Little Ephrem in Ethiopia

Ephrem from Lifesong for Orphans on Vimeo.

“What first drew me to this little boy was his sweet round face. Obviously, he has suffered a great deal from malnutrition. When we visited the school he and the rest of the children were so focused on their meal. It’s amazing to see how Lifesong was changing their lives. After lunch, I found myself surrounded by children playing a name game. He reached out and kissed my hand. My heart melted... I think of him daily.”

Jenny Anderson, Orphan Advocate

Sometimes it can be hard to imagine the hardships that go on around the world. We sit in our comfortable homes, with pantries full of necessities, and it seems strange that most of the world doesn’t have a pantry, let alone food to fill it. But for millions of children in Africa this is their reality. Hunger is a part of their daily lives. Then add the fact that many of these children are also orphaned, either by death or abandonment… it’s almost more than we can bear. It’s hard to go there mentally and we protect our hearts by pretending it doesn’t exist. But it does. Children are suffering.

Little Ephrem is one of those children. Born in Ethiopia, his father is now dead and his mother disappeared years ago. He was taken into his grandmother’s care, but she has struggled to provide for him. At 4 years old, Ephrem is extremely small for his age, and most likely suffers from a type of growth disorder, though the lack of specialized medical care keeps us from knowing for sure. And since he has been malnourished most of his life, it is no wonder his health is affected.

Praise the Lord, Ephrem is now enrolled in Lifesong’s Adami Tulu Nursery School, where he is getting two meals a day and seems to be flourishing under the care of his teachers. His sweet demeanor and precious smile easily capture your heart.

*Want to use your blog to advocate for the fatherless? Click here to learn more.

You Can Help Stop Human Trafficking

State of Illinois Department of Human Services

Monday, January 17th, 2011
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
1130 W. Adams, Chicago, IL

Enjoy a free wine and chocolate tasting while bidding on pieces of art from local artists who have created work about human trafficking. The silent art auction will be followed by a presentation featuring: Author Julian Sher, an award-winning investigative journalist, TV writer and director, and the author of six books, who will present his book entitled: “Somebody’s Daughter: The Hidden Story of America’s Prostituted Children” (For more information, please visit http://www.juliansher.com/)

Q & A with our panel of speakers: Rachel Durchslag from the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CAASE), Frank Massolini from the Salvation Army PROMISE program, Lisa Fedina from Rescue and Restore, National Runaway Switchboard, and a survivor of sexual exploitation. All proceeds will benefit work to help victims of sexual exploitation in Chicago.

Sponsored by: CAASE, PROMISE, Dreamcatcher Foundation, Traffick Free, Chicago NOW, Illinois Rescue and Restore Human Trafficking Silent Art Auction (N-12-10) Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that, “we all have to decide whether we will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" Dr. King believed in the power of an altruistic society, one where social problems are resolved through nonviolent action and the selfless concern for the well-being of others. Together, we can take action to help those who need it most. We can speak out on behalf of those who have no voice. His teachings empowered citizens to take a stand against injustice, to have their voices heard, and to enact change through community action and service.

January 17th, 2011 marks the 25th year anniversary of the Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. In honor of Martin Luther King’s commitment to equal rights, social justice, and nonviolence, we ask that you join us to help fight sex trafficking and sexual exploitation here in Chicago. You can help in the effort to have Dr. King’s vision realized by taking action to end the sexual exploitation, violence, and enslavement of millions of women and girls across the globe. YOU can help stop human trafficking.

Sasha's Story

The following story is from a ministry called "Doorways to Hope". Doorways to Hope works to enable local Christian families to bring orphans into their homes through foster care and adoption by providing material resources and ongoing support. I am moved by the fact that a family would adopt a dying child. I can't think of a greater act of compassion. Imagine a child being ushered into the arms of Jesus, not as an orphan in isolation, but surrounded with love, care, dignity and her forever family. I'm struck by the fact that adoption is no longer just a way to build a family, but for many, it's a response to God's mandate to care for the orphan. Let's pray together not only for this family, but all the families that God is calling to bring hope to orphans.

