Adoption Week e-Magazine Formerly Adopting.org Newsletter and Adoption.com Newsletter March 18, 2002 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. ************************ IN THIS ISSUE ************************ 1.  ANNOUNCEMENTS:        - Save Money With Agreed Adoption Forms        - New Features on FosterParenting.com        - Submit Content to the Adoption Week e-Magazine        - Speak Out 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 - favorite adoption product review 17.  BARGAIN BUREAU - incredible deal of the week 18.  ADOPTION ONLINE GROUP REVIEW 19.  ADOPTION POETRY 20.  ADOPTION CALENDAR - adoption events, seminars, & chats *************************************************************** 1.  ANNOUNCEMENTS SAVE MONEY WITH AGREED ADOPTION FORMS Adoption forms can be the easy, fast and inexpensive way to: *Adopt a stepchild, *Re-adopt a child adopted internationally to get a U.S. birth certificate, or *Adopt a grandchild or other relative. If your adoption is uncontested and fits within one of the categories described above, it may be easier and less expensive than you think to adopt. Simply visit www.AdoptionDocs.com, fill out the form, and experts will customize the necessary legal documents for your specific situation. Best of all, this document preparation service costs only a fraction of the alternatives. If your adoption is really a simple and uncontested adoption, there is no need for you to pay thousands of extra dollars for your adoption! NEW FEATURES ON FOSTERPARENTING.COM Since it's re-launch, we've added many exciting new features to FosterParenting.com, such as Melodie's Journal, Ask Gwen, a Foster Parenting Newsletter, a Foster Reunion Registry, and a Foster Parenting E-Mail Discussion Group. Be part of the #1 Foster Parenting site at www.fosterparenting.com. SUBMIT CONTENT TO THE ADOPTION WEEK E-MAGAZINE Publish your adoption article, poem, story, or other content in the Adoption Week e-Magazine. For more information, visit www.adoptionweek.com. SPEAK OUT We want to hear from you! If you have any contributions to make to Adoption Week e-Magazine, here's your chance! We want our Adoption.com family to have an opportunity to be more involved in this informative e-magazine especially designed for you. Announcements and opinions of Adoption Week readers are welcome. All appropriate non-commercial announcements and opinions will be welcome and printed for free. Anyone with commercial opinions and announcements should contact sales@adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 2.  NEW ARTICLES The views expressed by the authors are solely their own, and for which the authors are responsible, and these views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine. Reunited - new article by A. Wayne Parker I am 1 of 5 brothers and a sister. After obtaining birth and death records, I confirmed what I had known for about 8 years. My story has a very strange twist to it that most might find hard to believe. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=14 Secrets and Lies (My Favorite Adoption Movie) - new article by Barbara K. Baker I saw "Secrets and Lies" when it first came out (1995, nominated for five Oscars including Best Picture) which was before I was even considering adoption. I have admired this movie and now, after my second viewing, I wonder if it helped me consider adoption. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=15 Why We Don't Adopt Highways - new article by Chris Families are created, either by birth or by adoption. Creating a family is a unique experience, as each family member is unique. The decision to begin a family is a decision to create, to expand our lives in a way that will change our lives forever. Huge responsibility comes with this decision of creation and often much planning and analyzing takes place before, during and after this decision. When the new family member arrives, either through birth or adoption, the family is overjoyed. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=16 To Looking in the Mirror - new article by Phyllis Amalfitano Guilmette Whether they are 15, 20, or 30, the adopted, neglected, or orphaned child reverts back to the lonely times of their childhood when love fails them. They travel back to the moment they woke up and didn't recognize anyone around them. The moment they wondered where everyone went, when they might return, and who might make them whole. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=17 When Beauty becomes the Beast - new article by B. Bryan Post When an adopted child has experienced trauma in her early formative years, she is left with a very scared monster lurking inside her brain/body system that I call the "Beast." Though ghastly and threatening in appearance, this Beast is simply a terrified creature that is constantly on guard, trying to defend the "Beauty" hidden beneath the Beast. The Beast is with her always, waiting for the time when the child feels threatened or afraid. It is at this moment that the Beast roars to life. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Beast erupts from within and Beauty is nowhere to be found. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=19 Read these articles at www.AdoptionWeek.com Back to Top *************************************************************** 3.  