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Serving the Adoption, Foster Care, and Safe Families for Children Communities
Thursday, January 31, 2013
CAFO Summit 9 in Nashville, TN
Registration has begun for the Christian Alliance for Orphans annual conference. I, along with members of our leadership team, have attended the last four conferences, and each time we have all come away inspired, challenged, educated & better equipped to continue our efforts in serving the children and families in our community. This is THE premier conference to attend if you are involved in any type of ministry that serves vulnerable children. I highly encourage you to attend. See you there!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
IJM Global Prayer Gathering
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Monday, January 28, 2013
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Training
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Friday, January 25, 2013
Orphan Care Training at Harvest Bible Chapel
HARVEST BIBLE CHAPEL
presents
Orphan Care Training
Join us for our 2013 Orphan Care Training
February 23, 2013
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Rolling Meadows Campus
Admission is Free
Attend a main session along with 3 workshops of your choice.
Workshops cover Safe families, Foster Care and Adoption focused
topics for families considering, in process, or living out orphan care.
Register at the link below to let us know you are coming, sign
up for childcare, and to purchase a lunch!
To register for this free training, go to:
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Sunnyridge Benefit for Birth Parent Services
Fashion Show Benefit
Sunny Ridge Welcomes Tammie Souza at March 2 Benefit
Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, March 2, 2013, as we
Sunny Ridge Welcomes Tammie Souza at March 2 Benefit
Mark your calendars and join us on Saturday, March 2, 2013, as we
host our annual Sunny Ridge Spring Fashion Show
Benefit at the Abbington Banquets in Glen Ellyn. Special guest
Tammie Souza from FOX Chicago will be on hand to help Sunny
Ridge present our fashions. Doors open at 10:30am, and the day includes
shopping, silent auction, lunch, and Spring Fashion Show. Call the ladies and
make it a girls' day out in support of Sunny Ridge Birth Parent Services. Watch
our website for more information! www.sunnyridgefamilycenter.org
Friday, January 18, 2013
Adoption Play "Finding Claire"
Finding Claire
By Kim Merrill
Directed by Joy Surber
Performance Dates: February 14-16, all shows at 8:00pm
Elmhurst College's
Mill Theater
Mill Theater
253 Walter St.
Elmhurst, IL 60126
About
the Show:
Claire was unwed and in high school when she became pregnant. At
that time, society considered her an unfit mother, and she was pressured into
giving her baby daughter up for adoption. Now an adult, Rachel is searching for
her biological family and a place to belong and call home. Rachel struggles to
find her place in the family she’s never met as her half sister struggles to
make a decision that will bring this family full circle.
Finding Claire examines adoption and the stigma attached to
being a young, single mother and how those things have changed in the span of
just a generation.
About
Getting Tickets:
All tickets are $5.
The group rate for 10 or more people is $4 a ticket.
Please call the box office at 630-617-3005 to make your
reservation.
Seats are reserved, so by making your reservations, you ensure
that you get the best seats possible.
Click here for the New York Times review. It's not the same cast, but will give you more details about the play.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Urgent Action Alert: Contact your member of Congress Today
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Saturday, January 12, 2013
Fields of the Fatherless Book Discussion & Pot-luck
Please join us for a
Pot-Luck Dinner and
Book Discussion
Sunday, January 20, 2013
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Willow Creek Community
Church
67 E. Algonquin Road, So. Barrington,
IL
Room F150
Book: "Fields of the
Fatherless: Discovering the Joy of Compassionate Living"
by author Tom Davis
Order you book now at Amazon.com.
Download your discussion guide at here.
Even if you are not able to read the book, we invite you to come and join in this important discussion.
Childcare is available if you R.S.V.P. with the
number of children and their ages to vcministry127@gmail.com.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Paul Pennington Addresses Russian Adoption Crisis
Yesterday's program of "In the Market with Janet Parshall" included an interview with Paul Pennington, founder of Hope for Orphans. Paul issues a cry for justice on behalf of Russia’s little ones.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen for yourself at the podcast link below.
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_podcast.aspx?Program=InTheMarketWithJanetParshall.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to listen for yourself at the podcast link below.
http://www.moodyradio.org/brd_podcast.aspx?Program=InTheMarketWithJanetParshall.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Webinar: Parenting An Adopted Child With Special Needs
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Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Adoption Tax Credit Made Permanent
- This article is taken from The Christian Alliance for Orphans blog.