December 10, 2010

When Sasha was six years old, her mother, a sex worker, left her not only as an orphan, but also with HIV. Sasha was taken to a sanatorium where children normally stay for a month or so doing therapy. Sasha was there for four years, and she contracted tuberculosis of the bone and her HIV progressed in 4th stage AIDS. The doctors gave her a diagnosis of 2-3 years to live.

Sasha’s fate changed in 2009 when a case work accidentally found some of Sasha’s old paperwork that had been misplaced years before. Suddenly, the forgotten girl was no longer forgotten. Sasha’s sad story tugged at the heart of the case worker and the woman determined to do whatever it would take to find a family for Sasha. The first family she turned to was the Isaev family, famous across Ukraine for being the first family to adopt an HIV positive child. Sveta and Evgeny Isaev now have 7 HIV positive children living in their home. In September, 2009, the Isaevs went to meet Sasha in the sanatorium. They knew as soon as they met her that she would be the newest addition to their family.

The Isaevs brought Sasha home on a very special day—December 25th. Aside from being Christmas day, December 25th was also Sasha’s 10th birthday. The Isaevs took Sasha to a market and got her a Barbie with four dresses, and Sveta says Sasha was delirious with joy. She has fit in very well with their family, adapting to all of her new brothers and sisters.

Unfortunately, Sasha’s health continues to deteriorate. The doctors say that she likely only has a very short time left to live. Sveta and Evgeny are doing everything they can to brighten Sasha’s time in their family, while still holding on to hope for a miracle. They believe that God miraculously brought her into their family, and are praying that He will miraculously heal her physically so that she can stay with them. They ask for you to join them in prayers for their little girl, who has the right to life and a future.

For more information on Doorways to Hope and how you can help Sasha, visit www.doorwaystohope.org.

Last chance to order Radko ornaments

The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has partnered with internationally acclaimed artist Christopher Radko to offer our annual Celebrate Adoption ornament. This limited edition, hand-painted, blown-glass ornament retails for $52. Ten percent of the retail price of every ornament sold is donated to the Foundation while supplies last. Order online at www.macys.com.

Alliance Webinar Series

The Christian Alliance for Orphans Webinar Series is designed to help individuals like you create and grow effective adoption, foster care and global orphan ministry in local churches.


You're Invited...

Help Wanted: Protecting Orphans from Human Trafficking


As part National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, gain an overview of the global human trafficking problem, its impact on orphans, and what orphan care ministries, churches, and motivated individuals can do to make a difference.


Host Church: Woodmen Valley Chapel


Presenters: Dave Wayman, Woodmen Valley Chapel
Tom Davis, Children's HopeChest


Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 Time: 1:00 PM Central Time

To register, click here:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/563821696


Each 60-minute webinar in this series will give local advocates access to the knowledge and experience of top Alliance member churches and organizations nationwide, covering key topics on adoption, foster care and/or global orphan care. Every webinar will be hosted by a local church orphan ministry and co-presented by one or more national experts on the subject matter. This pairing will deliver a combination of specialist information and resources alongside a “here’s how it works in a real church” perspective.

New Movie Coming: "Change of Plans"

The following movie review is taken from Jedd Medfield, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

A new made-for-TV movie slated for showing on January 8 explores adoption, sacrifice and life priorities in a way very few films today do. “Change of Plans” tells the story of a young, jet-set couple whose all-too-perfect lives may be irreparably altered by four orphaned children. I had the chance to preview the director’s cut this week and came away inspired and thoughtfully challenged.


When Sally Danville’s (Brooke White of American Idol) best friend from college dies in tragic accident in Africa, she leaves behind four children—three of them adopted from countries around the world. Sally and husband Jason must now grapple with choices that will shape the rest of their lives. Step by step, the couple realizes that for every inch they open their hearts and home to the children, the plans they’ve mapped out for themselves will likely be lost forever.



