MEET KATE!

Today's guest blogger is our very own, Kate Runyan. Kate is our Marketing Specialist guru!

Hi everyone, my name is Kate and I am the Marketing Specialist at Children Awaiting Parents. If you have ever received any print or electronic communication from us, I was probably behind the design process. I came to Children Awaiting Parents (almost) right out of undergrad where I began as an intern. Turns out, I was pretty lucky to land at an organization that cares about their mission as much as their employees so I was (am) grateful to remain here part-time. I work another part-time job as well and I am finishing up my Master’s thesis at R.I.T. so my schedule here is pretty nice. And, how many twenty-something’s can say that love going into work? I am pretty lucky.

Actually, this job gets you feeling lucky a lot. I never realized how many kids are without a home. Prior to Children Awaiting Parents, I never even realized that adopting from the foster care system was an option! But, I’m only 25 and my only experience with adoption has been this little lady who INSISTS on riding on my lap in the car. Probably not safe at all, but so adorable.

Kate and Sophie

 

Although I don’t know about adoption on a personal level, I know about family and I feel lucky all over again because my niece Savannah is such a joy. When I was home in Elmira for Thanksgiving, my sister and I took Sav to the parade. She is still trying to figure out the whole getting your picture taken thing but she looks so cute I had to share.

 

Kate and her niece, Savannah

 

Working at Children Awaiting Parents is an incredible experience. As a group, we are passionate, diverse and innovative. We champion and advocate for all types of families while lending ourselves as an ally to kids and families. In the future, I see myself being a mentor and who knows, possibly an adoptive parent!

HAPPY FINALIZATION DAY, DEJUAN!

Last Friday, while many were out shopping for the best deals, I had the privilege of attending one of our youth's adoption finalizations.

About a year ago, I received a call from Emily and Kristen's caseworker. The ladies were looking to adopt another child to join their family. I had just learned about DeJuan and knew they had to learn about him. I sent photos and profiles to the worker and she called a week later stating that the family was interested in learning more. Every time I have seen DeJuan, he's had a smile on his face, but I'm pretty sure I've never seen it as big and beautiful as it was on Friday when he joined his forever family! DeJuan, from everyone here at Children Awaiting Parents, we wish you all the happiness, laughter and love you deserve. (And you know I was trying not to cry when I typed that...) Congratulations!!

DeJuan and his moms



Me and DeJuan

DeJuan, his forever family and grandparents, and Judge Ruhlmann

DeJuan, his forever family and Judge Ruhlmann

 

THE DRUGGING OF OUR YOUTH

Giovan Bazan is an advocate who spent over 10 years in our country's foster care system. Please see this video below, detailing his personal story regarding the drugging of foster care youth.

OUR KIDS ROCK!

It's almost that time of year again!

We are rallying our supporters to help us celebrate how much CAP kids rock and in doing so, we ask that on 12.12.12 you ROC the Day 2012 with Children Awaiting Parents. We're asking supporters to donate at least $12 to help us raise money and awareness for our waiting youth. (And don't forget - all day, ROC the Day will be choosing one random winner an hour to choose the charity of their choice for ROC the Day to donate an additional $500!)

As always, on behalf of the children we serve, we are so grateful for your support!

HAPPY NATIONAL ADOPTION DAY!

Not flesh of my flesh

Nor bone of my bone,

But still miraculously

My own.

Never forget

for a single minute:

You didn't grow under my heart

But in it.

Copyright Fleur Conkling Heyliger; Adoption Media, LLC 1995-2006

 

 

 

Today we celebrated Monroe County's National Adoption Day! Every year, I get so excited to see adoptions finalize and families made. It's a beautiful day in what can sometimes be a very beauracratic and frustrating field. But the faces on the beautiful children and the words that are shared, always give inspiration to those who have the privilege of attending this event. Below are photos and video from today's celebration.

 

A little about today's features on our blog:

 

The video is of Kambria Horton-Brinkley, and her mother, Jackie Brinkley. Jackie was recruited to be an adoptive parent by our community outreach specialist, Veronica Black. Be sure to grab your tissues for some happy crying - Kambria does an amazing job!

Trelawney McCoy works very closely with Children Awaiting Parents, helping to raise awareness about the importance of stepping forward to be an adoptive parent. She has adopted six children and today, she finalized the adoption of her youngest girl, Cocoa.

 

Cocoa (in the tiara) and her sisters.

 

Cocoa's brothers looking on as their sisters get their photo taken.

Trelawney and her girls.

 

Cocoa and her sisters practicing their dancing.

