that you might be interested in: · Mens' Brushed Fleece 1/4 Zip Pullover $4.50 (Normally priced $17.99) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OTDR/slickdeals/104-1886714-1444764 · Girls' Brushed Fleece 1/4 Zip Pullover $2.44 (Normally priced $9.99) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OTCB/slickdeals/104-1886714-1444764 · Boys' Brushed Fleece 1/4 Zip Pullover $2.44 (Normally priced $9.99) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OU41/slickdeals/104-1886714-1444764 *************************************************************** 17.  ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW GUATEMALA ADOPTION GROUP This group currently consists of 38 members who are either parents that have adopted from Guatemala or are hoping to adopt from Guatemala. Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionGroups.com. *************************************************************** 18.  ADOPTION POETRY In My Heart Not flesh of my flesh, Nor bone of my bone, But still miraculously my own, And don't forget for a single minute, You didn't grow under my heart but in it. For more adoption poetry, visit www.AdoptionPoetry.com. *************************************************************** 19.  ADOPTION CALENDAR CHAT SCHEDULE: Monday: Evening with Karen DeLuca in adoptee room! Evening with Carol Bird: hosting older birthmoms with closed adoptions. Tuesday: Birthmom chat with Courtney Wednesday: Pre- and adoptive parent chat with JJ and friends - Help as you begin the adoption process. Wednesday night (10:00 p.m. Eastern Time) - Reunion Room Join an informative chat on the ups and downs of reunion. Hosted by Sabra since 1997. Talk out your next step and share your experiences in Search and Reunion. IMPORTANT NOTE for Pre-Adoptive Parent Chat! JJ's Wednesday night chat will be one hour earlier on Weds. at 8:00pm EST instead of 9:00 pm EST Friday: Night - meet with pre- and adoptive parents in Special Needs Room: A special welcome to Louise, mom of 6, who will be moderating the chat on Friday. For a listing of times and descriptions, and to attend scheduled chats, visit http://www.adopting.org/chat.html, or join the live chat at chat.adoption.com. "Outside Looking In" is a new one-hour special on PBS is directed by Phil Bertelsen, a black man raised by white parents. In this documentary, he touches on the elements of transracial adoption families end up dealing with. Profiling three American families formed by adoption, Bertelsen opens up the world of transracial adoption to his audience. For local showtimes see www.AdoptionCalendar.com ALABAMA Birthparents Support Group What: Birthparents Support Group Where: Children's Aid Society, 3600 8th Avenue, South, Birmingham, Alabama Phone: (205) 251-7148 Contact person: Laura Atkinson Meeting time: 2nd Tuesday of every month CALIFORNIA 02/14/02 HOLT Informational Meeting 7:30 pm 1634 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 Lois MacLean (415) 381-1089 or Laurel Marlink-Quast (707) 578-3977 http://www.holtintl.org 02/16/02 HOLT Informational Meeting 10:00 am Holt Office, 2535 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village, CA Christine Ehline (805) 565-2150 Denise Ferraro-Trapp (619) 246-2149 www.holtintl.org 02/11/02 HOLT Informational Meeting 7:30 pm Holt Office, 3807 Pasadena Avenue, Suite 115, Sacramento, CA 95821 Lusandra Vincent (209) 368-1068 www.holtintl.org CONNECTICUT Adoption Information Meetings On the first Wednesday of every month, the Adoption Program of Lutheran Social Services of New England, Inc., 2139 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT, is pleased to provide free information meetings on Domestic adoption and adoption from China, Vietnam, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia, and Ukraine. Please call (860) 257-9899 to reserve your space. Adoption Healing Peer group for adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents offering support and encouragement in a safe environment and, for those interested, assistance with search and reunion. Our group meets every Thursday at 7:30p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church,661 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT. Contact bjwille@aol.com or call (203) 866-6475 FLORIDA The Family Support Center presents "Choices in Adoption" seminars throughout the state of Florida. Get all of your domestic and international adoption questions answered at one seminar. Please