The film gets its strength from the underlying story and real-world decisions it represents for each of us. The acting, music and script are not Oscar quality, but still solid. Many adoptive families and others involved with kids in the foster system will likely see parallels with their own stories as well. The widows the story offers into the potential challenges of adoption and foster care are perhaps understated, but not absent: it’s clear that to welcome a child into our home is not a cost-free choice.



Refreshingly, this movie earns its “family friendly” identity not merely by cutting out sex and violence, but by delivering a thoughtful challenge to some of the great lies of our era. Most narratives today, from commercials to movies, implicitly argue that fulfillment is found in getting what we want. “Change of Plans” points in the opposite direction, helping us see that real life is only found by embracing the inspiring-but-costly invitations God puts before us.



If your evening January 8 is not already booked, I’d encourage you to spend it enjoying “Change of Plans” with your kids or a few friends. Doing so sends a message to TV producers and advertisers that there is, after all, a market for quality programs. More importantly, the story just may provoke a change in your plans as well.

To see the trailer for the movie, go to the web site at http://www.changeofplansthemovie.com/change-of-plans/

New Ways to Participate in Safe Families

Below is a message from Rebecca Cynamon-Murphy, Safe Families for Children Network Manager.


Most research on social entrepreneurship shows that the seventh year of any venture to change the world is a crucial year. Most movements like Safe Families "make it or break it" in their seventh year. We're determined to make it. Part of our strategy for growth involves opening the door to volunteers who want to participate in the movement in a variety of ways. Although Host Families are crucial to our ability to help children, other roles will become equally crucial to our ongoing success as we grow.

We have nearly 800 active volunteers now and another 2,000 people have expressed an interest in getting more involved. Maybe now is the time for you to step forward and be a new part of this movement of compassion.

Below, we describe a variety of ways to get more involved in the Safe Families movement. Please consider if your skills will contribute to the effort that all of us are making to improve the opportunities for success for kids.



Volunteer Role #1 - Team Captain

Over the past seven years, we have found that Safe Families can be an amazing spiritually transformative experience for the people who care for the children of parents who are facing a crisis. However, like all spiritual transformations, these experiences are easier when the volunteers feel part of a community and fully supported.


To make sure that all of our Host Families feel supported and part of a community, we are creating "Teams" of 15-25 Host Families and asking a "Team Captain" to be responsible for calling each family once a month. We feel like this minimal time commitment will be hugely beneficial to our volunteers since we have heard from some of them that they sometimes feel isolated and uncertain about their continued participation in Safe Families. Having a personal connection will help so many of our volunteers as they do the challenging work of Safe Families. Many of our churches already help out like this and we are excited to be able to expand to folks who are not already involved in a support community.


Team Captains do not need to be a certified Host Family so this is the perfect position for someone who wants to get more involved but who is not able to care for children at this time. If you would like to apply to be a Team Captain, please express your interest to Rebecca Cynamon-Murphy at rcynamon-murphy@lydiahome.org.

Volunteer Role #2 - Office Superstar


We have need in the office for a regular volunteer (or two or three) to help with filing and other administrative tasks. If you have 4-5 hours during the day once or twice a week, we would really appreciate your skills as we work on a large project. Please contact Rebecca Cynamon-Murphy at rcynamon-murphy@lydiahome.org.



Volunteer Role #3 - Transportation Specialist

The great news is that things are hopping in our offices. Last week we found caring homes for 11 children and in the past several weeks it has not been unusual for us to serve more than 20 children in a week.

The challenging news is that the hours logged on the road as we transport these kids from their parents to their Safe Families and then home again are starting to wear on our staff.

We're looking for a few good folks to be on call to pick up and drop off children as the needs arise. This will require a flexible schedule since so many of our placements are done to assist in a crisis, which makes it difficult for us to give much advanced notice.

If you are interested in this role, please contact Tom Maluga at 773.865.8540 or tmaluga@lydiahome.org.


