A Quarterly Newsletter from Spring 2007 Remembering Birthmother’s Day In This Issue On Saturday, May 12, as many Day celebration naturally progresses families prepare for the more into an open discussion on . "traditional" Mother's Day "We always wanted to bring the celebration, families touched by children's adoption to the forefront adoption prepare for the lesser and talk about the gift their known Birthmother's Day. Founded birthparents gave us; them". in 1990 by a group of Seattle, WA birthmothers, Over the years many Birthmother's Day aims families have begun to to not only educate, but “younger infuse tradition into 2 Angelina Jolie Adoption more importantly honor children light this non-traditional 2 Submit Your Child’s Photo and remember those a candle in holiday. Celebrations 3 Legislation mothers who created a honor of the of Birthmother’s Day 4 Charitable Works life plan for their child. range from families 5 AFTH Asian New Year birthmother cooperatively writing Parties Birthmother's Day can that gave letters to their 5 Virginia’s Upcoming be an extremely birthmother, updating Events personal holiday. them the her on recent 6 Book Reviews Many families with greatest gift accomplishments and 8 International Program younger children light a possible, the milestones in the candle in honor of the children's lives, to Updates birthmother that gave gift of life.” smaller, more personal 10 Musings of an Adoptive them the greatest gift gestures such as Mama- NEW! possible, the gift of life, before reading and writing poems, or 11 A World Wide Web sitting down to a family meal. As sending a card. Connection the children get older, adoptive parents share the pictures and letters Each May, From The Insert: provided by their birthother with Heart looks forward to honoring and AFTH Annual Picnics their children. Michaelina Bendig, supporting the women who have an AFTH Adoption Consultant and been instrumental in building Adoptive Parent says, "We always families. If you or your family has a spoke positively about the affection special celebration or household we have for them [the children's tradition and you would like to share birthmothers] and the positive your story, email [email protected]. influence they've had on our lives." Between sharing pictures and letters, the Bendig's Birthmother

© 2007 Adoptions From The Heart. All rights reserved. Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter Angelina Jolie’s Vietnam Adoption

The adoption of a child should always be a celebrated and happy time for a family. Unfortunately for celebrities who adopt, this is not always the case. Plagued by rumors and paparazzi their adoptions are often filled with security concerns, bad press and chances for exploitation. As many of you have read, Angelina Jolie recently chose AFTH to facilitate the adoption of her new son Pax Thien Jolie. While we issued a press release trying to clear up any misconceptions regarding her adoption, there is still talk of special treatment. We would like to once again express that Ms. Jolie’s adoption followed all the steps and procedures that all families’ paperwork took. She was very insistent upon going through the process just as everyone else does. She was a pleasure to work with and had all the same concerns, questions and anxieties as all adoptive families as they wait for signing dates and worry over bonding with their new child. We wish the Jolie-Pitt family well with their newest adoption.

Submit Your Photos! Say We are collecting pictures for our Cheese! 2008 calendar starring AFTH -Send us pictures representing holidays! children! -Send us seasonal pictures such as on the beach or in the snow! -Send pictures with clean faces and endearing expressions! -Have your digital camera set to the highest resolution and pixel setting to help with clarity!

-Try to send horizontal 4 x6 pictures, (it helps Send your pictures to: with design!) Marketing Team Calendar Search Adoptions From The Heart -Send us multiple pictures of your children! 30-31 Hampstead Circle Variety is good! Wynnewood, PA 19096 (610).642.7200 Please have each picture submitted labeled with your child’s name, age, country, parents name, and address to us by June 30, 2007 for consideration!

