Open Hearts, Open Homes Conference
The Chapel’s Fourth Annual Foster Care, Safe Families, and Adoption Conference sponsored by the Compassion for Kids Ministry.
SATURDAY, MAY 21
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Chapel:330 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, IL
Registration is $30 and includes a light breakfast, coffee, a catered lunch, a variety of breakout sessions, resources,networking opportunities, and DCFS training hours.
For more information and to register, go to www.chapel.org/adoption
God cares deeply about children who need families.
And he calls us to care for these children too.
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and
widows in their distress” (James 1:27, NIV).
This need is as real today as it was in James’ day. Attend the conference and discover how God might be calling you to care for children in need!
This year’s keynote presentation will be given by Todd Wilson, adoptive parent
and senior pastor of Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Illinois.
BREAKOUT Sessions:
Beginning Your Adoption Journey (Bethany Christian Services)
This session will cover the opportunities available to adopt children internationally and domestically. The process involving application, home study, foreign country procedures, profile development, and legal issues, as well as other relevant topics will be discussed.
Discovering Our Unique Role— Men Only (RICK EGBERT, Pastor of Campuses, The Chapel)
Sorry, ladies, this session is only for us guys. We’re going to eat man snacks, make man sounds, and talk man-talk. If you’re a dude and considering or actively involved in adoption, foster care or Safe Families, join us for a spirited talk about your God-given role.
Breaking Through Barriers– Understanding Sensory Processing in Children
(Connections Day School)
Parents will learn about the seven senses, how they contribute to our day-to-day functioning, and what it looks like when one (or more) of these systems “aren’t right.” We will also discuss strategies and activities parents can use at home with their children to help alleviate
the challenges that come with sensory processing difficulties.
The Heart Gallery Of Illinois
The Heart Gallery of Illinois is a gallery of professional portraits of children in the foster care system who are eligible for adoption. In this session we will discuss how these children get chosen, what we can do to prepare our hearts and homes for the special needs of these hard to place kids. Find out how you can get involved with the Heart Gallery in your own church or community to create awareness and advocate for these precious children.
The Ministry of Foster Care (One Hope United)
The mission of Foster Care is the reunification of children and their families. Foster Care families and the staff at One Hope United play the dual role of protecting children and strengthening families. This overview will shed some light on the foster parent’s very important role in this complex, but rewarding, process.
Encouraging Healing and Coping Behaviors in Kids with Tough Starts
(AdoptionLearningPartners.org)
How do we convey the love of Christ and teach coping behaviors to children who struggle with quick tempers and intense reactions? Attendees will discuss approaches for teaching a child to trust, to wait, to lose their temper in a moderated manner, and calm more quickly after a “melt-down.”
The Trans-racial Family (Evangelical Child and Family Agency)
This session will provide an overview of the stages of racial awareness, including how to answer challenging questions from your child, family, friends, and the community. The session will also include an interview of a foster/adoptive mother and her trans-racially adopted, 15-year-old daughter.
Funding Adoption (Lifesong for Orphans)
The cost of adoption can be a challenge. This workshop will give you practical tips on removing the financial barriers to adoption through innovative funding tools, including turn-key solutions to Church Adoption Funds, and effective Adoption Grants & Loans. Learn more about Lifesong for Orphans at lifesongfororphans.org.
Special Panel Discussion: During lunch we will hear several amazing stories of how compassion has been shown to kids. Members of the panel include a long-time foster mom, a single foster dad, adoptive parents, and an adult adoptee. Attendees will also have the opportunity to submit questions to the panel.
Contact Laura Grimes at buildingfamilies@chapel.org or call 847.281.3438 with questions or to volunteer for the conference. For more information and to register, go to www.chapel.org/adoption
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