Volunteer Role #4- youshare.org Neighbor

We are so excited to announce the launch of youshare.org, which is an exciting new way for folks to be alerted to the critical needs of people in your community. Everyone has something to share so please click through to site to learn more and to register as a Neighbor. www.youshare.org


Thank you for your time and consideration. We're excited to engage folks in new ways as we "make it" and serve children and their families.


Sincerely,

Rebecca Cynamon-Murphy
Safe Families for Children Network Manager

Giving to the "Cause of the Fatherless" Up

Written By: Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans
11/7/2010

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) this week released its annual “State of Giving Report,” which explores giving trends for Evangelical ministries. The report finds that, despite the major economic downturn, giving from 2007 to 2009 decreased only 0.1 percent.

Perhaps even more notable for Christians committed to the plight of orphans, the report found that giving rose substantively in categories related to adoption and orphan care. Total donated income for the “Adoption” category rose 9.1 percent, and was up 11.6 percent for “Orphan Care.”

Of 29 categories, only “Child Sponsorships” (which very often is directed toward care for orphans) and the broad “Media” categories saw higher rates of growth.

Certainly, we all can pray (and sacrifice!) that all areas of vital Christian ministry will receive funds they need over the years ahead. As we do, we can also celebrate another signal that God is stirring His people to be known once again as those who “defend the cause of the fatherless” (Is. 1:17) in both word deed.

“THE 12TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS,”.....

....AN ENTERTAINMENT SPECIAL CELEBRATING THE JOYS OF ADOPTION, TO BE BROADCAST WEDNESDAY, DEC. 22 ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

December 1, 2010 by J!-ENT

Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, Ricky Martin, Nelly and Katy Perry will Perform
On this Moving Holiday Special, Which Tells Inspirational Stories About Foster Care Adoption

The Hosts of “The Talk,” Including Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini and Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Actress Mira Sorvino, Among Talent Set to Present THE 12TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, a new entertainment special to be broadcast Wednesday, Dec. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, will include moving performances by Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge, Grammy Award-winning group Maroon 5, Grammy Award-winning superstar Ricky Martin and Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist Nelly. The show will open with a performance by pop sensation Katy Perry. The hosts of “The Talk,” Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Holly Robinson Peete, Leah Remini and Marissa Jaret Winokur, as well as Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winning actress Mira Sorvino (“Mighty Aphrodite”) will be among the talent set to present.

Following the success of the past 11 annual shows, the special continues to tell touching stories about foster care adoption to raise awareness for this important social issue. The inspirational stories of these American families are enhanced by performances by some of today’s most popular artists.

The musical performances frame several pre-taped story segments which are presented by celebrities who either have their own adoption experiences or are involved with children’s issues. The stories highlight many exceptional American children and families involved in this rewarding process.

•• Jimmy Wayne (Nashville, TN)
Country music artist Jimmy Wayne knows first hand about living in foster care. Wayne was abandoned at a bus station when he was 13 years old and shuffled through 12 schools and more than eight foster placements before he met Russell and Bea Costner, a couple in their 70s who opened their home and hearts to him. “I was 16 years old and that family changed my whole life, every cell in my body. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for them.” Wayne graduated from college and soon signed his first recording contract. Today, giving back is a key part of Wayne’s life. Earlier this year, he launched his MEET ME HALFWAY project with his seven-month walk halfway across America to raise awareness.

•• Anderson Family (Los Angeles)
Marsha and Corey Anderson were married 11 years and had three children when they began talking about adding to their family through adoption. Initially, Corey was hesitant, but had a change of heart after watching “A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.” “The show took away my fears, and I was fully committed from that moment forward,” says Corey. Featured on the show last December were foster children 6-year-old Ashley and her 4-year-old brother Jacob, who were waiting to be adopted. “We thought we would adopt one child, but when we saw Ashley and Jacob, we knew they would fit perfectly into our family,” says Marsha.