ADOPTION NEWS California Adoptees Fight for Access to Birth Records (CA) hhttp://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.latimes.com/tcn/ontario/news/front/la-iv0021130mar12.story Children's Home Society Celebrates 100 Years of Helping (FL) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.news-press.com/news/today/020313childhomesociety.html A Pregnancy Breakthrough (FL) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/entertainment/2832821.htm Alabama Couple Get To Keep 'Baby Sam' (AL) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.theledger.com/local/florida/12sam.htm Jolie 'Grateful' for Adopted Son (UK) http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/showbiz/newsid_1868000/1868193.stm If any of the links to the news articles do not work, see Click Here for a list of headlines. Back to Top *************************************************************** 4.  ADOPTION BOOK CLUB A Stepparent's Guide to Adoption This book, written by Dale R. Gwilliam, is a guide for stepparents who are seriously considering adoption. It answers common questions about stepparent adoption and paternity, while outlining the costs involved in a stepparent adoption and available financing options. This book is a must-have for any stepparents considering adoption. The adoption process may seem easy, but that is not always the case. Looking at things from different perspectives before making life-changing decisions is always advantageous. This guide will answer any questions you might have before making a final decision on this matter. For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=6&pf%5Fid=809 Back to Top *************************************************************** 5.  ADOPTION BUZZ Search & Reunion Stories: - Birthmother Found-Please Read, Long but Good. Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Birthmothers' Stories: - Never Give Up Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Poetry: - Secret Stranger Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Thanks for Life: - Thank You Mom for Giving Birth to Those Babies! 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. Back to Top *************************************************************** 6.  MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS Outdated material has been removed. Please visit ParentProfiles.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 7.  NEW ADOPTIVE FAMILIES Congratulations to all of the new adoptive families this week! ** Bert and Barbara, congratulations on your new daughter! ** Tom and Nancy, congratulations on your adoption in progress! If you are hoping to adopt, visit www.ParentProfiles.com today to start building your online profile. Back to Top *************************************************************** 8.  FEATURED WAITING CHILD Joshua and his little sister, Cauasia, are happy and affectionate. They are looking for a loving home. They enjoy spending time outdoors. Joshua is a very quiet and reserved young man. He enjoys playing basketball and football. He tends to be quiet at times, allowing his little sister, Cauasia, to do all the talking. He enjoys going to school and maintains an A/B average. His favorite subject is Math. He hopes to someday go to college and to become a professional football player. Joshua needs a family that can provide a nurturing environment. Cauasia is a very sweet, talkative, outgoing, and energetic young girl. She enjoys life to the fullest. She enjoys cheerleading. She loves school and is a straight A student with no modifications. Her favorite subject is Math. She hopes to go to college and work with computers. photolisting.adoption.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,000 children awaiting loving, permanent homes. Back to Top *************************************************************** 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. Thanks to YOU. mom and daughter have been reunited!!!!!!! They are thrilled!!!! - Gina I am from Manchester, United Kingdom and have recently traced and indeed met my birth father. I will always view my adoptive parents as my family but it has been such a joyous experience actually seeing my putative father face to face. I am the exact image of him, and I also discovered that I have two half sisters who are both fantastic. The whole experience has been very rewarding and fulfilling. It took me 7 years of searching but the pieces of the jigsaw are finally coming together. I have made contact with my birth mother and that requires some more space and care to work through before we meet but is also looking positive. I just feel "whole". I expect other people can relate to that feeling and I just wanted to say don't give up, and also that if it's meant to be it will happen and at the right time in your life when you are in a good situation to be able to cope with it. - Michelle I just want to thank-you for your site. I found my birth son on it and needless to say I will be forever grateful. Words cannot express the joy I feel!! Thank-you again!! - Doug My reunion was successful; thanks. - Nicole On Thursday night (March 7, 2002), I got an e-mail that said I could be your birth mom. There was a name, so I went back to an old one and it had her phone number. So I called and found out that it was my birth mom. We are going to make plans to see each other soon. I found out that I have relatives here in town. My birth mom gave me their number. I called and went to visit them last night. I would like to thank you for the opportunity that I have been given. I have been trying since I was 18…and got nowhere. One of my friends said lets try on the internet. We typed up adoption and found reunion@adoption.com and it was one that was free. I did this about two years ago. I'm now 27 and so excited to see her. Thank you again. Sincerely, Angela Thanks to YOU a bmom and son have been in contact and are very excited about it all!!!!!!! I love you tremendously for your help!!!! - Gina Yes, we have a match, and it's been wonderful. I'm, taking it slow and can't wait to meet (my sister). Thank you so much...Norma To register in the Internet's largest adoption reunion registry for FREE, visit www.AdoptionRegistry.