Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Hearts of Armenia

 “Hearts of Armenia” makes the perfect New Year or Valentine gift!  Meghedi Melody Nazarian has spent months in Armenia photographing all the different hearts she’s seen around this beautiful country. She has designed and created a book that is FOR SALE and has generously decided to give 50% of the proceeds from the sale of the books to the Women’s Support Center. Your purchase supports the combat of gender-based violence in Armenia.

You can order Hearts of Armenia here.

Free E-Newsletters from Adoptive Families!

To sign up for the Adoptive Families free e-newsletters, click here.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Blogs We Like: Melody of Yerevan

 So much to say, so much to see / So much joy in every smile, so much pain in every frown.
One man is planning his escape, while another is working hard to feed his kids / To one it’s his sacred homeland, he’ll never leave / To another it’s the bane of his being, he can’t wait to flee.
Tourists left and right, rushing from sight to sight / Cross ways with locals, sharing curious glances up and down / Taxis whiz by, skidding side to side / While buses fill up and give locals their ride.

Read more.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Support for Women & Children at Shelter in Armenia (Domestic Violence Survivors)

'Tis the Season to Support a Safe House in Armenia



Women's Support Center is a non-profit organization that is considered one of the most professional centers dealing with victims of domestic violence in Armenia. Established in 2010, the center is led by a small group of feminist activists and community leaders dedicated to the mission of creating a safe space for survivors of domestic violence and ending violence against women in Armenia.

Internationally, holidays tend to be the time when domestic violence support centers receive higher numbers of survivors seeking refuge and support. We run one of two shelters in all of Armenia for women and children survivors of domestic violence. Because the Armenian Government does not offer a shelter or any support to NGOs carrying out this work, we are the lifeline to these women. For that reason, we NEED YOUR SUPPORT.

When women come to our shelter, they are fleeing extremely dangerous situations and often bring nothing with them. For this reason, we provide them with basic necessities, such as clothing and hygiene products, in an effort to help them back on their feet and regain their dignity.

We need to raise $6,000 to make 200 welcoming kits for all women and children who need shelter services in 2016. 

These $30 kits will include a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, a comb, feminine hygiene, undergarments, towels, and more.

With your support, we can continue providing survivors of domestic violence with shelter services and adequate resources.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE
 




Every day women and children receive healthy snacks and meals at the shelter.

How Else Can I Support this Campaign?
 
Here are 4 ways you can show your support and engage others in our project! 
 
1. Utilize your SOCIAL MEDIA networks! Share the link to our campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Instagram using #WSCshelter with each post! You can also SHARE OUR WEBSITE or FACEBOOK with friends and family. Engage them in our mission to end domestic violence!

2. Send an email to your network about our mission. Tell friends, family and colleagues about our plans for growth through this campaign!

3. Think of BUSINESSES THAT ALIGN with our vision to provide refuge to women and children survivors - your local Armenian center, church, university, etc. and reach out to them with a personalized letter, a call or visit their business inviting them to contribute to this campaign!

4. If you can't support the campaign, consider donating women and children's clothing to us. You can be in touch with us via email or Facebook to drop off clothes at our center.

Monday, December 14, 2015

New Webinar! The Essentials of Adoption Medicine


Register now for our newest webinar!

"The Essentials of Adoption Medicine"

 Join us on Thursday, January 28th, 2016 at 2pm EST  with NCFA's two-time National Adoption Conference presenter and founder of the Comprehensive Adoption Medicine Consultants,  Dr. Emily Todd.  With the help of Dr. Emily Todd, we will explore several adoption related medical concerns including medical problems facing adopted children, what to expect when the child is brought home, and how to deal with long term medical issues of an adopted children. We’ll explore some new techniques, research, and strategies when combining adoption and medicine. This 90 minute webinar will include some time for Q & A with the expert. 

BONUS: Attendees will also receive an early edition of NCFA's February Adoption Advocate authored by Dr. Emily Todd, Adoption Medicine: Improving the Health and Well Being of Adopted Children.

In order to attend the webinar session, you must register by Wednesday, January 27th at Noon EST!

About the Presenter

Emily Todd, MD, is a pediatrician and medical geneticist.  She founded Comprehensive Adoption Medicine Consultants to help families navigate the medical side of the adoption process.  While attending Rush Medical College, Dr. Todd received awards for her work in genetics as well as recognition from her peers for excellence in humanism.  After receiving her Medical Doctorate, she moved to Denver, CO where she completed her pediatric residency at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.  Following pediatric residency, Dr. Todd completed advanced training in medical genetics at Children’s Hospital Colorado.  In addition to her busy adoption medicine practice, Dr. Todd is currently serving as the Contributing Section Editor for the Council on Foster Care, Adoption and Kinship Care for AAP Grand Rounds, a professional journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.  She also serves as a member of the board of directors for the Colorado chapter of the Gift of Adoption Fund.

Don’t miss out!

Registration cost is $35 for NCFA Members and $40 for the public. $15 for continuing education units.
REGISTER HERE.

Adoption 101 Class for Prospective Adoptive Families: January 9th, 2016. Reserve your place now.

Sunday, December 13, 2015

NEW WEBINAR: Attending to Needs, Connecting for Life: Dr. Purvis on Attachment

Thursday, February 4, 2016, 7:00 PM CT  

REGISTER NOW

Join us as Dr. Karyn Purvis discusses her latest research surrounding attachment and connecting with children who have experienced a tough beginning in life.

With her naturally warm style, Dr. Purvis will share insights to help us better understand and connect with each other.

She will provide practical tips to building a foundation of love, support and security to help your family thrive.
Specific topics include:
  • Connecting principles for attachment needs
  • Techniques to connect with your child at different developmental stages
  • Correcting principles to disarm fear-based behaviors
Click here to register now.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Help Reduce Holiday Melt Downs by Adoption Learning Partners

Just in Time for the Holidays and only $10: Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation

Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation
Presented by Dr. Dan Griffith

REGISTER NOW

Holidays can add joy and connection for families. Lots of sights, sounds, smells and food created specifically for this time of year.
With all this specialness, however, comes a strong potential for sensory overload. This can mean that special moments of celebration are intermingled with melt downs and tantrums, while parents struggle to stay jolly.

But once you realize what is happening and why, you can intercede to help your child balance things out. Join Clinical Pediatric Psychologist Dan Griffith, Ph.D, as he provides real-life examples so you can:

  • Identify different types of common sensory/regulatory difficulties
  • Work through stresses these difficulties may have on your parent/child relationship
  • Learn intervention strategies to help your family thrive

Click here to learn more and register for only $10 during the month of December. Webinar is regularly priced at $15.

ONLY $10 IN DECEMBER

Questions? Email Mandi or Shane