There is much yet to analyze about the American Taxpayer Relief Act (“Fiscal Cliff” Bill) passed by Congress last night, but it is clear there’s at least one element orphan advocates can especially cheer: the Adoption Tax Credit has been saved.
The permanent extension of the Adoption Tax Credit not only guarantees vital financial help for families that choose to adopt. It also underscores the commitment of the American people to the idea that children need families.
The Adoption Tax Credit was set at $10,000 in 2001 under President Bush and adjusted for inflation going forward. My best current understanding is that this figure will continue to set the precise value of the credit going forward. (Thus set at roughly $12,770 in 2013). The credit will be available to families adopting both domestically and internationally as a credit for qualified adoption expenses. For special needs adoptions, the credit will be a flat amount (the $10,000 plus inflation) without regard to actual out of pocket expenses. This means that domestic foster adoptions of children with special needs will be eligible for the full maximum credit even if very little was spent in the adoption process. Finally, the Credit will also exempt from taxes any adoption benefits provided by employers. The fact that the Adoption Tax Credit is now permanent means that it won’t need to be renewed every year, as it has in recent years.
The credit begins to phase out at incomes above $190,000. The Credit is not “refundable”—meaning that it will not result in a payout from the government to those who have no tax liability. But, the credit can be carried over from year to year if a family isn’t able to claim it all in the first year.
As the recent happenings in Russia highlight, there remain many major challenges in regard to public policy and adoption—from helping countries establish expeditious adoption systems…to guarding against corruption in the process… to support of indigenous adoption efforts.
But today the permanent extension of the Adoption Tax Credit gives advocates for children something to cheer for…and a great start to 2013!
The permanent extension of the Adoption Tax Credit not only guarantees vital financial help for families that choose to adopt. It also underscores the commitment of the American people to the idea that children need families.
The Adoption Tax Credit was set at $10,000 in 2001 under President Bush and adjusted for inflation going forward. My best current understanding is that this figure will continue to set the precise value of the credit going forward. (Thus set at roughly $12,770 in 2013). The credit will be available to families adopting both domestically and internationally as a credit for qualified adoption expenses. For special needs adoptions, the credit will be a flat amount (the $10,000 plus inflation) without regard to actual out of pocket expenses. This means that domestic foster adoptions of children with special needs will be eligible for the full maximum credit even if very little was spent in the adoption process. Finally, the Credit will also exempt from taxes any adoption benefits provided by employers. The fact that the Adoption Tax Credit is now permanent means that it won’t need to be renewed every year, as it has in recent years.
The credit begins to phase out at incomes above $190,000. The Credit is not “refundable”—meaning that it will not result in a payout from the government to those who have no tax liability. But, the credit can be carried over from year to year if a family isn’t able to claim it all in the first year.
As the recent happenings in Russia highlight, there remain many major challenges in regard to public policy and adoption—from helping countries establish expeditious adoption systems…to guarding against corruption in the process… to support of indigenous adoption efforts.
But today the permanent extension of the Adoption Tax Credit gives advocates for children something to cheer for…and a great start to 2013!
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Safe Families Webinar offered
Webinar for Host Families and Volunteers
January 8, 2013 - 7:00pm-8:30pm CENTRAL
with Dr. David Anderson, Founder of Safe Families for Children
Register Now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/r
egister/480100896
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.
Once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration
with information you need to join the Webinar.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Foster Care Documentary Showing this Sunday in Crystal Lake
What would you do without your family? Or if you had no place to live? From Place to Place is a documentary that follows the lives of six young adults who recently aged out of Montana’s foster care system and have had to cope with just that. Join CASA of McHenry County at a free screening of this documentary which uncovers one of America’s hidden tragedies and brings to light the challenges facing America’s foster care system. In the words of Raif, one of the six followed, “It’s raw and it’s cold and it’s harsh and it will hit you hard.” To reserve your spot, please e-mail CASAfilm@rauecenter.org or call 815.356.9212.
For more information about the film and to see a trailer click HERE.
To read a recent article in the Daily Herald about the film click HERE.
If you would like to meet and sit together please e-mail me at vcministry127@gmail.com. You will still need to reserve your spot using the e-mail or phone number at the Raue Center.
If you would like to purchase and donate a copy of the film to our ministry library, please let me know. The DVD is $19.95 plus $3.20 for shipping.
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Reece's Rainbow featured in People Magazine
Andrea Roberts Helps Orphans With Down Syndrome Find Homes
Clockwise, from left: Reece, Rich, Andrea and Owen Roberts
Courtesy Andrea Roberts
Andrea Faris Roberts figured her new son, born in 2002, got his almond-shaped eyes from her husband, Rich.