2 Spring 2007 Legislation OKLAHOMA - The state of ADOPTION AND SAFE prevent children from lingering in Oklahoma is appealing a judge's FAMILIES ACT - A recent while awaiting same-race May 2006 decision deeming the study looked at 16,000 placements placement. MEPA prohibits racial Adoption Invalidation Law unconsti- over a six-year period in Illinois and matching as the primary placement tutional. Under the law, passed in found that the risk of criterion, but states continue to 2004, same-sex parents with legally dropped by 11 percent after ASFA violate this law (Ohio was fined in adopted children lost their parental went into effect. Higher disruption 2003; South Carolina in 2005). status while in Oklahoma - even if risks were associated with non- just passing through. relative placements, older or disabled children, and placements handled by CIS FEE INCREASE - CIS is inexperienced social workers. looking to increase their fees. The FEWER INTER-COUNTRY proposed increase for the I-600A and ADOPTIONS IN 2006 - In I-600 will be from $545 to $670 and 2006, 20,679 children were adopted INTER-COUNTRY the N-600 fro $255to$460. There are other proposed increased increases abroad by US parents - a drop from ADOPTION GOES the 22,728 total in 2005. listed in the Federal register. DIGITAL - USCIS, has selected Adoptions From The Heart wrote to inter-country adoption processing protest these fee increases as did FOSTER ADOPTIONS to introduce a centralized electronic many other agencies. The deadline records system. Electronic processing SAVE GOVERNMENT has now passed for comment and we is expected to improve the do not know, at this time, what the For each dollar spent MONEY - consistency, quality and timeliness result will be. by child welfare services to place and of information available to adoption finalize the adoption of a child from professionals and USCIS officials. foster care, the US government saves an average of $3, reports the The change to online case will Department of Economics at eliminate the need for parents to American University. re-file paperwork if they move during the adoption process, or to resubmit An adoptee is 23 percent more likely birth or marriage certificates for than a child in foster care to complete subsequent adoptions. No timeline high school, and twice as likely to for the project has been announced. pursue schooling beyond high school. These factors contribute to a 37 percent increase, on average, in an adult adoptee's earnings. TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION STILL NOT OPEN RECORDS UNIVERSALLY A new national VICTORY IN NEW JERSEY - ACCEPTED - analysis of foster and adoptive The New Jersey Senate has approved placements found that African- legislation to give adopted adults American children would benefit access to their original birth certificates. from more stringent enforcement of the Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994 (MEPA) and other anti- discrimination laws designed to

3 Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter Charitable Works Left: Donna and Keith Jones with daughter Tori pictured at Lancaster’s Fall Festival Celebration.

Below: Kimberly Platz, AFTH Lancaster Office Supervisor, pictured above with Emma Klinke (age 2) at the 2007 Asian New Year Party. Emma proudly displays the red thread bracelet purchased to support the Tori Fund.

Help Needed for an AFTH Family - The Adoptions From The Heart community is lending its strength and support to a very special little girl, Tori. At only 9 months, when most babies are beginning to crawl, Tori began fighting for her life after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Since being diagnosed, Tori has undergone surgery to remove a substantial amount of the tumor, and has been receiving According to Legend: An invisible red thread Chemotherapy in hopes of being one of the 2% of people connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of successful against this debilitating disease. time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but never break. This time-honored Chinese Tori’s medical bills have put a financial strain on the legend underscores the belief that when a child is born family. Adding to the financial burden, her mother lost invisible red threads connect that child's soul to all her job when she refused to leave her daughter’s side at those people - present and in the future - who will play the hospital after she exhausted the time allotted to her by a part in that child's life. As each birthday passes, the Family Medical Leave Act. In January to help reduce those threads shorten and tighten, bringing closer those people who are fated to be together. The the financial impact on the adoptive family, AFTH began adoption community has taken this legend to heart, selling hope in the form of a bracelet. Almost $2000 has and has embraced the tradition of the red thread already been raised in bracelet sales and donations and bracelet as a symbol of the connection between these additional donations will help to make a larger dent in children and their new families. Tori’s overwhelming medical bills. If you would like to purchase a red thread bracelet made of glass beads, contact our Lancaster office by phone at (717) 399-7766. AFTH has continued its commitment to Bracelets are $25.00 each, and all proceeds directly Vietnam - benefit Tori and her family during this critical time. support Vietnamese with contributions since January totaling $15,000. The money will help ease the As always, we will also accept donations of any size, burden of daily expenses including food, clothing, which can be made, payable by check to: Adoptions educational materials and medical supplies. In addition, From The Heart, 30-31 Hampstead Circle, Wynnewood, AFTHprovided the Tam Binh, Picasso, and Thi Nghe PA 19096. In the memo field, please note: Tori Fund. orphanages with $4000 to put towards their annual Tet We want to thank you on behalf of Tori's family for celebration. giving as generously as you can.