Don Alhart, our emcee, finalizing the program in front of the CAP display. Don is our local newscaster and has been helping our youth find forever homes for over twenty years!

 



POST ADOPTION SERVICES IN NYS

We just received notification from our friends at New York State Citizens' Coalition for Children that they are petitioning for statewide funded post-adoption services. Please take a moment and sign this important petition to help families receive the services they need in order to avoid adoption disruptions. A disrupted adoption is another loss and another step back for our already fragile youth. We need your support!

Please sign and share with friends so NYSCCC can reach their goal of 1000 signatures by National Adoption Day.

DORIAL - AN ADOPTION SUCCESS STORY

Photo: Jennifer Silverberg for PARADE magazine

While the story may be a bit outdated (it was published in January of this year), its message resonates. The third of six kids born to a struggling single mother, Dorial Green-Beckham, member the 2012 PARADE All-America Football Team, bounced from motel rooms and vans to living in foster homes until his football coach, John Beckham, and John's wife Tracy, opened their hearts and home. Click here to read Dorial's amazing adoption story.

30 ADOPTION PORTRAITS IN 30 DAYS

Photo courtesy of www.Chicagonow.com
 

For the second straight year, in honor of November being National Adoption Month, Portrait of an Adoption is running a special series called 30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days. Designed to give a voice to the many different perspectives of adoption, this series will feature guest posts by adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, waiting adoptive parents, and foster parents-turned-adoptive parents. Painful and beautiful, these stories will bring you a deeper understanding of what adoption looks like, allowing you to appreciate the many brushstrokes that comprise a family portrait.
(Taken from www.Chicagonow.com)

Check out today's post, "Why a Loving Parent Raises a Child's Expectations in Life."

WE CAN HELP

As many of you may know, our organization works very diligently to advocate and recruit on behalf of the forgotten youth in our country. The children who are registered with our organization have come to us because they have amazing caseworkers who care very much about the future of the youth they serve.

Ian from Florida featured in an African American newspaper

Traditionally, we charge $100 a year to recruit for one child or two siblings, $200 a year for sibling groups of three or more but at the beginning of 2013, we have scholarships available for some states who may not currently have their youth listed with us.

Here is a listing of possible recruitment avenues when you use CAP's services:

• feature on the Children Awaiting Parents website
• feature on AdoptUSKids website, if not already
• feature in our traveling Heart Gallery
• features in both local and national newsletters
• features on our blog and/or Facebook page
• email blasts to certified families across the country

Are you a caseworker who would like to be sure you're doing everything you can to find your youth a permanent home?

Email ilona@capbook.org to find out if your youth can benefit from the services of Children Awaiting Parents or click here to submit your registration online.

HEART GALLERY SUCCESS!

What a night - last week's Heart Gallery was a success! Below are some photos of the event. Denille Goff, our featured speaker, did an excellent job. I'd be surprised if there was a dry eye in the house! Beautiful photographs of our children were displayed in the museum and people were given the opportunity to hear about the work we do and the children we serve.

Click here to view more photos from the event!

CAP Board Member, Larry Shannon-Missal, showing off his awesome volunteering skills!

CAP Board Members, Russell Olson, Maryjane Link (former Executive Director), Michelle Ely and Matt Reynell

Guest speaker, Denille Goff, and Veronica Black's boys, often referred to as "Four brothers, one family"

HAPPY HEART GALLERY DAY!

Today is the opening of our Heart Gallery at Strong Museum and the office is a buzz! The Heart Gallery is a national movement that showcases artistic portraits of children currently in foster care and available for adoption. Click here for a sneak peek at one of tonight's featured children.

Nicole Dobbins, Executive Director of Voice for Adoption (VFA), was our guest speaker at last year's opening. VFA is an excellent organization that advocates for improved adoption policies. Each year, they celebrate families who have adopted children from foster care with the Adoptive Family Portrait Project. The primary goal of the project is to raise awareness among members of Congress about the real experiences and needs of families who have adopted children who were in the foster care system. (Click here to learn more.)

Below is a photo of Nicole with the youth who attended last year's opening. Because her position concentrates on relations with Congress, she rarely gets a chance to meet the children who are so greatly impacted by the excellent work she does. She was so happy to be able to spend time with some of our featured youth and this photo captures it!

If you're in the Rochester area and would like to attend tonight's Heart Gallery, David is still accepting reservations. Just email info@capbook.org or call 585-232-5110.

Heart Gallery 2011

Heart Gallery 2012 brochure

Heart Gallery 2012 program, pre-cut

Kate's desk taken over by the Heart Gallery preparations!