Adoption Week e-Magazine Formerly Adopting.org Newsletter and Adoption.com Newsletter February 25, 2002 To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. ************************ IN THIS ISSUE ************************ 1.  ANNOUNCEMENTS:        - FosterParenting.com Joins the Adoption.com Family        - Reunionregistries.com        - What are your favorite adoption songs?        - Call for adoption-related articles 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 FOSTERPARENTING.COM JOINS THE ADOPTION.COM FAMILY The largest foster parenting website on the Internet with more than 1200 pages of content has become part of the Adoption.com. It has been given a brand new look and feel, has many additional features, and has been re-launched as FosterParenting.com. We invite you to visit www.fosterparenting.com and join the online support community, read free online foster parenting books, find poetry and articles, find an e-mail pen pal, join the foster parenting e-mail discussion group, find foster parenting books and magazines, subscribe for the foster parenting newsletter, and much more. REUNIONREGISTRIES.COM Adoption.com has launched this new site listing more than 400 different reunion registries, message boards, and other sites where birthparents and adoptees can list information saying they want to be found. Please visit this site and let us know if we've forgotten any. Send comments to editor@adoption.com. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ADOPTION SONGS? We're putting together a CD of our favorite adoption songs, and would love your feedback as to which songs are your favorite. E-mail your favorite adoption songs to editor@adoption.com, or let us know if you would be interested in the CD once it is released. CALL FOR ADOPTION-RELATED ARTICLES Adoption.com is building a library with more than 1,000 articles and if you have written any well-written articles related to adoption, parenting, special needs, search & reunion, infertility, or any other related topics, we invite you to submit them. We will reprint well-written articles in the Adoption Week e-Magazine and on Adoption.com and Adopting.org websites. Each time your article is reprinted it can include credit for the author and a promotional link to a website or an e-mail address. You can submit articles at www.adoptionweek.com, or e-mail them to editor@adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 2.  NEW ARTICLES Discovering Our Children's Heritage - new article by Kimberly Howarth "As our children grow, they will doubtlessly begin to engage us in deeper conversation, pepper us with questions about their time in the orphanage, and ask what type of area they are from. Heritage tours can provide a supportive environment in which to explore these questions and feelings surrounding their adoption. Read more. What Mental Health Professionals Can Do for Adoptees in Crisis...Attach Connections - new article by Sherrie Eldridge Be aware during hospitalization that the adoptee is looking at most events occurring around him/her through a lens of rejection (visiting family leaving, psychiatrist leaving, no feedback from therapy group, etc). The loss that is so painful can become a blessing-- growth will occur and someday adoptee will be able to help others who are hurting. Say often, "I am here for you." Read more. In Search of My Birthmother - new article from Today's Christian Woman May/June 1993 Suddenly, I had a new family: a mother, half-sister, and half-brother. As morning dawned, so did feelings of peace and completeness. While I still had unanswered questions about my father, I now had a history! First Corinthians 2:9 came to mind: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him." Read more. Read these articles at www.AdoptionWeek.com Back to Top *************************************************************** 3.  ADOPTION NEWS Romanian Adoption Clean-Up Freezes Out Families Click Here How Does First-Time Mom Know What to Do? Click Here Bill Would Provide Help, Ease Restrictions on Foster Children Click Here Couple's Foreign Adoption Lands Family in Legal Limbo Click Here Woman Sentenced in Adoption Scheme, Ordered to Pay Restitution Click Here 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 LAUNCHING A BABY'S ADOPTION Patricia Irwin Johnson's, Launching a Baby's Adoption, is the book in focus this week. Written about and on behalf of children under a year old, who will be adopted during their first year of life, the author stresses this book is not a decision tool. Most specifically, this book is intended for adoptive parents, with the hope that the tools to make the smooth transition of their new baby into their home will be found in it. They will also learn ways to ensure their child-to-be's birthparents have been appropriately advised and counseled in such a difficult decision. For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=6&pf%5Fid=1077 Back to Top *************************************************************** 5.  ADOPTION BUZZ Birthmother is Sister-in-Law Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. So Many Emotions Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Thank You! Outdated material has been removed. Please visit AdoptionBoards.com. Too Open of an Open Adoption 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! ** New mommy and Daddy Richard and Paula...on baby son born on Valentines' Day!! ** New mommy and daddy Jen and Bob on adoption of their little girl! If you are hoping to adopt, visit www.ParentProfiles.com today to start building your online profile. Back to Top *************************************************************** 8.  