4 Spring 2007 AFTH Asian New Year Parties

The 2007 AFTH event; it is you that makes it special. Gung Hay Fat Choy Asian New Year and Chuc Mung Nam Moi! party was once again a great success! Virginia Celebrates the Year of The Pig! Over 600 parents The AFTH Virginia Office held their annual Asian New and children joined Year Celebration at Mr. Liu’s in Williamsburg, VA on us in celebrating The Sunday, February 25. Over 110 people attended the Year of the Golden event! Guests enjoyed Lion Dancers, a Karate Pig at the Valley demonstration, good food and great company! Forge Convention Center in February. We hope to see everyone in 2008 to celebrate the Year With special of the Rat - details will be coming shortly! performances by The Lee Ming Simplified Chinese School, partygoers enjoyed authentic Chinese dance and music while The Main Line Chinese School performed an impressive yo-yo demonstration, a fan dance, and the traditional lion dance that chased away evil and ushered in a year of good luck!

We would like to thank all the families who attend this

Virginia Office Activities Annual AFTH Picnic! Saturday, May 19th, 10am-2pm Sandy Bottom Nature Park Join the AFTH staff and families as we celebrate another year of building beautiful families! Bring your family, a blanket, and picnic lunch! AFTH will provide drinks, ice, paper products, and a grill! Enjoy the playground, nature center and trails, a scavenger hunt and prizes! Birthmother’s Day Celebration! Saturday, May 12 from 11am-1pm Join us at our NEW Chesapeake Office to celebrate the very special Birthmother’s Day. Enjoy a luncheon and reconnect with AFTH families as we honor the women whose courage gave us the gift of family! For more information call (757) 361-0008 New Location - New Staff The new address is: 1407 Stephanie Way, Suite H, Chesapeake, VA 23320 Also, the Virginia Office welcomes Adoption Consultant Barbara Garrison ([email protected]), and Donna Banks ([email protected]) to the AFTH team!

5 Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter Book Reviews

Families Like Mine mission of The Post-Adoption Blues is to examine the Children of Gay challenges of adoption, and to alleviate feelings often Parents Tell it Like It experienced during and after the adoption process. By Is by Abigail Garner shedding light on Post-Adoption Depression Syndrome - Using extensive research (PADS) through their own experience as adoptive parents and interviews with some as well as interviews with dozens of adoptive families and five dozen youths, Garner experts in the field, the couple offers parents the discusses many topics understanding, support, and concrete solutions they need to including: family changes, overcome post-adoption blues. Retail price: $14.95 AFTH particularly divorces and price: $12.00 same-sex break-ups; how kids with LGBT parents When I Met You - A Story of Russian handle school; the concept Adoption - by Adrienne Ehlert Bashista - of "straight family privilege" and straight kids in queer culture to name a few. She doesn't shy away from tough questions, and she doesn't believe that kids with gay parents grow up exactly like everyone else. Weaving into the book her own fears and experiences, Garner is able to clearly delineate many of the problems that members of a non-traditional family encounter. This book is tremendously readable; the contributions from the interviewees and the author's personal story were fascinating. Garner's ability to synthesize and explore this topic in such an accessible way is ground-breaking. This is not an old book about an old subject, but an excellent resource for anyone reaching out for understanding and guidance about growing up in an One of the first children's books about the Russian adoption LGBT household. Retail price: $19.95 AFTH price: $20.00 experience. It tends to be focused towards girls since it is written from a mother to a daughter but while it is not an The Post Adoption exact story for all adoptions, it is written with heartfelt Blues by Karen J. Foli, words. Price: $17.00 Ph.D. and John Thompson, MD - Over 150,000 people adopt children each year, and more than 2 million parents are now raising adopted children. While the path to parenting through adoption is rich with rewards and fulfillment, it's not without its bumps. This compassionate, illuminating, and ultimately uplifting book is the first to openly recognize the very normal feelings of stress that adoptive families encounter as they cope with the challenges and expectations of their new families. The

