CONGRATULATIONS DAVONTE!

Children Awaiting Parents was founded on the idea that visible children find homes. This is a simple concept that came to fruition in our little city of Rochester, NY and has seemed to envelope the adoption community throughout the country.

One of our youth, Davonte from Florida, recently finalized on his adoption and we are so happy to hear that it was a family that found him on our website. Woot! Woot!

Here is Davonte's photo and profile from when he was listed on our website.

Davonte is an active, personable young man. He really enjoys fishing (both fresh and salt water), swimming, playing video games and watching movies. In 8th grade,  Davonte’s favorite subjects are math and writing. ” When approached about being listed with Children Awaiting Parents, Davonte maturely interviewed his caseworker about the adoption process and what it means for him. He is excited about meeting his forever family and is open to single or married parents, and all races. He has two sisters and needs to remain in contact with them, whether that contact is by phone, internet or in person. Davonte would do well in a home with others, as well as animals. He’s an insightful young man who loves learning new things.

And here is a photo of Davonte on the day his adoption finalized.

Congratulations Davonte!

BE INSPIRED

I have been thinking a lot about mentoring lately. Of course we want our children to find permanency with a family but for those children who age out of foster care - what do we do? How can we ensure they will be confident, contributing members of society? Well, if they don't have the self esteem or the knowledge on how to do this, the chances become slimmer and slimmer. A teacher or mentor who invests in our kids is crucial. It's so important for our children to realize that they are beautiful, smart beings who can do whatever they put their minds to but sometimes, they need someone there to remind them of the amazing power that is inside them.

My coworker, Lisa, sent us this amazing video. While it's specifically about teachers, I dare you to watch it and not be inspired!

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

I just came across this website and thought it might be of interest to some of our parents out there. The site, www.MyAutismTeam.com, is a social network for parents of kids with autism. Below is a great video about the website, giving you insight into their social networking for parents, mobile apps, forums for asking questions that relate to you and your child - some great stuff!

Here's what some of their members are saying:

"I'm not even a full week into this journey with autism and I am already getting so much more support by complete strangers than I ever would have expected!"
-Bridgetdawn27, Waxahachie, TX

"You have no idea how alone I felt before MyAutismTeam. I wish I had it years ago. Just knowing there is someone else out there going through the same experiences is huge."
-CBP, Dallas, NC

"I'm happy to be a part of MAT and it makes me smile to know I can be a positive role model for parents."
-Michele, Las Vegas, NV

 

 

LOCAL BUSINESS HELPS RAISE AWARENESS

One of the two walls featuring our youth

We're excited to give a big "shout out" to our friends over at Dynamic Elite Athletics! They're helping us find homes by featuring our kids in a permanent rotating Heart Gallery. With so many families and children coming in and out of their establishment, we're hoping to reach some solid families who can help our kids find the permanency they deserve. Thanks again to Dynamic Elite Athletics - be sure to visit their Facebook page for more photos and to learn more about what they do!

If you have a fundraising idea or a way to help our youth find permanency, please contact Lisa Best, our Development Director, by calling 888-835-8802 or emailing her at Lisa@capbook.org.

WATCH THIS VIDEO ON TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION

Although families may not see color when they adopt, not recognizing and preparing our children for cultural differences can greatly affect the development of their identity. Melanie, our WWK Recruiter, recently sent me this video on transracial adoption. It has an open discussion with adoptees, parents and professionals about transracial adoption and how it affects our youth.

Another great film I saw about transracial adoption was at a NACAC conference. The film was called Living on the Fault Line and you can view the trailer below.

TRAVELING HEART GALLERY - FAIRPORT LIBRARY

For those of you who aren't already familiar with the Heart Gallery, it's a photographic exhibit that is done on a national level. Professional photographers donate their time to take flattering, professional photos of our amazing children to capture their awesome personalities.

Brittany, CAP ID# 9391 - Photograph taken by Monica Dyer

This spring, you can view our CAP Traveling Heart Gallery in libraries and businesses in the greater Rochester area. This week, our kids are being featured at Fairport Public Library so definitely stop by and take a look.

Want to help our kids be seen by families? We're looking for libraries and places of businesses, all over the country, to feature our Heart Gallery. If you'd like to learn more, please contact Pat Burks at 888.835.8802 or email her at PatB@capbook.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNERS!

Thank you to all our supporters who entered the photography contest! Below is a photo of our winners at the Greater Rochester International Airport. Congratulations!!

Photo courtesy of EIEIO Photography