Advocating for School Services Workshop

 

NEW! Advocating for School Services:

A Workshop for Parents

October 16th, 6:30 to 8:00p.m. 

 

Goals of this workshop are:

• To help parents understand Illinois Educational Law, their rights and the rights of their child
• To equip parents with the tools and resources necessary to advocate for their child
• To inform parents of how to initiate services and what to do when your child needs extra help

 

Presenter:

 

Mike Kiser, Ed.D., J.D. 

Attorney at Law and Adoptive Parent

Mike Kiser worked for over 30 years as a school administrator, a school attorney, a regular and special education teacher, and a graduate school law instructor before entering the private practice of law.  He has earned a Bachelor's Degree in English, a Master's Degree in English education, a second Master's Degree in special education, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and a Law Degree.  

 

Since 2001, Mike has been a solo practitioner representing Illinois special and general education students, which is the best job that he has ever had.  Mike's greatest professional satisfaction occurs when, through collaboration, parents and educators succeed in meeting the needs of children.

 

Mike and his wife have the pleasure of parenting four children. Their youngest child was adopted from China in January 2012 when he was eight years old. He was diagnosed with a physical disability after arriving in the United States. The Kiser's personally understand the barriers and frustrations related to navigating the school system and advocating for services. 

 

$20 per person, or $30 per couple

  

REGISTER HERE

 

If you have any questions please contact:

Pam Shepard, LCSW Supervisor of Post Adoption Services

Email: pams@holtsunnyridge.org

Phone: (630)754-4522 

Win $20,000.00 Towards Your Adoption Expenses

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Urgent Need for Safe Families Hosts in Chicagoland Area

Safe Families for Children is a movement of the church to support parents and care for children in crisis in order to prevent child abuse, neglect and the need for foster care. 

Safe Families is currently in desperate need for host families (who care for children for short periods of time) and other volunteers (mentor parents, transportation, babysitting).  They had 1000 placements last year and recent calls for help are currently beyond what they can handle.

Can you help?

If you have been considering becoming a Safe Families Host please call 773-653-2200 or go to www.safe-families.org for more information. 

 

 

Starting Conversations About Orphans

A Great Idea From Lifesong for Orphans....... 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you having trouble communicating why you have chosen to walk the adoption journey? Or maybe you have tried time and time again to get your church to start an adoption or orphan care ministry, and it just hasn’t clicked yet. How do you start and kindly facilitate a conversation that shows God’s heart for the orphan and our response as the church?

 

Host a Coffee Conversation.

Coffee shops tend to create an environment where people connect through conversations over a warm cup of joe or a refreshing iced latte. Recreate this atmosphere by hosting an intentional Coffee Conversation with your church, Sunday school class or small group. Maybe it’s a one-on-one meeting with your pastor at a local coffee shop or maybe it’s an event with small group. 

Use this kit to help you share about the needs and opportunities to care for orphans with provided discussion questions and scripture references.

How it works:

1. Complete form below to receive Coffee Conversation Toolkit with step-by-step instructions on how to host an event, along with video links, discussion questions and promotional materials.
2. Purchase Gobena Coffee for your event. Visit Gobena Store
3. Use provided materials to promote event.
4. Host event using some or all of the resources provided in toolkit.

                 

                      Get more information HERE

 

Phil Keaggy to Perform at Hope for Orphans Event!

Prepare to be amazed as two of the most gifted guitarists of our generation come together on one stage!

 

The legendary Phil Keaggy and former P.O.D lead guitarist, Jason Truby present an evening of guitar virtuosity on behalf of Hope for Orphans, a 501c3 non-profit organization focused on exposing the plight of orphans worldwide and galvanizing Christians everywhere into action on behalf of the fatherless.

 

All Proceeds To Benefit Hope for Orphans

 

Thursday, October 23, 2014

7:00 p.m.