6 Spring 2007 Congratulations to Families Who Have Recently Adopted! Daughters from Daughters from Guatemala Vietnam Galen & Sharon Tammy Christopher Ramakant & Gwen Linda Linda Marita Frank & Mary Elizabeth Robert & Carol Daniel & Bernice Regina Daughters from the Daughters from Angela John & Stephanie USA China John & Elaine John & Jamie Anthony & Jodi Gary & Lorraine John & Gina Charles & Emilie Peter & Kendra Joseph & Kerstin Scott & Michelle David & Megan Arthur & Lynn Sons from Vietnam David & Kimberly Carmine & Linda Eric & Aimee Michelle & Denise Marc & Tonya Sons from George & Ann Francis & Cara Donald & Diana Guatemala Angelina Matthias & Vonetta Michael & Maureen David & Kimberly Mark Frank & Richard Stephen & Jessica Carl & Bethany Alan Stephen & Brenda Martine (twins) Scott & Kim David & Janice Joanna & Lorraine Jack Mark & Kim Paul & Jacqueline Jon Todd John & Cynthia Ken Sons from the USA Benjamin & Barbara Mark & Mary Jean Daughters from Matthew & Elizabeth Brian & Louanne Kazakhstan Sons from Ukraine Daniel & Amy Dana Bruce & Linda Carol Charlotte Daniel & Megan David & Brenda Clifford & Noreen Raymond & Allison Corey & Robyn Daughters from Edward & Pamela David & Abigail Stephen & Tracy Ukraine Joseph & Kelly Robert & Natalie Dorcus John & Carol Joshua & Sherry Donald & Stacey Jennifer Timothy & Christine William & Joanna John & Sonia Sons from Lithuania Richard & Charlene Clayton & Yolanda Christopher & Mary Wesley & Michelle Jonathan & Mirella Debbie Sons from Russia Joan Pavel& Larisa Stephen & Carrie Daniel & Linda Scott & Anabella Thomas & Georgiana Christopher & Lane (2 children) James & Lorraine Kristopher & Susan Jim & Carla Daughters from Robert & Sarah Russia Mark & Belinda Joseph & Michelle

7 Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter Program Updates VIETNAM - Our license to work in Vietnam was continues to partner with Children of the World renewed for another year on April 2, 2007. Many Adoption Agency, Inc. in placing Russian boys and girls families have traveled and returned home with their as young as 12-36 months of age. children and we currently have 12 families waiting for signing dates. Our Executive Director Maxine UKRAINE - AFTH has 15 Chalker and Vietnam Program families currently waiting for Coordinator Heidi Gonzalez will be appointments to travel and one family traveling to Vietnam in May to meet scheduled to travel in May. It is with officials and try to streamline anticipated that more appointments the process in-country. They will be will be coming any day. The looking into branching out into government of Ukraine is considering different provinces and establishing a new law that would mandate no contacts with new orphanages. more than 45 years age difference Families should remember to send between parent and child and which their commitment letters to the would also eliminate adoption by AFTH Wynnewood office when they single adoptive parents. At this point, are due. Three original copies are the bill needs to go through two more now needed. processes to become law and it is uncertain that it will pass. The U.S. GUATEMALA - There have been no drastic State Department has gotten confirmation that the age changes with the Guatemala program at this time. We requirement would not be applied to adoptive parents continue to receive referrals and are assigning them to who are already registered and the agency facilitators families. Families are continuing to travel to bring home expect that singles who are already registered will also their children. be "grandfathered" in if the new law is passed. Families who have adopted are reminded to file their annual reports with the Ukrainian Consulate. These are due on the 1st of the month of the anniversary of the adoption. If you have questions regarding post-placement require- ments or the adoption process is Ukraine, contact Terry Petrone, the Ukraine Adoption Coordinator via e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at the Cherry Hill office.

LITHUANIA - AFTH is no longer accepting applications for Lithuania since the waiting time for RUSSIA - In the last edition of Adoption News, AFTH children under 5 without special needs is so long. We happily reported having completed the first 2 placements have a family traveling in May and one other family in its new Russia Networking Program in December of waiting for referral. Families who are interested in 2006. Since the start of 2007, 5 more Russian children children from Eastern Europe are encouraged to consider have been placed in the homes of AFTH families. Ukraine and Russia since both of those programs move Additionally, 8 other AFTH families have traveled to much faster than Lithuania and there are younger Russia within the past month to meet their children, and children available. all look forward to bringing these children home in the near future. Of special note is that all of these families received the referral of their child within 4 months of KAZAKHSTAN - Kazakhstan has been moving completion of their adoption home study. AFTH well. Ten families have traveled since January and it is

