Birth Parent Services at Sunnyridge Family Center

 

 

Birth Parent Services

Tell Someone You Know About Our Birth Parent Services 

Do you know someone working in a clinic or hospital setting who should know about our services to women considering adoption? Help Sunny Ridge spread the word about our services to hospitals, community service providers, and health care clinics. We offer free birth parent counseling and support services to those making important decisions about their child’s future. Sunny Ridge accepts the challenge of providing professional services and practical planning to women during this important time in their life. Women have choices, and our goal is to offer adoption as an option, without pressure, in a way that honors the woman as a parent making decisions for their child. Those who receive our services are not required to place their children for adoption. In fact, many of the women we serve elect to parent their children. If you know someone who would like to learn about our services, please contact Nancy Crouch, Supervisor of Adoption Services, (630) 754-4526.   www.sunnyridge.org

Adoption Informational Meetings

 

Are you considering adoption? Not sure where to start? Learn more about adoption and the current opportunities to adopt through Sunny Ridge Family Center. These are free Adoption Information Meetings where you can learn more about adoption and services offered.

There is a great deal to learn about adoption. Come and learn about the many types of children in need of a family, both in Illinois and internationally. You will also learn more about the requirements for adopting, the adoption process, paperwork, length of time, costs, and more.

Register for Meeting

Adoption Agency Fundraiser

Here's a chance to support adoption by supporting

a local adoption agency!

 

 

 

Share Tweet Forward to Friend Download your reservation or make your reservations on-line using the button below. Make Your Reservations On-line Now

Copyright © 2013 Sunny Ridge Family Center, All rights reserved. You are receiving this e-mail because you requested to be included. Our mailing address is: Sunny Ridge Family Center 270 Remington Boulevard Suite C Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440

Scholarship Offered to Domestic Adoptee

Segler Scholarship Applications Available

Scholarship Offered To Domestic Adoptee Seeking Higher Education

 

Applications for the Dr. Samuel Louis Segler Memorial Scholarship are now available. The scholarship was established in 2002 by the Segler Family in order to further the education of any young person adopted through the Sunny Ridge Domestic Adoption program who is seeking higher education in a college, university, vocational, or training institution. 

 

To receive an application packet or for more information, e-mail Linda Segler at segler6242@sbcglobal.net. Applications must be returned no later than December 1, 2013. Continued memorials offered on behalf of Dr. Segler are the source for the scholarship fund.

WISE Up! Workshop for Adoptive Families

Sunny Ridge Family Center Presents.....

 

W.I.S.E. Up! Workshop for Adoptive Families

 

Saturday, September 28

Sunny Ridge Family Center, Bolingbrook, IL

 

WISE Up! is a parent/child workshop for children in Grades 1 through 3, and Grades 4 - 6, along with their parent(s). WISE Up! offers practical tools for both adoptive parents and adopted children (both internationally and domestically) to guide them in making choices on how to respond to uncomfortable or personal questions about their adoption.

 

A morning workshop from 10:00am to 12 Noon is offered for children in Grades 1 to 3; the afternoon session from 1:30pm to 3:30pm is offered to children Grades 4 to 6.

 

See the registration page to Register for Grades 1 to 3 or Register for Grades 4 to 6.
  

Consider "Special Needs" Adoption from China

Share Tweet Forward to Friend Consider Adoption Has someone in your life recently considered adoption? If so, you should know more about the China Waiting Child Adoption Program at Sunny Ridge Family Center. Sunny Ridge has the privilege of finding families for children from China with varying degrees of special medical needs. See more in this video. The Term "Special Needs" Most people believe that when they adopt a child with "special needs" they will have no control over the types of medical issues a child may have. The truth is, families decide the types of "special needs" they are comfortable in handling. Also, in the case of this program, the term "special needs" is used to define a wide variety of of medical needs, including very minor, correctable medical needs to more involved needs. Some children are available for adoption through the program simply because of their age! Children range in age from one year of age to 13 years old, with healthy children over the age of eight also available. Both boys and girls are in need of a family. Why Are Children Available? Children are in need of a family for a variety of reasons. Some are available because of the social stigma of having a physical disability and the lack of affordable health care treatments. Often more boys are available in the China Waiting Child Adoption Program due to China’s belief that more families would want to adopt boys, leading to more boys being made available. However, adoptive families in the United States tend to have a preference for girls. This means that little boys in this program can often wait twice as long for a family. Want To Learn More? Just starting out? Many questions can be answered immediately on the Sunny Ridge website. You can also learn more about our China Waiting Child Adoption Program at one of our free Adoption Information Meetings held at Sunny Ridge Family Center in Bolingbrook. Upcoming meeting dates: Monday, July 8, 2013, 7:00pm Monday, September 9, 2013, 7:00pm Monday, November 4, 2013, 7:00pm If you have questions or would like more information, please contact: Jessica Augsburger, MSW/LCSW China Waiting Child Program Coordinator 270 Remington Boulevard, Suite C Bolingbrook, Illinois USA 60440 Direct: (630) 754-4532