•• Cates Family (Los Angeles)
In 2001, Arthur and Mary Cates met 7-year-old Darnell at an adoption fair. In foster care since birth, Darnell had less than a 30 percent chance of ever being adopted. “When I saw Darnell in the play area all by himself, I saw in his eyes a sad little boy that needed to be loved,” says Mary. Now 16, Darnell is a confident young man who is gifted in the arts. “I’ve experienced a new world full of hope and have overcome that sadness. It feels like I’ve been with my parents my whole life,” says Darnell. The Cates decided to adopt again in 2007 when they met foster children Sierra and Phillip at an adoption event.

•• Carter Family (Missouri)
SWAT team paramedic Kasha Carter knew the plight of children living with neglect and abuse. “After we made entry into a home I often watched the children until Social Services came to place them in foster care. It really tugged on my heartstrings and I wanted to raise one of those children as my own,” says Kasha. In 2001, single at the time, Kasha adopted a young foster child named Austin. “When I was first taken from my home I was just devastated. But then I met my mom and I was so happy because I knew I really mattered to her,” says Austin. Five years later, Kasha met fellow paramedic Aaron Carter and they soon married. “I knew right away that Kasha was special. She had a big enough heart to take in a child,” says Aaron. Today, Austin has made the honor roll and is the proud big brother to their 4-year-old son, Hunter.

•• Children Waiting
There are over one half million children currently in foster care in the United States, 114,000 waiting to be adopted. This segment gives voice to these children by creating an intimate portrait of youth who need permanent loving homes.

The special is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children’s Action Network. Wendy’s International founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. It is dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of the more than 114,000 waiting children in the United States foster care system. Wendy’s is a program sponsor.

The Children’s Action Network was founded in 1990 by leaders in the entertainment industry to harness the power of the entertainment media on behalf of children. The special is a part of CAN’s National Adoption Campaign to raise awareness of the joys of adopting and to find homes for the children who are waiting.

THE 12TH ANNUAL A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS is produced by Triage Entertainment and Goldsmith Entertainment, in association with the Children’s Action Network and the Dave Thomas Foundation. Karen Mack, Stu Schreiberg, Stephen Kroopnick and Marilyn Seabury are the executive producers. Kelly Brock is the producer, Kimberly Steer is the supervising producer and Mary Donaldson is the coordinating producer. Michael Simon is directing the special.

New Resource Library

I am excited to tell you about a brand new resource library created by the Christian Alliance for Orphans. You can find it on their web site or click on the following link to go directly to the Resource Library page: http://christianalliancefororphans.org/resources/resource-library.

There you will find a wide range of quality resources to help you grow effective, Christ-honoring adoption, foster care, and global orphan ministry. Categories of books include Global Orphan Care, Foster Care, Adoption, and Getting Started.

For more information about the Christian Alliance for Orphans, visit www.christianalliancefororphans.org.

Adoption Works Well: a Synthesis of the Literature

The following, is an interesting report published by the Marriage & Religion Research Institute (www.marrifrc.org).



by Dr. Patrick F. Fagan

Adopted children benefit significantly from adoption. Many experience a dramatic improvement in socioeconomic status and move into materially advantaged homes and to the care of supportive, educated, adoptive parents who are very interested in all aspects of their child's development. The majority of adopted children live in small families in early childhood, which is to their advantage. Compared to even long-term fostering, adoption provides a greater sense of permanence and familial belonging, more emotional security, and a more lasting psychosocial foundation for life.

A number of major research projects, literature overviews, and meta-analyses attest to the overall benefit of adoption.......

To read to complete report, click http://www.frc.org/researchsynthesis/adoption-works-well-a-synthesis-of-the-literature.

The Children's Closet is In the News!

The following article from the Huntley Patch, is about our own Teri Altpeter and the wonderful work she and Lisa have done to establish The Children's Closet.


Huntley Patch
by Gloria Antonelli
11/26/2010
http://huntley.patch.com/articles/thankful-for-a-closet-of-clothes-for-kids-in-need#c

Teri Altpeter packing clothes in a new donated duffle bag. Credit Gloria Antonelli

Thankful for a Closet of Clothes for Kids in Need! Teri Altpeter has co-started The Children's Closet to benefit families who are struggling.

