Adoption Week e-Magazine Formerly Adopting.org Newsletter and Adoption.com Newsletter February 18, 2002 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. ************************ IN THIS ISSUE ************************ 1.  ANNOUNCEMENTS:        - Enter the adoption scrap-booking contest.        - Would you like to moderate a chat or forum? 2.  NEW ARTICLES 3.  ADOPTION NEWS 4.  ADOPTION BOOK CLUB - adoption book review 5.  ADOPTION BUZZ - recent message board discussions 6.  MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS 7.  NEW ADOPTIVE FAMILIES - successful adoptions 8.  FEATURED WAITING CHILD 9.  REUNITED WITH BIRTHFAMLY 10.  SEARCH AND REUNION TIP 11.  ADOPTION GEM - inspirational thought 12.  ADOPTION POLL 13.  ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT 14.  JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT - clean weekly humor 15.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL 16.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK - review of a favorite adoption product 17.  BARGAIN BUREAU - incredible deal of the week 18.  ADOPTION ONLINE GROUP REVIEW 19.  ADOPTION POETRY 20.  ADOPTION CALENDAR - adoption events, seminars, chats & holidays *************************************************************** 1.  ANNOUNCEMENTS ENTER THE ADOPTION SCRAPBOOK CONTEST Adoption.com and Adopting.org are sponsoring a contest in search of the cutest, most creative adoption-related scrapbook page layouts. 3 winners will receive $100 gift certificates at AdoptionShop.com, and Adoption.com will feature many of the entries on the Internet. We invite you to send color copies of your layouts to: Adoption.com Scrap-booking Contest; 2141 E. Broadway Rd., Suite 214, Tempe, AZ 85282. WOULD YOU LIKE TO MODERATE A CHAT OR FORUM? If you would be interested in hosting a weekly topical chat at chat.adoption.com or monitoring a topical message board at http://www.adopting.org/supports.html, please contact info@adoption.com. *************************************************************** 2.  NEW ARTICLES Time for You - new article by Susan M. Ward When do we get a break? When do we get time for us? How do we find time? Parents balance multiple challenges within day-to-day living. Finding parental times to get re-charged and renewed are often few and far between. For next month, try to fit a mini break into each day, and try to plan one BIG break during the next couple of months. All of these need to be modified, or utilized according to the age of your child(ren). Read more. Older Child Adoption Lingo - new article by Susan M. Ward "I've always been intrigued by lingo, insider vocabulary. For example, in the restaurant world, they have words like "in the weeds", meaning a waitperson or the kitchen that is overwhelmed and not on top of things, or "diver", meaning the dishwasher. Every field has it's own lingo, including the older child adoption world. Read more. Birth Parent Loss and Grief - new article by Patricia E. Roles In the past, the emphasis in the adoption process has largely been on the reception of the child into the adoptive family, rather than the reciprocal loss of the baby for the birth parents and extended family. The bonding process for the birth mother, who carried the baby inside her during pregnancy and experienced the miracle of birth with this baby, had not been previously acknowledged in society at large or by the professionals working in adoption and mental health. Adoption relinquishment involves a grief process not unlike other types of grief such as death or separation. Read more. Read these articles at www.AdoptionWeek.com *************************************************************** 3.  ADOPTION NEWS After Years, Justin Adoption Case Could be Near Conclusion http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/02/13/loc_after_years_justin.html Adoption Campaign Pays Off http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.ocregister.com/news/adopt00208cci3.shtml Medicaid Cuts Leave Parents Concerned http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://news.mywebpal.com/partners/311/public/news251959.html Carnleys Will Join Adoption Protest http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://vh80299.vh8.infi.net/html/8BF4966E-C83F-4053-8A1A-363345873364.shtml More Women Choose to Give Birth in 40s, 50s http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/mld/sunnews/2642279.htm 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 ADOPTING AFTER INFERTILITY Patricia Irwin Johnson's, Adopting After Infertility, is the book in focus this week. As one whose family dealt with two generations of infertility and has increased it onto three generations through adoption, her words are sincere and helpful. This book touches on the challenges of infertility, making a commitment to adopt, and special issues that may arise along the way. If you or anyone you know is infertile and not quite sure how to go about adopting, don't let your circumstance discourage you. This book will lead you step-by-step, clueing you in on what to expect and how to come out successful. For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=6&pf%5Fid=1086 *************************************************************** 5.  