Girls Group at Sunny Ridge

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Summer Girls Groups at Sunny Ridge Does your daughter struggle with peer issues? Or seem to have a difficult time talking about adoption? Does she shut down when you try to talk to her? Sunny Ridge Family Center continues our Girl Groups this summer. We still have room for your daughter to join Sunny Ridge for a summer session of Expressions (Girls ages 13-17) beginning June 4. Sessions combine fun and a therapeutic component to assist your daughter in gaining more confidence, managing her feelings in a healthy and appropriate way, developing her social skills, and processing adoption-related issues with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Group includes team-building exercises, adoptee guest speaker, crafts, and movie clips / discussion time. We offer your daughter a fun, safe, and nurturing group with other girls her age. All group sessions are led by an Pam Shepard, LCSW, Supervisor of Parent Training and Adoption Counseling Services. Groups are for girls who were adopted domestically, internationally, or through foster care. Hurry! Groups limited to 10 girls maximum. A concurrent parent support group will take place each evening as well.  Expressions (Girls ages 13-17): Tuesdays, June 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2013, from 6:30-8:00pm For questions and more information, please call Pam Shepard at (630) 754-4522.

Sunny Ridge Announces New Haiti Adoption Program

Sunny Ridge is pleased to announce a new Haiti Adoption Program, having been selected as one of the US adoption agencies accredited to operate as an adoption facilitator in Haiti. This accreditation comes as the Haitian government now completes the necessary changes to convert their system to Hague Convention standards for intercountry adoption.

Haiti’s central authority for international adoption, l’Institut du Bien-Etre Sociale et de Recherches (IBESR), will now play a major role in the matching of children with adoptive applicants. The accreditation process began last summer when Haiti ratified the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.

In the days ahead, Sunny Ridge will be learning more about the new Haitian adoption laws and procedures so that they may present information and details about the program to families interested. They are delighted to have the opportunity to place more children into forever families through our Haiti Adoption Program.

Those interested in adopting from Haiti are encouraged to contact Amy Trotter, Executive Director for Programs, at (630) 754-4514

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

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 

"Thriving As A Multiracial Family" Workshop

Tuesday, January 29, 2013, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Tuesday, February 5, 2013, 6:30pm - 8:30pm Saturday, February 16, 2013, 9:00am - 12 Noon Dinner included on Tuesday evenings; Continental breakfast included Saturday Attendance at all three (3) sessions is required. Who Should Attend: International and Domestic Adoption Families waiting to adopt a child of a different race; other families wishing to enhance their parenting Gain the tools, resources, and strategies needed to parent transracially. This training is essential as you explore the option of parenting a child of a race or ethnic background different than your family. Topics include: How to help develop and support your child’s healthy identity and self-esteem The complexities of transracial parenting, and how to prepare yourself, your family, and your children for the challenges ahead Open group discussions and exercises, community and self assessments, plus panel discussions with adoptees and adoptive parents Workshop fee (Nonrefundable, and includes three sessions): $150 per person, or $300 per couple Note: These sessions are for adults only. The material presented in this training will greatly impact the nature of your parenting and family. Therefore, in two-parent families, it is imperative that both parents attend all three sessions. Please think of this training as a loving investment in your child’s healthy identity and self-esteem. Please register on-line no later than January 18, 2013. For more information about this series contact Pam Shepard, LCSW, at (630) 754-4522

Parenting Class at Sunnyridge

 

Risks and Realities of Parenting

Why Do Children Do What They Do?
Saturday, October 20, 2012

9:00am - 12:00pm
Sunny Ridge Family Center, Bolingbrook

Sunny Ridge Family Center presents

DR. DAN GRIFFITH, PhD

Clinical Pediatric Psychologist

REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

Are you parenting or preparing to parent a child who may have been prenatally exposed to alcohol, tobacco or other drugs? While parenting certainly has its many rewards, there are also risks and realities which every parent needs to be of aware of. Come hear from Dr. Dan Griffith, Ph.D., a clinical pediatric psychologist, who will provide insights on the risks and realities of parenting with these challenges - and help us better understand why children do what they do. Topics to be covered:

Parenting A Child At Risk

• Developmental tasks for children
• The effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD)
• The long-term risks and realities the exposure may present

Managing Sensory and Regulatory Difficulties In Children

• Why do children do what they do?
• The role of sensory processing in determining behavior
• A model for understanding behavior through sensory processing and sensory/regulatory concepts
• Promoting successful parenting through helping children to know what they are supposed to do and to be able to do it

$35 Workshop Registration fee
$45 for 3 CEU’s for LSW/LCSW’s (Provider #159.001117)
$45 for 3 CPDU’s for teachers, counselors and personnel who need CPDU’s (Provider #120313153244635).

FOSTER PARENTS: This workshop has been approved for foster parent training credits. Licensed foster/adoptive families can receive 3 hours of training credits.

Register two or more and save $5 per registration.

REGISTER FOR WORKSHOP

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Dan Griffith is a licensed clinical psychologist and has years of experience in research and clinical practice with high risk infants/children and their families. Dr. Griffith has expertise in psychological/developmental/educational assessment and intervention with children, parent child relations and parental effectiveness training, research design and implementation, and program evaluation. He has worked with a number of high risk populations including: domestic and international adoptees, premature and/or low birth weight infants, infants/children prenatally exposed to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD), children with sensory/regulatory problems including ADHD and autism, and children with learning disabilities.

Parenting Classes for Adoptive & Foster Parents

Parenting The Theraplay Way: Attachment-Based Therapeutic Parenting for Your Adopted/Foster Child Saturday, October 13, 2012 9:00am to 5:00pm Sunny Ridge Family Center, Bolingbrook Sunny Ridge is pleased to welcome The Theraplay Institute, an organization that has been helping parents build better relationships with their children for over 40 years. They understand that adopted and foster children often need a different kind of parenting, and that these parenting skills may not just come naturally to even the best parent. Their experts understand the neurological and developmental issues that might be challenging your child, and they will give you specific ideas and techniques to help you bring joy, fun, and laughter back home to your family. The Theraplay Institute will share what you need to know about attachment and trauma, and how parenting “The Theraplay Way” will address your child’s challenges. You will see the activities being used with other families, and you will practice some of them to give you confidence to try them at home. This program is also appropriate for pre-adoptive parents as well as for extended family members such as grandparents, and aunts and uncles. The workshop will address such issues as: How to help your child feel more comfortable accepting your guidance and leadership. How to nip negative behaviors in the bud without being punitive. How to get away from constant rewards and threats of consequence. How to discipline your child in a way that is effective and fosters learning rather seeming to make the child feel ashamed and vengeful. How to integrate playful, reciprocal interactions that will enhance your child’s sense of well-being and self-esteem. How to foster a feeling of connection and joy between you and your child that will last beyond the time of the actual activity/event. Workshop Fee: $95 for the full-day workshop; $150 per couple; includes light refreshments (lunch on your own; you may bring a sack lunch if you wish) CEU’s are available (6.5) - Register on-line directly at The Theraplay Institute or call Janet Koestring at (847) 256-7334, extension 104

Waiting Child/Special Needs Adoptions from China

If you are considering adoption, I encourage you to check out the Waiting Child program from China.  We've been blessed to adopt our youngest daughter through this program, and know many others who have done the same.  Also, check out the video below that features the McMillan family, members of our adoption community at Willow Creek.

 

 

 

 

Consider Adoption

Has someone in your life recently considered adoption? If so, you should know more about the "China Waiting Child Adoption Program" at Sunny Ridge Family Center. Sunny Ridge has the privilege of finding families for children with special medical needs. See more in this video.

The Term "Special Needs"

Most people believe that when they adopt a child with "special needs" they will have no control over the types of medical issues a child may have. The truth is, families decide the types of "special needs" they are comfortable in handling. Also, in the case of this program, the term "special needs" is used to define a wide variety of of medical needs, including very minor, correctable medical needs to more involved needs. Some children are available for adoption through the program simply because of their age! Children range in age from one year of age to 13 years old, with healthy children over the age of eight also available. Both boys and girls are in need of a family.

Why Are Children Available?

Children are in need of a family for a variety of reasons. Some are available because of the social stigma of having a physical disability and the lack of affordable health care treatments. Often more boys are available in the China Waiting Child Adoption Program due to China’s belief that more families would want to adopt boys, leading to more boys being made available. However, adoptive families in the United States tend to have a preference for girls. This means that little boys in this program can often wait twice as long for a family.