e-mail us at fscadopt@hotmail.com or call us at (386)760-5804 & toll free (866) 221-6562 for information on the next seminar near you. http://www.AdoptFlorida.cc New Beginnings Family & Children's Services, Inc. at 1301 Seminole Blvd., Suite 111, Largo, Florida 33773 has regular information orientation meetings on the First Thursday of each month at the above address at 7:00 P.M. Please call at (727) 584-5262 for more information Birthparent/Adoption Support Group designed to promote healing and understanding within the adoption triad - birthparents (Pre and Post-Placement), adoptive parents and adoptees. Pregnant women considering adoption are also welcome. We meet Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Brandon Care Pregnancy Center, 122 Moon Avenue, (813) 654-0491. Adoption Connection Support Group, Tampa Bay 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month. County Center Building, 601 East Kennedy Blvd. Floor 26 (between Kennedy and Pierce), TIME: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM GEORGIA Free international adoption seminar. Genesis Adoptions, 3050 Royal Blvd S. Suite 145-B, Alpharetta GA 30022. Please call Dani Funk, Adoption Coordinator at (770) 521-5552 ext 211 for more information ILLINOIS Healing Hearts is a adoption support group for Adoptee's, Birthparents, and Adoptive parents. The group meets every 4th Thursday of the month in Normal IL 61761 Phone: (309) 820.0230 IOWA 02/07/02 HOLT Adoption Informational Meeting 7:00 pm Ottumwa Public Library, 102 W. 4th Street, Ottumwa, IA Sandra Smith (641) 396-2596 www.holtintl.org 02/27/02 HOLT Adoption Informational Meeting 7:00 pm Oskaloosa Public Library, 301 S. Market Street, Oskaloosa, IA Sandra Smith (641) 396-2596 www.holtintl.org KENTUCKY Transracial Adoption Support Group...open to single and family groups of any kind who are parenting a child from a racial or people group other than their own. We meet the fourth Thursday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. in Jeffersonville, Indiana at Childplace Adoption Agency although members need not be affiliated with Childplace. (812) 338-2115 LOUISIANA ADOPTION SEMINARS: Adoption Seminars will be presented by Beacon House Adoption Services, Inc. in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Topics will include both domestic and international adoptions, home studies and related issues. Saturday mornings from 10 A.M. until 12 noon. Pre-registration not required. Call 1-888-987-6300 or (225) 272-3221 for information. Beacon House is a licensed adoption agency and recently received its accreditation from Russia for international adoptions www.beaconhouseadoption.com MAINE Southern Maine Support Group for foster and adoptive families (York County) meets first and third Sunday of the month in Sanford. Call 490-0052 or 284-4424 for directions and more information. Great Wall China Adoption Agency is sponsoring a free workshop for prospective parents & others seeking more information about adopting a child from China. Contact: Lolita Bowen (207) 443-4995 MICHIGAN Adoption Associates Inc. - Free Seminars For Couples Considering Adoption..... Free information meetings regarding domestic adoption (in the U.S.) and international adoption with China, Russia, Poland, and Guatemala are held in several locations each month. Come and meet some of the staff. We are the only Russian accredited agency in lower Michigan. See our new website at http://www.adoptassoc.com or call for information at 1-616-667-0677. A New Hope, INC (stands for In the Name of Christ) Birthmother's Support Group meets 1st and 3rd Monday of every month at Resurrection Life Church, 5100 Ivanrest Ave SW, Grandville from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Contact Annette Milanowski (616) 532-7175 MINNESOTA Adoption Information Meetings..Free & Open to the Public Several meetings are held each month at Children's Home Society to provide you with information about our programs, including: International programs, American open adoptions, foster-adoption of special needs children. Visit our website for more information: www.chsm.com Every month Adoption Miracle International, Inc. of MN provides free informational meetings on International Adoption from Russia, China, Bulgaria and Guatemala. Please call (952) 470-6141 to reserve your space. New Adoption Support Group Forming in Willmar, Minnesota. E-mail Claudia at maeflye@aol.com for more details. Partners in Adoption Support group meets in Marshall, Minnesota the fourth Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. E-mail Claudia at maeflye@aol.com for more details. NEW JERSEY 02/06/02 Holt Adoption Information Meeting 6:30 pm 340 Scotch Road, Trenton, NJ 08628 Holt Staff (609) 882-4972 www.holtintl.org NEW YORK NYC Support Group every Wednesday...Adoptees 444 East 76th Street in Manhattan (212) 988-0110 (Wednesday only) 6:00pm door opens. 