FEATURED WAITING CHILD Christina is a sweet, beautiful child who is faced with significant challenges. There are many things that this little girl enjoys, but what she probably enjoys the most is one-on-one attention from other people. She is also entertained by music, cartoons, and videos. Anything with Barney in it is especially favored. Christina is responsive to special events and reacts with enthusiasm to clowns, parties, and holidays. She likes to have a light on in her room. There are also some particular things that Christina does not like. She is a quiet youngster herself, and she doesn't like loud noises. She does not like toys being taken away from her. And she definitely does not like to be ignored. Severely physically challenged, Christina has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and a seizure disorder. She is also assessed as being severely to profoundly Mentally Retarded. Although she is non-verbal, Christina is often heard babbling. She currently attends a self-contained classroom, emphasizing cognitive, communication, social, and self-help skills. Christina is fed through a tube. Because of reflux problems, feeding generally takes an hour. Being non-ambulatory, Christina uses a wheelchair. She needs someone to push her, as she is unable to propel it by herself. She doesn't move around very much, but enjoys being down on the floor among her toys for playtime. Since Christina will continue to have many special needs, an adoption subsidy is available. Funds are also available for travel assistance. A family for Christina should be prepared to make a life-long commitment to her care. They must be able to insure that her physical and medical needs are met, as well as her needs, like those of every child, for belonging, permanence, positive attention and love. 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. I'm writing back to let you know that I was successfully reunited with my birth brother and sister through this website. I had signed up a year ago. And this January my birth mom died. My sister found an envelope I had sent my mom in 1978 and immediately wanted to find me. She had no idea I existed! She was finally able to track me down through this online site. Thank you for this wonderful service! I have been waiting 50 years for this and I hope to meet my sister and brother in the near future. They are in California and I'm in New York! - Laura Thanks to YOU.. mom and adoptee are happily reunited!!!!! Thanks once again!!!!!! - Gina I am happy to inform you that I was just recently contacted by my birth mother and we had a very happy reunion. I will be seeing her soon. Thank you for helping me with my search. I appreciate it immensely. - Amelia I just found the last of my six siblings last week. It has been the most rewarding experience. I started my search last year and immediately found the four oldest sibling who were raised together, and a week later I found my youngest sister who was adopted and now last week I found my brother who was adopted before me. There were three of us who given up for adoption. We are planning a big family reunion next month. I have met three of the six already. I have met three of the six and grew up only 30 minutes away from my youngest sister. We have had a good time getting to know each other. We all have so much in common. Right down to the crooked little toe we all have. My birth mother has put us behind in her life, and is not willing to share in our lives as of yet, and I would caution anyone who searches to be prepared for that. But my siblings have more than made up for that. Keep up the search it's worth it. - Traci I just wanted everybody to know that I found my oldest Son here. It was not this week but it was the day after Christmas when I got an e-mail from him. My heart nearly dropped when I got that e-mail from him. We have been talking on the computer and over the phone too but have not seen each other yet only by e-mail picture's. This has been a dream for years for me just to talk with him and know he is doing alright. So now I feel that my life is complete again with both my boys back in my life again. - Barbara To register in the Internet's largest adoption reunion registry for FREE, visit www.AdoptionRegistry.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 10.  SEARCH AND REUNION TIP Take it slow, and only act on matters of your reunion when you are prepared to. Do not listen to friends or people who haven't been in your position. They may discourage you, because they don't have a clue how you feel or what is going on in your mind. Only after you are sure in your heart of your decision should you head in that direction, not a moment before. 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 Children have never been very good at listening to what their parents tell them-- but they never fail to imitate them. - James Baldwin Children need models rather than critics. - Joseph Joubert, 1842 Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them. - Lady Bird Johnson See a daily adoption gem at www.Adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 12.  ADOPTION POLL RESULTS OF OUR LAST POLL Question: Do you think the Asentes should be allowed to adopt Justin? 57.8% - Yes, in order for the brothers not to be separated, they should be adopted by the Asentes. 26.3% - Yes, Justin should be adopted by the Asentes, because they are better parents. 8.7% - 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. 