ADOPTION BUZZ My Loving Arms Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Please be Careful !!! Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Post Adoption Angst Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Rollercoaster 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.  MEET NEW 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! **Congratulations Sissons! "We have a Baby Girl!!! 8.4 pds , 19 1/2 inches. Rachel was born on 1-30-02." If you are hoping to adopt, visit www.ParentProfiles.com today to start building your online profile. *************************************************************** 8.  FEATURED WAITING CHILD Tammy loves participating in basketball, soccer, cheerleading and enjoys computer games. She is a very outgoing child who has lots of friends. Tammy makes average to above average grades in school. She takes medication for nocturnal enuresis. She is healthy and has no physical limitations. A one or two parent family with no more than two other children would be and ideal adoptive placement for Tammy. She would do well in a family with the love and patience to allow her to bond at her own pace. photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,000 children awaiting loving, permanent homes. *************************************************************** 9.  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. I just wanted you all to know that I found my birthmother on this website. I sat down one afternoon, it was my first time looking, and I found her! Everything matches up and I wanted you to know how very grateful I am. Thanks! - Amy I just wanted to say thank you so very much. The phone number you gave was wonderful. It put me in touch with my half brother that I have been searching for. Thank you and again, and god bless this site. Now my life can be totally whole. Best of luck to all those that are searching (it pays to be persistent; it really pays off). Now, hopefully I will get to me him and his family soon. Thank you so much. - Michelle I am an adoptee myself and recently had the most wonderful reunion with both my birth parents, who I located through adoption.com and the reunion registry. Thank you. - Clare Although it's been a year, I wanted to let you folks at Adoption.com that this indeed was a successful match. The person who 'found' me in your database was/is my birthmother who gave me up for adoption 35 years ago. In the past year, we've forged a nice relationship that continues to grow. I've met her, my grandmother, uncle, and numerous cousins, all of who are lovely people. I thank you very much for your services! We couldn't have done it without you. - Kathi To register in the Internet's largest adoption reunion registry for FREE, visit www.AdoptionRegistry.com. *************************************************************** 10.  SEARCH AND REUNION TIP Prior to meeting your birthparent or birthchild, take time to really search your heart as to how you feel. Rethink their response to you to see if you are hesitant in any way. If you are or if your feelings are too strong for you to sort out alone, then talk with your counselor about it. *************************************************************** 11.  ADOPTION GEM GOD CHOOSES MOM FOR DISABLED CHILD Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger. "Armstrong, Beth; son; patron saint, Matthew. "Forrest, Marjorie; daughter; patron saint, Cecelia. "Rudledge, Carrie; twins; patron saint.... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity." Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel." "But has she patience?" asks the angel. "I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it." "I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence. She'll have to teach the child to live in her world and that's not going to be easy." "But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?" God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, there is a woman I will bless with a child less then perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a `spoken word.' She will never consider a `step' ordinary. When her child says `Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations." "I will permit her to see clearly the things I see---ignorance, cruelty, prejudice--- and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side." "And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in midair. God smiles. "A mirror will suffice." Written by Erma Bombeck Published in the Today Newspaper (Sept. 4th, 1993) *************************************************************** 12.  ADOPTION POLL RESULTS OF OUR LAST POLL Question: Do you think the government should classify a fetus as an "unborn child?" 54.8% - A child is alive before it is born. 16.6% - We should do everything we can to make prenatal care available for all pregnant women. 14.7% - The government should not have a say in this decision, which should be made by the individual. 9.6% - This proposal is part of an administration attempt to undermine the legal status of abortion. 2.8% - This particular approach of defining a fetus as a person is unnecessary. 