At the Edge Fellowship Bible Church

1401 Kirk Road, Little Rock, Arkansas

GENERAL ADMISSION – $35

PREMIUM TICKETS – $45

 

Premium tickets allow for early entry and seat

selection at 5:45PM and Q&A time with Phil and Jason.

Tickets will be available at the door

 

 

 

 

BUY TICKETS

hopefororphans.org/benefit

 

 

 

 

 

Holt-Sunnyridge Post Adoption Groups

 

FALL/WINTER Holt-Sunny Ridge GROUPS

 

These groups are ongoing and participants are encouraged to attend all sessions, but can register for individual dates. A minimum of five youth are needed for each month in order to run the group for that particular date. We hope to see you there!

 

NEW! KIDS Connection Group (Co-Ed), ages 8-12 or 3rd-6th grade:

Meets once a month on the following Tuesdays from 6pm-7pm. To sign up please click on the following dates to register!

• October 7th
• November 4th
• December 9th
• January 13th 
• February 10th
• March 10th

 

This group's focus is on providing a safe environment for connection and social interaction. 

 

Goals of the group are to help adopted youth learn and practice how to problem solve as well as improve their communication skills. Group is based on TBRI ® principles (Trust Based Relational Intervention ® by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross).

 

A concurrent parent/caregiver group will be offered for both Kids Connection and Teen Girls Group.

$25 per youth

$20 per adult for parent group

Maximum youth: 12

Minimum youth required: 5

 

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TEEN GIRLS Group (ages 13-16):

Meets once a month on the following Tuesdays from 7:15-8:15pm.

Please click on the following dates to register.

• October 7th 
• November 4th
• December 9th 
• January 13th 
• February 10th 
• March 10th

 

This group is focused on providing a safe environment to share, support and discuss issues that your adopted daughter might be struggling with such as relationships, anxiety, school, family, friends or adoption. Group is based on TBRI ® principles (Trust Based Relational Intervention ® by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross). 

 

A concurrent parent/caregiver group will be offered for both Kids Connection and Teen Girls Group.

$25 per youth

$20 per adult for parent group

Maximum youth: 12

Minimum youth required: 5

 

 

Classes led by:

Pam Shepard, LCSW

Supervisor of Post Adoption Services

Questions? Please contact her at:

pams@holtsunnyridge.org

(630)754-4522

Project Home Children's Foundation FunWalkorRun

Project Home Children's Foundation supports adoptions, orphanages, education & programs for underprivileged children. 

 

www.projecthomecf.org. 

 

Register for the FunWalkOrRun 2014 HERE

 

Webinar: Addressing Eating Issues in Adopted Children

Bethany Christian Services is pleased to offer training and resources specifically developed for adoptive parents. We encourage you to join us for the upcoming webinar:

Family Meals and Feeding with Confidence and Joy:
Help for picky and selective eating, hoarding, weight concerns, and more.

October 23 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. (Central Time)

Registration is $10 and limited to the first 100 registrants.

Completion of this webinar will satisfy 1.5 hours of BCS education requirements for all prospective adoptive parents. A certificate of completion will be available for $2.50 per person.

Register at: www.bethany.org/adoptioneducation

Workshop on the Effects of Violence on Children

The Vulnerable Children's Ministry

Presents a Workshop for Parents…

“Effects of Violence on Children”

 

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Willow Creek Community Church

67 E. Algonquin Road, So. Barrington, IL

Room B205-207 (near the chapel)

 

 

Guest Speaker: Carrie Estrada, LCSW,

Program Director of “Safe From the Start”,

a program of The Child Advocacy Center

(http://www.cachelps.org/safe-from-the-start)

 

5:30 Dinner together (Atrium, near the Lakeside lobby)

7:00 Worship service (Lakeside Auditorium)

7:30 Workshop (Room TBA)

  

Registration is suggested. www.willowcreek.org/midweekclasses

(You will need to create a user name & password that you can use each month.)

Childcare is available with Midweek for Kids (ages 0-grade 5)

 

D.C.F.S. Training Credits available for licensed foster parents.