I am thankful for living in Huntley with many amazing people who are very passionate and giving to our community. One of these people is self proclaimed give-aholic Teri Altpeter. She is involved with an organization called Safe Families for Children. Teri lives in Huntley with her husband and young daughter. As a Safe Family, the number of children at the Altpeter's home varies. Teri is currently caring for two young brothers under the age of three.

Safe Families for Children
Safe Families for Children helps kids who are in crisis and need temporary care. This organization offers support until the family in need can get back on their feet. The goal is to keep children out of the welfare system, give families in crisis an option for temporary care without losing custody and offer support for struggling parent. Children ranging from newborns to age seventeen are house an average of 6 weeks with some stays from two days to a year with host parents.

The Children's Closet
Teri's involvement with Safe Families for Children sprouted another project that was inspired by the needs of the host parents in the Chicago northwest suburbs. The children placed in a Safe Family usually come with very little. Calls to friends for clothing donations developed into The Children's Closet. Teri Altpeter and Lisa Phalen started collecting and distributing clothing and lending small child equipment to aid the families who volunteer at their own expense to feed, house and care for these children in crisis. Teri explains "The age of the children depends on what the host family can financially handle. Personally last year we could not afford the added expense of diapers so we could not take any children who still needed them."

Teri and Lisa met when they were caring for siblings placed in both of their homes. Their friendship lead to taking the first 10 bins of gently worn clothes this past March, finding a location to house the bins and equipment and now it just keeps growing. The Children's Closet is currently located at the Calvary Community Church in Schaumburg. Teri is working on an additional storage location near Huntley after receiving a large donation from an out of business children's store.

Spread the Word
The Children's Closet is not just for the Safe Families for Children, it has branched out to fulfill the clothing needs of children in our area. I asked Teri how people find out about the closet. "There is a need to get this known to people who need it. The only reason we had a call from the Grafton Food Pantry was by talking to Mary Hardy (manager) and a women was there and heard me. Lisa was thrilled to pieces that the woman just called with a request for girls clothing. 'I am so happy we are helping other people. You just dropped off those cards 5 minutes ago.' This gives Lisa gas for the day; it has energized her to move forward." Teri continues "Someone in need just doesn't realize that by letting people help, you are blessing that giver. If someone asks for help and someone is willing to give, you are giving a gift to the people who want to give."

Sterilite 66-qt. Latching Box and Shelving
The most pressing request for The Children's Closet is acquiring 100 more Sterilite 66-qt. Latching Boxes (clear plastic bins) from Target and metal heavy duty shelving units from Menards that will get the new location started. Teri was very specific about the brand of bins used for the children's closet. They currently have over 100 clear Sterilte bins at Calvary Community Church and that size and brand stack the best.

Ways to Help
The Children Closet is self funding and relies on contributions and donations from the community. I asked if they have any sponsors to help fund the closet. Teri reports "We do not have sponsorship at this time but we would love to have some." Cash donations are always welcome. Another important request is for new underwear and socks for both boys and girls of all ages. Also fundraising and soliciting donations, donating gently worn clothing, laundering and sorting donations are greatly appreciated.

Contact The Children's Closet
You can find more information on The Children's Closets Facebook group page. Teri announces requests for clothes and volunteers on this group page. You may also contact Teri Altpeter at 630-205-6013.

Can you organize a fundraiser for bins, shelves, underwear or socks to clothed children who need help in our area? How can you spread the word to families who may need help clothing their children?

World AIDS Day and Adoption

Today is World AIDS Day and I would like to introduce you to an organization called Project Hopeful. I encourage you to visit their web site to discover the amazing work they are doing to encourage, educate and enable families adopting children with HIV/AIDS. http://www.projecthopeful.org/. If you are considering adopting a child with HIV/AIDS, visit their extensive listing of "waiting kids" waiting for a forever family.

Kiel & Carolyn Twietmeyer and family, Founders of Project Hopeful