1.3% - This makes it easier for low-income women to receive prenatal care under government health programs. VOTE IN OUR CURRENT POLL Besides visits with his biological mom and dad, 4-year-old Justin knows nothing about their struggle with the Asentes, who are raising him and want to adopt him. The biological parents signed consent-to-adopt forms before letting the 11-month-old Justin go to live with the Asentes. A month later, they let it be known that they wanted the child back. The Asentes refused court orders to return him. Ms. Moore and Mr. Dorning, his biological parents, who are not married and faced financial struggles, understood the significance of signing and that Justin should remain with the Asentes. The college-educated couple already had adopted Joey, Justin's full biological brother. Read the article: http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://enquirer.com/editions/2002/02/13/loc_after_years_justin.html Question: Do you think the Asentes should be allowed to adopt Justin? No, Justin should be returned to Ms. Moore and Mr. Dorning, his biological parents. No, Justin should be allowed to be raised by the Asentes, but they should not be allowed to adopt him until his biological parents fully give their consent. Yes, Justin should be adopted by the Asentes, because they are better parents. Yes, in order for the brothers not to be separated, they should be adopted by the Asentes. Visit www.Adoption.com to vote and share your opinion. *************************************************************** 13.  ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: www.AdoptionAnnouncement.com Are you looking for a place to buy your baby's adoption announcement and do not know where to start your search? Look no further! At AdoptionAnnouncement.com, you can create the perfect adoption announcement and customize your own message all in one place. You can also determine what goes in your announcement and what you would prefer to exclude. With 10 covers to choose from, matching envelopes, and high-quality cardstock, you can end your search here! For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit adoptions.adoption.com. *************************************************************** 14.  JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT TOMMY'S MOMMY For weeks a six-year old lad kept telling his first-grade teacher about the baby brother or sister that was expected at his house. One day the mother allowed the boy to feel the movements of the unborn child. The six-year old was obviously impressed, but made no comment. Furthermore, he stopped telling his teacher about the impending event. The teacher finally sat the boy on her lap and said, "Tommy, whatever has become of that baby brother or sister you were expecting at home?" Tommy burst into tears and confessed, "I think Mommy ate it!" *************************************************************** 15.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL LowTicket.com Steve Mix Steve@lowticket.com This week's adoption professional is Low Ticket.Com. For your international adoption convenience, this web site specializes in international travel by working directly with Air Consolidators and International Airlines. You can get a price quote for the trip you are about to take or complete a Flight Request form if you are just beginning your research. We will contact you the same day, but remember we may have to contact one of our consolidators to check on availability. We currently have access to additional fares that are not available through our Booking Engine. *************************************************************** 16.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK Dedicated to the One I Love by Linda Ronstadt (Audio CD)--$11.95 Do you sit at times longing to express words of love to your adopted child? Well, Linda Rondstadt's c.d. is the perfect gift for you or any adoptive parent you know. Her words will touch you and your child as a lullaby, as background music to a bed- time story, or during casual listening. This adoptive mother puts emotion into these popular songs, which will touch your heart and stir the joy within you as an adoptive parent. http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=13&pf%5Fid=1084 For more adoption products, visit www.AdoptionShop.com. *************************************************************** 17.  BARGAIN BUREAU OfficeMax has the Cendyne 16x10x40 CDRW Drive for $45 after discount and rebate. 1. Activate the $25 off $100 coupon. 2. Search for "20058820" to find the CDRW drive at $89.99. 3. Add $10+ of stuff to get over $100. A good item to add is the 50pk CDR (item# 02236912) for $22 before $14 rebate or Microsoft Money & Taxcut, which are free after rebate. 4. Send in the $30 rebate. Final price is $100 - $25 coupon - $30 rebate = $45 w/ free shipping. (Normally priced $89.99) Offer expires 02/22/02 *************************************************************** 18.  ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW After Search and/or Adoption, Then What? Group This adoption support group is one of twenty-eight search and reunion groups. Its main focuses are adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. It currently consists of 49 club members. If you or anyone you know is an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive parent, you can join this group to share your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. To be part of this group, visit http://adoptiongroups.com/cgi-bin/members/adoptiongroups/login.cgi, register, and look for the particular group you would be most interested in. *************************************************************** 19.  