But when doctors confirmed that Reece had Down syndrome, "I couldn't stop crying," says Andrea, whose prenatal tests were normal. "I thought, 'What's tomorrow going to be like?' "
The answer: Reece has not only enriched his parents' lives but inspired his mom to save kids with Down syndrome around the world. Researching her son's condition, Andrea learned that in many countries, babies born with the disorder are often abandoned and left in orphanages.
Launching Reece's Rainbow in 2004, the former account manager wrote grant applications and networked with adoption agencies, ultimately dispersing over $4 million to fund adoptions of more than 850 children from Russia, China, Mexico and elsewhere.
Parents like John and Charissa Urban of Owasso, Okla., wouldn't know the love of Ava, now 8, adopted from Ukraine in 2008 without the help of Reece's Rainbow. They turned to the organization to help with funds to bring home little Ava – who weighed only 19 lbs. and was unable to roll over at age 3.
But when doctors confirmed that Reece had Down syndrome, "I couldn't stop crying," says Andrea, whose prenatal tests were normal. "I thought, 'What's tomorrow going to be like?' "
The answer: Reece has not only enriched his parents' lives but inspired his mom to save kids with Down syndrome around the world. Researching her son's condition, Andrea learned that in many countries, babies born with the disorder are often abandoned and left in orphanages.
Launching Reece's Rainbow in 2004, the former account manager wrote grant applications and networked with adoption agencies, ultimately dispersing over $4 million to fund adoptions of more than 850 children from Russia, China, Mexico and elsewhere.
Parents like John and Charissa Urban of Owasso, Okla., wouldn't know the love of Ava, now 8, adopted from Ukraine in 2008 without the help of Reece's Rainbow. They turned to the organization to help with funds to bring home little Ava – who weighed only 19 lbs. and was unable to roll over at age 3.
Reece and Owen Roberts
Courtesy Andrea Roberts
Though she initially had to use a walker to get around, Ava is now running, jumping and playing with her six siblings, including two who are adopted also (one of whom also has Down syndrome). "She's the center of our family," Charissa says. "We're so grateful."
Andrea says that families are being built every day.
"What is wonderful about Reece's Rainbow, is that families can go and see children's photos on the website and know that money is being raised to help with the adoption costs," says Andrea. "They see that it is a better possibility for them to be able to afford to adopt without the years of painful heartbreak in waiting to try to raise funds."
Today, 10-year-old Reece is in the 5th grade and loves playing basketball with his little brother, Owen, 7, in the family's yard in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He's also challenging his father at golf.
"He's got a better golf game than my husband any day of the week," laughs Andrea, 40. "He's got a wonderful swing."
Andrea says that families are being built every day.
"What is wonderful about Reece's Rainbow, is that families can go and see children's photos on the website and know that money is being raised to help with the adoption costs," says Andrea. "They see that it is a better possibility for them to be able to afford to adopt without the years of painful heartbreak in waiting to try to raise funds."
Today, 10-year-old Reece is in the 5th grade and loves playing basketball with his little brother, Owen, 7, in the family's yard in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He's also challenging his father at golf.
"He's got a better golf game than my husband any day of the week," laughs Andrea, 40. "He's got a wonderful swing."
Andrea and Reece Roberts
Courtesy Andrea Roberts
Andrea insists that children with Down syndrome in institutions around the world are not forgotten and would be adopted if more families could afford the typical $25,000 fee (which includes home study costs, travel and adoption expenses).
"After six and a half years, all I can say to the world is, 'I told you so. I told you these kids were wanted,' " says Andrea. "Today, 850 children are not hidden away in institutions anymore. We have new connections every single day."
She adds: "If we had a full grant for every child on our website, we would have no children on our website. The cost is what is hard for people but every life is worth it. If we had more sponsors who could write a check for each of these kids and they would all have families. All of them."
And the proud mother says that her son Reece continues to be an inspiration.
"Reece," she says, "has helped so many families begin."
"After six and a half years, all I can say to the world is, 'I told you so. I told you these kids were wanted,' " says Andrea. "Today, 850 children are not hidden away in institutions anymore. We have new connections every single day."
She adds: "If we had a full grant for every child on our website, we would have no children on our website. The cost is what is hard for people but every life is worth it. If we had more sponsors who could write a check for each of these kids and they would all have families. All of them."
And the proud mother says that her son Reece continues to be an inspiration.
"Reece," she says, "has helped so many families begin."
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