Want To Learn More?

Just starting out? Or do you need to forward this to a friend who may be considering adoption? Many questions can be answered immediately on the Sunny Ridge website. You can also learn more about our China Waiting Child Adoption Program at one of their free Adoption Information Meetings held at Sunny Ridge Family Center in Bolingbrook. If you have questions or would like more information about this program, contact:

Jessica Augsburger, MSW/LCSW
China Waiting Child Program Coordinator
270 Remington Boulevard, Suite C
Bolingbrook, Illinois USA 60440
Direct: (630) 754-4532

Sunnyridge Offers Homeland Tours to China

China Homeland Tour Information Meeting

Dates Announced for 2013 Tour

Attend a special Information Meeting on Saturday, September 8, 2012, at 10:00am at Sunny Ridge - to learn more about our 2013 Tour. This Homeland Tour is for families wishing to visit Jiangxi and/or Guangdong Provinces. Both tours will include visits to Beijing and Xian. If your travel group would like to travel together, let us know.

Tentative departure dates:

July 9, 2013 – group departs for Jiangxi;
July 18, 2013 – group departs for Guangdong.

Learn more about the Tour and register on-line by August 30th for this important meeting.

Creative Arts Series for Adopted Tweens

Sunnyridge Family Center Presents ....

Creative Arts Series for Adopted Tweens (Ages 10-13)

Tuesdays, July 10, 17, & 24, 2012, 6:30pm-8:00pm

Is your Tween looking for a creative and fun activity this summer while connecting with others? Sunny Ridge presents a Creative Arts Series for children ages 10 to 13. Choose from either the Drawing or Creative Writing track; attend three (3) Tuesday evening sessions. The Drawing track allows your child the opportunity to explore the basics of drawing cartoons, characters, storybook sketches or anime. The Creative Writing track will introduce your child to different types of writing, such as fiction, journaling and poetry -- using word games, storytelling and free writing to creatively write a short story. 

 

Creative Arts Series fee: $60 per person for 3 sessions; two or more family members: $50 per person
Choose either Drawing or Creative Writing track when registering.

Limit: 10 children per track

More information and registration

For more information call  Pam Shepard, LCSW at (630) 754-4522 

http://www.sunnyridge.org/

Summer Movie Nights at Sunnyridge

 

 

 

Summer Movie Nights 
Next Friday, June 29, 2012, 6:00pm-8:30pm

 

Adoptive families with children 5 and older:

Come out to Sunny Ridge next Friday evening, June 29th from 6pm-8:30pm to view the move "Elf" ...join us for fun and an insightful adoption-themed discussion about the movie. 

Upcoming Dates:

Friday, July 13, 2012
Audience: Adopted teens ages 13 and older; Bring a friend and meet other adoptees while watching a movie!
Movie: “Juno”

Friday, August 3, 2012
Audience: Adoptive parents only; A powerful and thought-provoking movie sure to spark discussion on multiple adoption-related issues.
Movie: “Adopted”

Movie Night Price: $10 per person

For more information on programs and activities,
call Pam Shepard, LCSW at (630) 754-4522 

http://www.sunnyridgefamilycenter.org/

Parenting Seminar for Your Adopted or Foster Child

Parenting The Theraplay® Way:
Attachment-Based Parenting for your Adopted/Foster Child
Thursday & Friday, May 10 & 11, 2012 (both days required)
10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunny Ridge Family Center
270 Remington Blvd.
Bolingbrook, IL 60440

Workshop fee: $95 per person or $150 for two people

Light refreshments will be provided; one hour lunch - brown bag or on your own. 
Sunny Ridge is pleased to welcome The Theraplay Institute, an organization that has been helping parents build better relationships with their children for over 40 years. They understand that adopted and foster children often need a different kind of parenting, and that these parenting skills may not just come naturally to even the best parent. Their experts understand the neurological and developmental issues that might be challenging your child, and they will give you specific ideas and techniques to help you bring joy, fun, and laughter back home to your family.

The Theraplay Institute will share what you need to know about attachment and trauma, and how parenting "The Theraplay Way" will address your child’s challenges. You will see the activities being used with other families, and you will practice some of them to give you confidence to try them at home. This program is also appropriate for pre-adoptive parents as well as for extended family members such as grandparents, and aunts and uncles.