7% - No, Justin should be returned to Ms. Moore and Mr. Dorning, his biological parents. VOTE IN OUR CURRENT POLL Alisha Bennett figures military life can't be any worse than 15 years of being shuffled around in foster care. As a foster child, Bennett chafed at the hoops she faced whether it was curfew, meeting with state counselors, and even trying to spend the night with a friend. A bill, which would provide training for applying for a job and opening a checking account, provide money for college expenses and living expenses for those wanting to attend college, and reduce other requirements on foster care kids and counselors for the Department of Children and Families, is being considered once a foster child reaches the age of 18. Read the article: http://www.naplesnews.com/02/02/florida/d755332a.htm Question: Do you think this bill should be passed? No, foster children need a lot of supervision and if this bill passes, things could get worse. No, the government should do what they feel is best for these children, because these children do not know what is best for them. Yes, foster children need the same opportunities that their other peers have open to them. Yes, foster children should not be punished for being in the position they are in; they need to be given a chance to experience life to the fullest also. 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.AdoptionJobs.com. If you're looking for an adoption-related job, this is the website for you! Use this site as a link between you and your future employer. And because you are so special to the adoption.com family, you can post your resume on this site for free! On the other hand, if you are an employer in the adoption industry who is looking for potential employees, this site is also as convenient for you: post your job opening here at no cost to you! For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit adoptions.adoption.com. Back to Top *************************************************************** 14.  JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT ADAM'S RIB In Sunday School, they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam's ribs. Later in the week, his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and said, "Johnny what is the matter?" Little Johnny responded, "I have a pain in my side. I think I'm going to have a wife." Back to Top *************************************************************** 15.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL KIRSH & KIRSH This week's adoption professionals are adoption attorneys and brothers, Steve and Joel Kirsh. These brothers enhance the public image of adoption, which is their specific area of practice. Both are members of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, and Steve is a past-president of the organization. They are dedicated to improving their practice and making the adoption process smoother for all parties involved. Back to Top *************************************************************** 16.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK Adoption Logo Jewelry 1-1/8" Goldfilled Charm/Pendant--$45.00 This exquisite piece epitomizes the blessings of adoption. The outline is that of a home, in which a couple joins hands forming a heart with a child in the center. All three stand united on two worlds that have come together through adoption. http://adoptionshop.com/product.asp?dept%5Fid=11&pf%5Fid=715 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. This week we found: Value Disc 200-Pack CD-R Limited Time: Save $45 with $35 Mfrs' Mail-In Rebate & $10 Instant Rebate. Go to Click Here to see the rebate. Mail-In Rebate Valid 2/24 - 3/2 Only! These CD-Rs offer multi-speed recording up to 32X. Product Details: Format: Writable Pack Size: 200 Data Capacity: 700MB Audio Capacity: 80 Minutes (Normally price $49.99.) To take advantage of this great deal, visit Click Here Back to Top *************************************************************** 18.  ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW ADOPTING TEENS GROUP Outdated material has been removed. Back to Top *************************************************************** 19.  ADOPTION POETRY Today I Kissed an Angel Today I kissed an angel. I knew it from the start. The first time my angel smiled at me; I gave away my heart. Today I kissed an angel; This angel child of mine Though not of my creation, My child by God's design. Today I kissed an angel. My heart is dancing wild; Our family, by a miracle; Blessed by our angel child. - Brenda Meece 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. 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 02/28/02 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 02/27/02 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 MICHIGAN 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 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 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 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. Adoption Search: Best Practices and Ethics Institute - April 9, 2002, Philadelphia, PA Immediately before The American Adoption Congress Annual Meeting, this institute will assist participants to understand how to conduct searches using ethical standards. Topics that will be covered include: researching characteristics and qualifications of the service provider; defining who may request a search; dealing with current practice in light of promises of the past; defining non-identifying information; preparing triad members for the search; reviewing sample cases. Patricia Martinez Dorner, MA, LPC, LMFT For more info, please call:(703) 549-1390 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 local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit www.AdoptionCalendar.com Back to Top ___________________________________________________________________ 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? For more information, visit www.AdoptionWeek.com. 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