8 Spring 2007 expected that we will complete more adoptions by June Re-Opening of than were completed the entire year last year. Although the travel is very long, families are reporting that India Program to Kazakhstan is a very interesting country to visit and, Families Needing while they are anxious to come home with their babies, families traveling recently seem to be enjoying the Referrals travel. We continue to ask families who have completed As spring quickly approaches, AFTH is excited to adoptions to complete their post-placement at least announce the re-opening of our India program for one month before the due date to avoid negatively Indian families seeking referals! In Spring 2006, the impacting families in process. Annual reports with agency stopped accepting applications from families photographs should be sent to Terry Petrone at the who needed referrals due to long waits and no new Cherry Hill office one month prior to the anniversary of referrals being issued, making the adoption process the adoption court date. Any questions regarding post- virtually unbearable. Now, with two new orphanages to placement reports or the Kazakhstan program can be work with, AFTH looks forward to providing families directed to Terry Petrone via e-mail at [email protected] with another option for international adoption. or by phone at the Cherry Hill office. Kala Lilani, an AFTH Adoption Specialist, returned from India in March of 2007 with the good news. Now, working with the Bal Bikas Mahila Mandal in Latur, India, and the Matruchhaya Orphanage in Gujarat, India, hopeful families can look to adopt both boys and girls, ranging in age from young children to older toddlers. A few things to be aware of when CHINA - We are now past the 5/1/07 deadline for the applying to the India program: referrals can take submission of dossiers so all new families must meet between six month to one year, and one parent must be the new China requirements. We would just like to of Indian origin. Those families that wish to adopt from remind everyone to please call one of our offices if you India and are not of Indian decent can adopt older have questions about eligibility. school age children (age seven and up) as well as special needs children.

NEPAL - In March 2007, Adoptions From The Heart sent a representative, Kala Lilani to the First Got E-mail? International Adoption conference in To have monthly adoption program updates sent to you, send an e-mail with Nepal. A few weeks later, two the word "subscribe" in the subject line to the appropriate email address: Government officials from Nepal visited the Wynnewood office to Guatemala - [email protected] exchange information about adoption. Vietnam - [email protected] We will continue to investigate this country - look for details in our next China - [email protected] issue of Adoption News. Ukraine - [email protected] Kazakhstan - [email protected] India - [email protected]

To become a member of our Domestic online discussion group where you can connect with other AFTH families, send an email with the word “subscribe” in the subject line to the email address below: Domestic - [email protected]

9 Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter

Some folks are incredulous. Their faces scrunch as they ask: "How could you want Maeve to know her birth mother?" I try not to bristle, and simply answer, "How could I not?"

Entrusted with guiding Maeve into adulthood, it's our responsibility to equip her with the tools to make her whole. We are not gatekeepers of Maeve's history; rather, we are its caretakers, charged with protecting this cherished part of her until she's ready to take the reins and follow her own heart.

Skeptics ask if I'm threatened when B. plays with her, kisses her. They tell me in a protective tone, "You're her We're Open, Baby: mom now," implying there should be no interference with the mother-child relationship. And Here's Why I agree. So I ask them to consider the mother that By Gretchen Boger-O'Bryan created and carried Maeve, and loved her enough to admit she couldn't provide all her daughter deserved. I Some days I am Janis Joplin, Tracy Chapman, or my own ask them to consider the woman who pushed Maeve bluesy folksinger with a soulful groove. Of course, on from her loving womb, and held her close before letting these days I am driving in my car and, luckily, no one her go in an act of love many couldn't muster. She is the hears me. My late grandmother was a singer and pianist, mother that lawyer, judge and adoption agency had no but her musical talents are lost on me. hand in making.

Yet, there's hope. Not only does my 19-month-old I'm humbled at being chosen Maeve's everyday mom. daughter Maeve love to sing in toddler dialect Twinkle, And each morning when her coy wave greets me, I Twinkle, Little Star and Row Your Boat, she boasts an re-commit to do right by B. and - pardon the rewrite, impressive dance repertoire. Her great-grandmother Ms. Joplin - the baby that takes yet another little piece of would be proud. my heart.

Maeve bops, sways and claps to music in the house, The daughter that makes us both a mother. whether children's sing-a-longs, blues, reggae, rock or jazz. With a spark in her eyes and a beaming smile, Maeve shakes jingly bells, her daddy taps drumsticks, Gretchen Boger-O'Bryan was placed with her infant and I, wannabe bluesy songstress, take tambourine in daughter in July 2005 through Adoptions From The hand. We laugh and dance, laugh and dance - our own Heart. An editor in legal publishing, she also is a free- wonderful rhythm. lance writer and currently writes about adoption and first-time parenthood on her blog, musings: While these moments of familial bliss make treasured mamahood&more, at www.mamagigi.wordpress.com. memories, they also are a stark reminder of another woman's loss in an arrangement so bittersweet.

Although ours is an open adoption with letters, photos and an annual reunion picnic, my husband and I want more contact and hope our relationship with Maeve's first mother, B., continues to grow.