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 10.  SEARCH AND REUNION TIP It would behoove any adoptee, who is in search to educate themselves about the experience of birthmothers in order to better understand how they might be received, and what the best way to approach contact might be. For more information, visit http://reunite.adoption.com/includes/frame.asp?url=http://irishangel.freeservers.com/search1.htm. This search & reunion tip has been brought to you by: www.GuaranteedAdoptionSearch.com - We'll find the person you're looking for, or your search is free! For more search & reunion tips and tools see reunion.adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 11.  ADOPTION GEM Do not worry about whether or not the sun will rise. Be prepared to enjoy it. - Pearl Bailey Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. - Henry Ward Beecher Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake somebody. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow See a daily adoption gem at www.Adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 12.  ADOPTION POLL RESULTS OF OUR LAST POLL The boy had been living with the Emerys for more than a year when DCFS decided to place him with an aunt who said she had been overlooked when ABJ Community Services, the social services agency, placed her nephew with the Emerys. After months of intense evaluation in which the lives of both parties were placed under a microscope, the custody fight ended last August when a judge decided the boy should remain with the Emerys. It's been 3 1/2 years since the boy was placed with the Emerys and he has thrived. Here's one case that needs to be expedited. Here's one little boy whose name needs to be deleted from the foster-care rolls so that he and his family can get on with their lives. Question: Do you think foster care children who are later adopted should still have their names kept on the foster-care rolls? 48.2 % - No, once adopted, they're no longer under foster care, so their names should be deleted shortly after the adoption. 35.6% - No, these children now have parents, so this is very unnecessary. 9.1% - Yes, this protects the child. 6.8% - Yes, adopted foster care children need to have their names remain on the roll until they are at least 18 years old. VOTE IN OUR CURRENT POLL Hollywood couple, Angelina Jolie and Billy Bob Thornton, have yet to get official US approval for their adoption of a Cambodian boy. The pair have adopted the seven month-old baby, after months of waiting, and named him Maddox. However, the US embassy in Cambodia has yet to approve the adoption. The US government banned adoption of Cambodian babies by Americans in December. Read the article: http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/entertainment/showbiz/newsid_1868000/1868193.stm Question: Do you think the US embassy should approve Jolie and Thornton's adoption? No, adoptions of Cambodian babies by Americans have been banned for a reason; they should not be an exception. No, just because they are 'stars' does not mean they will be better parents, so why change the rules? Yes, they are willing to give this child a home, so there is no reason why they should not be approved. Plus, that would leave Cambodia with one less foster child. Yes, they will be able to provide this child with the best life possible with all the luxuries he deserves. Visit www.Adoption.com to vote and share your opinion. Back to Top *************************************************************** 13.  ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: www.StartingAdoption.com This site is an online introduction to adoption for hopeful adoptive parents starting the adoption process. It deals with financial issues, where to start in the adoption process, available options, and other commonly posed questions. If you are just starting your adventure as a hopeful adoptive parent, your journey should start here. For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit adoptions.adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 14.  JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES My husband and I adopted our two-and-a-half year old when she was five days old. My grand plan includes her being comfortable with the fact that she is adopted by kindergarten, so it really won't be a big deal to her when it comes up. My first step was to make her understand where babies come from: mommies' tummies. Then I would tell her she didn't come from my tummy but her birth mommy's tummy. I have an aunt who is seven months pregnant and my daughter likes to feel the baby in her tummy. At least now, step one of my plan is accomplished: babies come from mommies' tummies, or so I thought. Last week, my daughter ran to me smiling and rubbing her tummy saying, "Mommy, baby tummy". I smiled but wondered what made her think of that. A few minutes later, her stomach gurgled loudly and I teased her. "Was that your tummy?!?". With a huge smile, she rubbed her belly and said, "Yes, mommy, baby tummy!" I suppose, or hope, I'm not the only one who has a toddler that thinks if she has gas there's a baby in her tummy. - Tracy Back to Top *************************************************************** 15.