6:30-9:30pm meeting Rockland County Support Group Thursdays 74 Lakewood Drive, Congers (914) 268-0283. 7:15pm door opens. 7:30-10:00pm Meeting Two Tuesdays a month, Carol Schaefer's Birthmother Support group meets in Manhattan. Contact her for details: CarolSch1@aol.com Lincolndale/Somers support group meets the second Tuesday of every month 7:30 to 9:00 pm. The telephone number is 914-248-5060. NYC Support Group 444 East 76th Street in Manhattan (212) 988-0110 (on Sunday only) 2:30pm door opens. 3:00-6:30pm Meeting, followed by dinner for those who choose to join us. Support Group Adoption/parenting support group: Sara Lavner, 26 West 9th Street, New York City. Monday evenings at 6:45pm. Phone: (212) 473-6463 Support Group Williamsville, NY Parents of Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder meeting the 4th Thursday of each month group meets the fourth Thursday of each month 7:00pm to 8:45pm. at the Clearfield public library in Williamsville, NY 14221, at the corner of Hopkins and Klein. . For information go to www.Center4FamilyDevelop.com or e-mail AWeidman@Concentric.net or 716-810-0790. No charge for attending. Support Group Meetings for Chautauqua County Foster/Adoptive Parents The Chautauqua Co. Foster/ Adoptive Parent Assoc, 2 support group meetings a month. Second Wed. at 1:00pm and the Third Thurs. at 6:30pm at the Kidder Church in Jamestown, NY. Email: ccfapa@cecomet.net OHIO Support Group for Adoptees, Adoptive Parents 3rd Thursday of every month at 1291 Hillside Drive, Greenville, Ohio 45331 Call (937) 316-6168 for more information. It is a support group for people who are adopted, would like to adopt, or who have adopted. It is a great group!! OREGON 02/23/02 HOLT Adoption Information Meeting 10:00 am Lions Sight & Hearing Center, 228 N. Holly, Medford, OR 97504 Mariann Davidson (541) 245-1219 www.holtintl.org PENNSYLVANIA Support Group for Parents of Children with Attachment Disorders/Difficulties Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday evening of every month at the Chester County Govt. Services Bldg., Rm 339 ...Contact Dianne C. Kuchlak at: (610) 696-4900 x24 email: dkuchlak@gateway.net MEETINGS: PA. and NY. Adoptions International in Philadelphia is scheduling free individual consultations about adopting from Guatemala, Romania, and China. Meetings can be scheduled in the Philadelphia area, the Pittsburgh area, or the New York Metropolitan area. Please call: (215) 238-9057 for more information. Transcultural Adoptive Families (TAF) Pittsburgh, PA For families who have adopted across international and/or racial boundaries...A large and active group with monthly functions Contact Pat Suhody at (412) 561-9021 for information. Adoptive Parent Support Group in Harrisburg, for information please e-mail jservis@paonline.com. Also anyone interested in learning about the adoption process, or wanting to adopt children are welcome to come out and join us at any time. SOUTH CAROLINA Free International Adoption Seminar, Thursday, February 7, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 989-793-0000 or 1-866-479-2789 Infertility/Adoption Seminar...Free Tuesday, February 19, 2002, at the Charleston County Public Library in Mount Pleasant SC, on Anna Knapp Blvd from 6:15 pm until 7:15 pm, a discussion about Fertility and the Family. Sponsored by the South Carolina Council on Adoptable Children (SCCOAC), moderated by Jania Sommers, MSW, LMSW, and led by Barbara Currey, MEd, therapist and counselor in fertility and adoption related issues. Please call (843) 766-1120 for information. This meeting is the first of four meetings held once a month at the same location. It is open and free to the public. SOUTH DAKOTA Adoption Support Group for adoptive parents and adoptive parents-to-be Call Lynne Banks: 605-335-8027 TENNESSEE Adoptee/Birthparent Support of Memphis meets every Thursday 7:30pm at St Louis Catholic Church, 203 White Station, Memphis, TN. For more information contact Ronnie (901) 213-3977 or Jim (901) 493-2868. TEXAS Texas Cradle Support for those Adopting Internationally 'The Families Who Have Adopted Internationally Support Group' meets every fourth Thursday at McDonalds on Huebner & NW Military Highway in San Antonio, Texas. Open Support Group for Parents of Children with Attachment Disorders in Houston Area. Mediated by 2 attachment therapists... 