The workshop will address such issues as:

• How to help your child feel more comfortable accepting your guidance and leadership.
• How to nip negative behaviors in the bud without being punitive.
• How to get away from constant rewards and threats of consequence.
• How to discipline your child in a way that is effective and fosters learning rather seeming to make the child feel ashamed and vengeful.
• How to integrate playful, reciprocal interactions that will enhance your child’s sense of well-being and self-esteem.
• How to foster a feeling of connection and joy between you and your child that will last beyond the time of the actual activity/event.

Register On-line directly at The Theraplay Institute or call Janet Koestring at (847) 256-7334, extension 104.

Adoptive Parent Workshop

 

 

Speech & Language Strategies for
Children Adopted from China
 

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

7:00pm - 8:00pm

 

Sunny Ridge Family Center presents

SHINFAN STEPHANIE CHANG, MS, CCC-SLP/L

Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist
 

Attend a seminar  with guest presenter Shinfan Stephanie Chang, MS, CCC-SLP/L. Shinfan Stephanie Chang is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist and Early Intervention Specialist, as well as a Mandarin Chinese Interpreter for the Illinois Early Intervention program. She will be present on speech and language strategies for children adopted from China and will be covering the following topics in her presentation:

• Communication issues for internationally adopted children
• Learning about signs of speech-language delays
• Strategies to help your child communicate while they are transitioning into their new home
• When to ask for a speech-language evaluation for your child
• What is involved in a speech-language evaluation

Workshop cost is $20 per person. Adults only; no childcare provided. 

 

$20 Workshop Registration fee

 

Click here to register:

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2503355604?ref=ebtn

 

For more information go to http://www.sunnyridge.org/

Sunnyridge Family Center's Denim & Diamonds Gala

THREE WEEKS! Join us for a spectacular "Denim & Diamonds" evening in support of the mission of Sunny Ridge Family Center on Saturday, December 3, 2011.

You're invited! Our Gala Fundraiser is fast approaching and there are many ways you can support the event:

Attend the Fundraiser
Get your group of friends together for a fun evening in support of Sunny Ridge! Wear your best denim and diamonds, take home that special auction item, or dance the night away! Adoptive parents we encouraged you to submit your child's picture to Sunny Ridge for our video slide show at the Gala! Remember: payments in excess of $35 per reservation may be considered a charitable contribution. Purchase your reservations at: www.sunnyridge.org/gala

Donate an item to our Live or Silent Auction
Our Live & Silent Auctions raise important funds for Sunny Ridge, and we rely on generous supporters to help make our auction a success. Ideal items include sporting event tickets, such as Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, and college sports; golf packages, entertainment items such as theater, concerts, guest passes to museums, one-of-a-kind experiences, electronics, restaurant gift certificates, airfare, vacations, and more. All donors will be recognized in our Gala Fundraiser Program Book. Please send your donated items to Sunny Ridge no later than Friday, November 18, 2011. For more information or to make a donation, please contact: Ms. Joan Bowen, (630) 325-9800, jb@bowencpa.com.

Purchase Raffle Tickets
Enter to win one of three fabulous prizes, including a Downtown Chicago Weekend Hotel/Dinner package, a Kindle e-reader, or a $100 Gift Card from Best Buy. Purchase your raffle tickets on-line today.

Place an Ad in our Program Book
Purchase an ad for your business or commemorate your child or family in the Gala Fundraiser program booklet. Families can include their photo as part of their ad. Download the form from our invitation at: www.sunnyridge.org/gala

Online Gala Reservations/Donations:  http://gala2011.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

Download the Gala Fundraiser Invitation (PDF): http://gala2011.eventbrite.com/?ref=ebtn

Sunny Ridge Adoptive Parent/Toddler Play Group

NEW DATES ANNOUNCED!

Who: Adoptive parents with children ages 0-4

When: Friday mornings from 10:00 -11:30am, November 4 & 11; December 2 & 9

Where: Sunny Ridge Family Center, 270 Remington Blvd, Suite C, Bolingbrook, IL

Fee: $35 includes four sessions

Why: Meet and connect with other adoptive parents in the community! Share ideas and parenting strategies, discuss and share helpful books, social media sites, and articles regarding adoption and parenting issues. Come be part of a casual group who won't care if you have to put a conversation on hold to go change a dirty diaper ... or address a toddler’s tantrum!

Facilitated by Pam Shepard, LCSW, Supervisor of Parent Training and Adoption Counseling Services (and mom of 2 toddlers.)

Space is limited, so sign up now for this unique opportunity by clicking here:  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2370530320?ref=ebtn