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL ADOPTION NETWORK Founded by adoptive parents in 1992, Adoption Network has grown into the leading adoption legal practice servicing birthmothers and adoptive parents throughout the United States and abroad. The Network's adoption services remain nurturing, loving and guide birthmothers and adoptive parents through the adoption process with comfort, trust, honesty and complete support. Adoption Network understands the fears involved in the uncharted territory that adoptive parents are embarking upon. To assist in easing their fears, the Network guarantees that the end result of a client's adoption journey will be a beautiful, healthy baby. If health problems with the baby arise, or the birthmother changes her mind and backs out of the adoption plan, the Network will rematch the adoptive parent with a new birthmother at no additional cost. For more information on Adoption Network, visit http://www.adoptionpro.com Back to Top *************************************************************** 16.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK "All About Me" ID Card/Fingerprint/DNA Kits for Kids - $10.00 The All About Me "do it yourself" kits include: 2 pastel ID card blanks, 2 self-laminating pouches, 2 velcro tabs to make one card into a car seat card, if needed. A fingerprint card and FBI approved ink strip, a DNA bag and instructions, a child profile booklet, lost child personal, emergency & medical information instructions are also included in a heavy plastic sleeve. These blank cards are made to be written on and completed by the parent, then inserted into the self-sealing pouches. A small photo and thumbprint can also be attached. On the back, information on what to do if your child were to become lost or missing is included. For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=37&pf%5Fid=1112 For more adoption products, visit www.AdoptionShop.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 17.  BARGAIN BUREAU Each week, we comb the Internet to find the best deal(s) on products that our readers would be interested in. These products are usually discounted 50% or more. This week we found: Amazon has Flannel Sheet Sets for prices between $5 and $20. Prices depend on colors and patterns. Twins - $5 - $10 (Normally priced $9.99 - $19.99) Fulls - $7.50 - $15.00 (Normally priced $14.99 - $29.99) Queens - $10.00 - $20.00 (Normally priced $19.99 - $39.99) To take advantage of this great deal, visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005OTP4/ref=pd_sxp_elt_l1/103-8687679-9991048 Back to Top *************************************************************** 18.  ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW From Adoption-Situations@AdoptionLists.com: Hello, my husband and I have recently been contacted by a family friend who has a foster child that is pregnant with her second child and is interested in us adopting her baby. The birthmother's first child will be 1 on July 3 and she is due with the second child May 25. So you can see why she is interested in adoption especially since she is only 16 and still in school. With that all said here's our question. It's time to meet the birthmother, what do we discuss, what DON'T we discuss, do we bring a gift for the birthmother. We are excited and very frightened all at the same time. This young woman has our future in her hands and the uncertainty is still a little unnerving. If you have been through a similar situation could you please help us with some much needed advice. We are schedule to meet the birthmother Mar 30. She lives in VA and we live in PA. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help us ease some of this concern. To be part of this list, visit http://lists.adoption.com Back to Top *************************************************************** 19.  ADOPTION POETRY CHOSEN To me this life is very precious How different things would be For I was specially chosen My parents wanted me Into this world I was born Tiny and all alone My parents supporting me all the way I've developed and I've grown For I am very special I didn't just arrive I gave two ordinary people A genuine reason to strive If you too are adopted Remember the happiness you give To the family where you now belong Their life's complete to live By: Stella Dunstan For more adoption poetry, visit www.AdoptionPoetry.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 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. CALIFORNIA Saturday, March 23rd, The Lifelong Impact of Adoption 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Lecture & Discussion by Marlou Russell, Ph.D. $30 per person Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd. Technology Building, Room #201 Santa Monica, California 90405 For more info contact: marlourussell@hotmail.com http://www.marlourussellphd.com 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. CONNECTICUT 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 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 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. 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 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!! PENNSYLVANIA 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 Council on Adoptable Children Meeting addressing the family and fertility. Tuesday, March 19th, Big Mount Pleasant Library, 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm. Free and open to the public. Second in a series of four meetings thru May. 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 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 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. 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