ADOPTION POETRY I didn't give you the gift of life but in my heart I know the love I feel is as deep & real as if it had been so. For us to have each other is like a dream come true. No, I didn't give you the gift of life Life gave me the gift of you. - unknown Note: In the last issue of the Adoption Week e-Magazine, we reprinted the adoption poem "In My Heart", and we were unaware of the source. We have since discovered, thanks to Pat Johnson of www.PerspectivesPress.com, that Fleur Conkling Heyliger is the author of this poem, and The Saturday Evening Post is the copyright manager. We apologize to these parties and will strive to do better at identifying and giving credit to the author and copyright holder of poems printed in future issues. For more adoption poetry, visit www.AdoptionPoetry.com. *************************************************************** 20.  ADOPTION CALENDAR CHAT SCHEDULE: 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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 02/28/02 ADOPTION OPTIONS, INC. Informational Meeting 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Marriott Residence Inn 11002 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA 92128 RSVP (619) 542-7772 or toll-free (877) 542-7772 www.adoption-options.org 03/28/02 ADOPTION OPTIONS, INC. Informational Meeting 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Adoption Options office (Mission Valley) 4025 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 300, San Diego, CA 92108 RSVP (619) 542-7772 or toll-free (877) 542-7772 www.adoption-options.org Informational meetings usually held the 3rd Thursday of the month. Bringing People Together: The Art of Open Adoption Practice Friday, June 21, 2002 The Radisson, Newport Beach, California A conference designed with the professional in mind, this is also a conference that may be of interest to adoptive parents and birthparents. Speakers include some of the top names in open adoption liturature including Jim Gritter (The Spirit of Open Adoption), Sharon Roszia (The Open Adoption Experience), Joyce Maguire Pavao (The Family of Adoption), Brenda Romanchik (A Birthparent's Book of Memories) and Harold Grotevant, and Ruth McRoy (Openness in Adoption). Plus much more.... For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.org Coming together: The Art of Being an Open Adoption Family Saturday, June 22, 2002 The Huntington Beach Library, Huntington Beach, California Finally a conference designed to help birth and adoptive families build open adoption relationships! Speakers include some of the top names in open adoption liturature including Jim Gritter (The Spirit of Open Adoption), Sharon Roszia (The Open Adoption Experience), Joyce Maguire Pavao (The Family of Adoption), Brenda Romanchik (A Birthparent's Book of Memories) and Harold Grotevant and Ruth McRoy (Openness in Adoption). Plus much more.... This conference's format is designed to not only give you the information you need to build stronger, healthier relationships, it also gives you an opportunity to "ask the experts". For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.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 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. MISSISSIPPI The Lifegiver's Festival - Higgins Lake, MI April 11th - 14th, 2002 The Lifegiver's Festival is a conference specifically designed for birthparents in open adoptions. The Lifegiver's Festival is not only about giving birthparents the information they need to have successful open adoption relationships. Just as importantly, it provides birthparents a chance to connect with others in the same situation. For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.org The Lifegiver's Festival - Higgins Lake, MI September 26 - 29, 2002 The Lifegiver's Festival is a conference specifically designed for birthparents in open adoptions. The Lifegiver's Festival is not only about giving birthparents the information they need to have successful open adoption relationships. Just as importantly, it provides birthparents a chance to connect with others in the same situation. For more information contact Brenda Romanchik at Insight: Open Adoption Resources and Support at 248-543-0997. Or visit our web site at www.openadoptioninsight.org 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 Adoption Information Seminar PLAN Loving Adoptions Now, Inc. Monday, Feb 25, 7:00 p.m. Lake Bible Church 4565 SW Carman Dr, Lake Oswego, Oregon Contact PLAN: (503)472-8452 www.planlovingadoptions.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. 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 Adoption Information Seminar PLAN Loving Adoptions Now, Inc. Thursday, Feb 28, 7:00 p.m. Cafe D Vine 6709 NE 63rd St, Vancouver, Washington Contact PLAN: (503)472-8452 www.planlovingadoptions.org 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. 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