2nd Friday each month starting 11-1-01. More info: call (713) 592-6076 Foster and Adoptive Parents of Collin County in Allen, TX 75013 Monthly support group for foster parents and another support meeting monthly for adoptive parents. For more info, phone Marcia Hookie (972) 359-1959 or Monica McCaffrey (972) 612-8227 UTAH Parent Support Group (child care workers & extended family welcome) IEP help also. First Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. 1161 East 300 North, Provo, Utah. Call (801) 768-1746. Catholic Community Services of Utah: Adoptive Parent Support Group for waiting parents: come to to talk about waiting and other adoption issues. It is the first Monday of every month from 6-8pm. Phone: (801) 977-9119 x222 VIRGINIA Forever Families of the New River Valley is an adoption support group for pre-and post-adoptive families or individuals in Blacksburg and the surrounding region. Members are brought together through a common interest in adoption--both domestic and international. For more information, contact Beth Waggenspack (540) 231-7625 United Methodist Family Services of Virginia welcomes all adoptive parents to our (free)support groups thoughout the state. Both adult and children (including adolescent) groups are in full swing! Childcare provided free of charge. Currently from the Harrsionburg office, we have support groups in: Winchester, Harrisonburg, Rockingham, Charlottesville, Albemarle, Staunton, Augusta and Fishersville. Contact us by phone 540.438.1577 for more information. WASHINGTON Kitsap Adoption Group(Formerly the Support Group of Kitsap County) Marilyn Wistrand (360) 697-2997 Monthly meetings: Adoption Information Chat- 4th Sat. every month. 9:00am WISH meeting for waiting families: 3rd. Thurs. 7:00pm Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington Monthly Meeting.. Our monthly meetings are a good time to visit, laugh, eat and just have a good time with each other. After dinner, we usually meet up for dessert at Diletante's on Broadway at around 9:00-30ish and are there for an hour or so. Email to Katie Tupper: ktsing@u.washington.edu WISCONSIN Manitowoc Area Adoptive and Foster Family Support Group (special needs) Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month 6:30 - 8:00 pm, Family Education Resource Center, 540 N. 8th, Manitowoc. Contact: Mary Freberg (920) 433-4061 Green Bay Area Adoptive and Foster Parent Support Group (special needs) meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month 6:30 - 8:00 pm. First Congregational United Church of Christ, 1018 Cedar Street, De Pere. Contact: Mary Freberg (920) 433-4061 bsab@antigopro.net has a birthmother support email listing and support group located in north central wisconsin and have bsab members throughout the state. Semi-annual bsab conference/retreats. Butterflies Birthmother Support Group Meetings held at 7 p.m. on the last Tuesday of every month at Calvary Bible Church in Neenah, WI. All birthmothers are welcome, as well as anyone who is considering making an adoption plan. Come for support, understanding, and to build some new friendships. For more information or just to talk, please contact Jennifer at jjvallier@netzero.net. For regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit www.AdoptionCalendar.com ___________________________________________________________________ CALL FOR CONTENT Adoption Week Magazine is looking for well-written adoption-related articles, poems, quotes, book reviews, news, event announcements, product reviews, photos, successful adoption and reunion stories, clean humor, job openings, letters to the editor, reviews of adoption websites, product recalls, information on adoption legislation, great deals on adoption and family-related products, other adoption-related content. To submit content, or if you would like to be interviewed or to nominate someone for an adoption service award, please visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. TO ADVERTISE Would you like to advertise in the Adoption Week e-mail magazine? 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