  

 

CASA Advocate Recruitment Events

CASA of McHenry County

(Court Appointed Special Advocates)

 

Are you interested in directly making a difference in a child's life by being their voice? Join us for this informational session about becoming a CASA Advocate. Current advocates will be on hand to answer your questions and share their experiences.  Stop in for a short while or stay the entire time. All are welcome to learn more.

 

Tuesday, September 9 from 9 am - 10:30 am

Huntley HealthBridge

10450 Algonquin Rd.

Huntley, IL 60142

Thursday, September 11 from 6 pm - 7:30 pm

Crystal Lake Panera Bread

6000 Northwest Highway

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

Thursday, October 9 from 5:30-7:00 pm

McHenry American Community Bank

1500 S. Route 31

McHenry, IL 60050

 

   

Can't make it but want to know more? Email raechel@casamchenrycounty.org or call 815-363-5920 for more information. 

 

www.casamchenrycounty.org

Host A Child From China This Winter

 

 

Do you have room in your heart and your home to host a child from China?  Now is your opportunity! CCAI’s 2014 Winter China Hosting Program has begun!

 

The Winter 2014 photo listing is OPEN.  If you have not yet done so, we encourage you to register to see the photo listing of orphans ages 5 to 13 who are available for hosting http://www.projectonefortythree.org/host/photo-listing-registration/.  Consider this truly remarkable way to make a difference in an orphan's life for 4 weeks over the holidays!

 

There are currently 14 children being hosted from China this winter, which means 21 children still need host families.  For more information on hosting a child from China this winter, please check out CCAI’s website at www.ccaifamily.org or send an email to hosting@ccaifamily.org.  Please feel free to use the attached flyer to advocate for these remaining children to be hosted.

 

Hosting will not only change a child’s life forever, but will also change your life in ways you never even imagined! 

 

Sheila King, LCSW

China Hosting Coordinator

Domestic Adoption Program Coordinator

Parent Training Coordinator

CCAI - where families grow and dreams come true

A Hague Accredited Adoption Service Provider

 

Phone: 303-850-9998 x42

Fax: 303-850-9997

Lydia Home Annual Benefit Dinner

 

 

 

Thursday, September 18, 2014

5:30 PM to 9:00 PM

 

Silent auction and reception begin at 5:30 PM

Dinner and program begin at 6:30 PM

 

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

5555 N. River Road, Rosemont, IL

Free Parking

 

You will be especially blessed to hear the story of Steve Pemberton, VP at Walgreens.  If you ever wondered whether what you offer to Safe Family kids makes a difference, hearing Steve's story will certainly impact you. Small acts of kindness from a neighbor and others helped Steve overcome a history of mental and physical torture and abandonment  to find a place called home. 

 

Please click here to RSVP today. You will be asked to create an account in order to make your reservation.   Suggested donation is $100.00 per person.

 

If you are unable to attend, on-line donations are very much appreciated.   lydiahome.org/donate.

How To Adopt Website

I just found a website from Show Hope called "How to Adopt".  It's a great resource for those who are thinking about adoption or just starting their adoption journey.  Check it out at www.howtoadopt.org!

FREE Safe Families Host Training Day

 

 

Safe Families for Children and Christ Community Church Present:

 

The Greater Chicago Host Family Training Day

Saturday, September 13, 2014

8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Christ Community Church, St. Charles, IL

 

Prospective Safe Families, you're invited to a live, accelerated Comprehensive Training Session. 

 

Offered as an alternative to online training, this event is designed to equip you to welcome a child into your home and move you through the training process efficiently. The live Comprehensive Training Session includes everything you need to become a certified Safe Family—all in one place. 

• Start or submit your application
• Get fingerprints taken for the background check
• Complete your training hours
• Meet like-minded families who will support you

Doors open at 8:30 AM for those who need to start an application, schedule a home study, start a background check, or ask one-on-one questions.  Training session begins at 9:00 AM sharp.