10 Spring 2007 MySpace Reunites Sisters AFTH tries to provide education to adopting families enough, instead of finding her birthmother she found about the importance of being open with their children Becca and was thrilled to have found a half sister. Becca about their adoption and birthparents. Since 99% of our shares pictures of their birthmother who she has been families enter into semi or totally open adoptions, they keeping in contact with ever since her placement 15 are well aware that their children will be asking years ago. questions. I wanted to share a story with you that reflects how the internet has now made it possible for “anyone to When Abby saw that Becca has been keeping in touch find anyone.” with their birthmother, she questioned why their birthmother chose to keep in touch with Becca and not The names in this story have been changes to protect the her. Abby was hurt that she did not have the same privacy of the family. Mr and Mrs. Smith adopted a little opportunity to keep in contact with her birthmother. It girl, Abby (A), and agreed to the exchange of letters and is unsure whether Abby ever spoke to her adoptive pictures at the time of placement but later did not follow parents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith about why they chose not to through with their promise. The same birthmother gave keep their promise to her birthmother. This story birth to another daughter three years later and placed her reiterates the benefits of open adoption and the for adoption. The family that adopted this little girl named importance of adoptive parents keeping their promise to Becca (B) kept in contact with the her birthmother as communicate with the birthmother, not just for her Becca was growing up. Becca even has a various pictures benefit but also for their child. of her and her birthmother together from different times they had met over the past 15 years of her life. The story does not end here as Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Abby now have plans to reunite with Becca. We will At the age of 18, Abby - the first adopted daughter - keep you posted as the story continues. decided that she wanted to find her birthmother and she began searching on MySpace and YouTube. Amazingly

Adoptive Parent Activities!

Camp FCC Harambee Parent Support Group (Families with Children from China) Every Third Saturday Camp Ockanickon & Matollionequay 3-5pm Medford, NJ June 15,16,17 Philadelphia, pa 19119

Welcome to the 6th annual Camp FCC where children Considering adoption? Are you an adoptive parent? Are enjoy cultural and educational programs along with you searching for adoption related answers? Do you want physical activities in a safe and nurturing environment. to connect with other adoptive parents of African Parents and children, camping together, will explore American children? Chinese culture and positive adoption awareness in a relaxed, natural setting. Register soon as programs sell Contact Group Leaders for more information: out quickly! Call Lisa Stanwyck for more information [email protected] (609)-405-1663 or email [email protected] or call Sylvia at (215) 457-5141

11 WYNNEWOOD OFFICE CENTRAL NEW JERSEY OFFICE 30-31 Hampstead Circle 1 Bethany Road, Ste 81, Bldg 6 CPFA CONFERENCE Wynnewood, PA 19096 Hazlet, NJ 07730 610.642.7200 732.335.8883 “Let’s Talk Adoption” LEHIGH VALLEY OFFICE DELAWARE OFFICE November 3, 2007 2212 Union Blvd 18-A Trolley Square Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ Allentown, PA 18109 Wilmington, DE 19806 www.cpfanj.org 610.432.2384 302.658.8883 HARRISBURG OFFICE VIRGINIA OFFICE 4331 North Front Street 1407 Stephanie Way, Suite H APC CONFERENCE Harrisburg, PA 17110 Chesapeake, VA 23320 717.232.1787 757.361.0008 "Adoption: Children are the LANCASTER OFFICE WEST VIRGINIA OFFICE Hope of the World" 1525 Oregon Pike, Suite 402 PO Box 2057 Lancaster, PA 17601 Beaver, West Virginia 25813 November 18, 2007 717.399.7766 304.763.5400 Montclair State University in Montclair, NJ PITTSBURGH OFFICE CONNECTICUT OFFICE 206 Main St. Ste 3 Local Staff: 800.355.5500 (201)689-0995 Greensburg, PA 15601 or contact our Lancaster Office www.adoptiveparents.org 724.853.6533

SOUTH NEW JERSEY OFFICE NEW YORK 2007 National Adoption 451 Woodland Avenue Look for new Brooklyn Office Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 opening soon! Conference 856.665.5655 Hosted by: National Council for Adoption July 25-27, 2007 VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.adoptionsfromtheheart.org Washington, DC Is Our Mailing List Current? Do you wish to www.adoptioncouncil.org be removed from future mailings? Are you receiving more than one copy? Are your name and address incorrect? Please let us know by e-mailing [email protected].

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID 30-31 Hampstead Circle PERMIT # 36 Wynnewood, PA 19096 ARDMORE, PA

SPRING 2007

Adoption News is a publication of Adoptions From The Heart, a private, non-profit, licensed agency.