One evening I received a call from my son’s chorus director. I had been doing quite a bit of graphic work for the chorus and it dawned on him that I might be able to help him out. He asked me if I would spoof up the brochure that he and his wife were working on. They were in the process of adopting a child, and needed to get the word out to birth mothers that they were interested in adopting a newborn. They had been in the process for almost a year.
I jumped at the chance to help them out. I designed an 11 x 17, 2 page brochure for them with photos, telling the story of their family, and how they yearned to add another child to their lives. The brochures were printed and sent out through their adoption agency to birth mothers all over the country. A few weeks later they received a call that a birth mother was interested in them. Within a few months, their new bundle of joy was part of their family.
That was 8 years ago. What a joy to witness their miracle, and see their son grow through the years. My son graduated from the chorus, but we keep in touch via Facebook.
So glad you are still doing this…and we’re still on your website, we’re honored!! The letters still make me cry!!! It brings back so many memories!! Our son, nearly 5 years, is still bringing us so much joy!! In fact it is almost exactly 5 years ago you were helping us with our letter!! It’s a special thing you are doing!! It literally changes lives!! – Sue
Since that call I have been creating adoption brochures for families all across the country. I work with 2 adoption agencies that refer me. All of the families that I have done brochures for see results within a few months. It’s been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the big picture, and it is my goal to contribute to hundreds of adoptions.
Foster Care is a vital step to many adoptions for older children. Alena Strickland has spent the last 25 years caring for critically ill and developmentally delayed children from the foster care system. She believes she was called by God based on James 1:27 that states, “Religion that God accepts as faultless is to take care of widows and orphans in their need.” Alena lives this verse. Alena has fostered over 170 children.
This year Alena received a $50,000 award from “5-hour ENERGY Helps Amazing People.” Alena plans to use the money to start an elementary school at the Dream Center in Los Angeles for homeless children in the area. She was also chosen for the “Mom of the Year” title by talk show host Steve Harvey, who sponsored a nationwide contest in honor of Mother’s Day. Alena received $10,000 and well deserved five-day trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
I have had the great pleasure of knowing Alena and her family for many years. She is truly blessed with a gift and calling from God. Read more about Alena’s story at Intheirdefense.com.
November is National Adoption Month, a time to raise awareness about the urgent need for adoptive families for babies, children and youth in foster care. This year, the Children’s Bureau’s goal for this initiative has a new focus: Help States harness the power of social media to recruit and retain parents for the over 104,000* children and youth in foster care waiting for permanent families.
Please explore this National Adoption Month website and the AdoptUSKids website to find resources for professionals, prospective adoptive parents, and youth. How can you make a difference to a child today?
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