Childcare is offered for children through 3rd grade to those who RSVP by Saturday, Sept. 6th.  A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will also be a variety of special giveaways throughout the training session you won't want to miss!

Free Parking is available.  The training will be held in the Chapel.

REGISTER HERE

The training session will be presented by Tom Maluga and Joyce Moffitt.  Tom is the Director of Safe Families for Children Chicago since the ministry's inception in 2002 and holds two Masters degrees. Joyce is the Area Coordinator for Lake County and a Master Trainer for DCFS.  Both are devoted to helping urban families find God’s healing and redeeming grace.

Reserve your spot today! We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 13th to equip and encourage you in your journey.

If you have further questions please contact Sarah Mohr, 773-653-2222, or smohr@safefamilies.net

Have questions about Live Host Family Training Day - Christ Community Church? Contact Safe Families for Children

4 Ways to Thrive Once They're Home

This post is part of the Adoption Journey Series from Lifesong for Orphans. See previous posts, “Adoption: 3 Ways to Prepare for the Journey” & "Adoption: 5 Funding Ideas that Work!". 

 

You made it. After all the paperwork, emails, phone calls, times of waiting and waiting and waiting, your child is finally forever home. Now what??

Being home together as a family may be all that you envisioned and expected, but most likely, there may be some challenges and adjustments to work through. Whether that be with your child you just brought into your home or your bio kids. Change can be tough, especially when your new forever child has come from a hard place and may have many emotional walls and culture barriers to break down. The good news? You're not in this alone.

 

Here are a few resources and ideas for families post-adoption...

4 Ways to Thrive Once They're Home

 

Find a Support Group. During the transition, you will need godly friends and family surrounding and encouraging you, telling you, "I get what you're going through...We are praying." If your church does not have an adoption support group, talk to other adoptive families and start your own. Also, check with your adoption agency to see if they can connect you with someone in your area.

Attend an Empowered to Connect Conference. Yep, it's that good that we're mentioning it twice. If you can't make a conference before your adoption, find the time to attend after your child is in your home. The insight and wisdom you will receive will encourage you as you parent a child from a hard places.

Read Handbook on Thriving as an Adoptive Family. Packed with practical advice and ideas for families with an adopted child, this parenting handbook is unique in that it provides real-life solutions to common challenges. Bible-based and comprehensive, this Focus on the Family resource addresses the special challenges of adopted children and their parents from birth through adulthood.

Call iCareAboutOrphans.org's Post Adoption Phone line. This ministry of Focus on the Family offers this service FREE for adoptive families! The phone number is 800-A-FAMILY (232-6459) and is staffed Mon – Fri from 8am – 10pm EST by counselors who have been trained by Dr. Karyn Purvis.

What are some other ways that helped your family THRIVE once your child(ren) were forever home? Please join the conversation by commenting below.

 

"Fresh Start" to Provide Reconstructive Surgery

Free reconstructive surgery for children! Apply by Sep 12 for October surgery

 

 

 

The D.C.F.S. Guardian’s Office is excited to announce that the Department has entered into a partnership with Fresh Start, a California-based nonprofit that provides free reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services to infants, children, and teens with physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse, or disease.

 

Fresh Start has expanded into Chicago by partnering with the University of Chicago Medical Center’s Comer Children’s Hospital. The first Surgery Weekend in Chicago was held in June, and the next weekend is scheduled for Oct. 25. Surgery weekends will be held three times each year for multiple children.

 

Children do not have to live in Chicago to be eligible for the program. If you would like to refer a child to Fresh Start or have questions about the application process, including completing the attached application, please contact Lisa Robinson in the Guardian’s Office.  Please fax completed applications to Lisa Robinson at 312-793-3546.

 

The referral deadline for the October Surgery Weekend is Friday, Sept. 12.

 

Fresh Start Patient Application – English

Fresh Start Patient Application – Spanish