Friday, April 22, 2016
Thursday, April 21, 2016
News from Armenia: WELCOME HOME SAM!!!!
Source: http://www.mlive.com
By Angie Jackson
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Smiling and laughing through tears, Sam Bode’s new extended family erupted into cheers as they spotted the 4-year-old and his adoptive parents at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Moments before, the huddle of grandparents, aunts, an uncle and cousins had grown quiet from nervousness and excitement. Over the past two years, they’ve only been able to communicate with the cheerful boy via Facetime while his parents, Erica and Jeff Bode, went through the lengthy process to adopt him from Armenia. On Wednesday night, he was officially welcomed into the tight-knit West Michigan family.
Sam, who has Down syndrome, arrived at the airport with the Bodes and their son Jack, 8, after the last leg of their trip home from Armenia. He has spent his entire life in an orphanage.
Read more.
By Angie Jackson
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Smiling and laughing through tears, Sam Bode’s new extended family erupted into cheers as they spotted the 4-year-old and his adoptive parents at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
Moments before, the huddle of grandparents, aunts, an uncle and cousins had grown quiet from nervousness and excitement. Over the past two years, they’ve only been able to communicate with the cheerful boy via Facetime while his parents, Erica and Jeff Bode, went through the lengthy process to adopt him from Armenia. On Wednesday night, he was officially welcomed into the tight-knit West Michigan family.
Sam, who has Down syndrome, arrived at the airport with the Bodes and their son Jack, 8, after the last leg of their trip home from Armenia. He has spent his entire life in an orphanage.
Read more.
Monday, April 18, 2016
Square Peg Edition by Dawn Davenport of Creating A Family
Source: https://creatingafamily.org
By Dawn Davenport of Creating A Family
When groups of parents hang out or socialize, I’ve noticed that parents
of kids with special needs or learning disabilities tend to find each
other. It’s as if we have a homing signal that draws us together. We
share something and understand things in a way that other parents
sometime don’t get.
It doesn’t even have to be a life altering special need; it’s enough to be parenting a square peg in our round-holed world– the type of kid who just doesn’t fit the mold.
One of the things we get is the inherent “what if’s” and “what then’s” that seem to come with the territory of parenting a child that is “different”. The fears that wake us up at night with a grip of panic about what the future will bring for this child… and also for us.
Read more.
By Dawn Davenport of Creating A Family
When groups of parents hang out or socialize, I’ve noticed that parents
of kids with special needs or learning disabilities tend to find each
other. It’s as if we have a homing signal that draws us together. We
share something and understand things in a way that other parents
sometime don’t get.It doesn’t even have to be a life altering special need; it’s enough to be parenting a square peg in our round-holed world– the type of kid who just doesn’t fit the mold.
One of the things we get is the inherent “what if’s” and “what then’s” that seem to come with the territory of parenting a child that is “different”. The fears that wake us up at night with a grip of panic about what the future will bring for this child… and also for us.
Read more.
Adoption Tax Credit Briefing on April 18th, Tax Day. Invite your Members of Congress!
Dear Families,
The Executive Committee has been meeting with more congressional staff over the last few weeks about the importance of protecting the adoption tax credit (ATC) and making it refundable. We have collectively made GREAT progress on the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act (S. 950/H.R. 2434), but we still have work to do before congressional recess this summer. That will be our last chance to advance the ATC bill this Congress!
In an effort to elevate the ATC on behalf of children and families on #TaxDay2016, we have organized a joint, bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the experiences of adoptive families and the importance of a refundable adoption tax credit. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Danny Davis (D-IL) will be honorary hosts of the briefing on April 18th. Please ask your Members of Congress to send their tax, adoption and child welfare staff. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
Your phone calls and emails lead to more cosponsors of the ATC bill, which increases the likelihood that the bill will actually be considered by congressional leadership. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to cosponsor. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
In other news, the IRS released a new Tip: Top Ten Facts about the Adoption Tax Credit, which addresses common questions about the current ATC and its limits. As an additional resource, read an article by Becky Wilmoth about the ATC and the need to advocate for refundability: Foster Care & The Adoption Tax Credit.
Please use this tax season to spread the word about the ATC on behalf of children and families!
Warm Regards,
The ATC Working Group Executive Committee
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Adopt America Network
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (Secretariat)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Donaldson Adoption Institute
National Council for Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
ShowHope
Voice for Adoption
#TaxDay2016
The Executive Committee has been meeting with more congressional staff over the last few weeks about the importance of protecting the adoption tax credit (ATC) and making it refundable. We have collectively made GREAT progress on the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act (S. 950/H.R. 2434), but we still have work to do before congressional recess this summer. That will be our last chance to advance the ATC bill this Congress!
In an effort to elevate the ATC on behalf of children and families on #TaxDay2016, we have organized a joint, bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the experiences of adoptive families and the importance of a refundable adoption tax credit. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Danny Davis (D-IL) will be honorary hosts of the briefing on April 18th. Please ask your Members of Congress to send their tax, adoption and child welfare staff. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
Your phone calls and emails lead to more cosponsors of the ATC bill, which increases the likelihood that the bill will actually be considered by congressional leadership. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to cosponsor. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
In other news, the IRS released a new Tip: Top Ten Facts about the Adoption Tax Credit, which addresses common questions about the current ATC and its limits. As an additional resource, read an article by Becky Wilmoth about the ATC and the need to advocate for refundability: Foster Care & The Adoption Tax Credit.
Please use this tax season to spread the word about the ATC on behalf of children and families!
Warm Regards,
The ATC Working Group Executive Committee
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Adopt America Network
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (Secretariat)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Donaldson Adoption Institute
National Council for Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
ShowHope
Voice for Adoption
#TaxDay2016
Friday, April 15, 2016
Adoption Tax Credit Briefing on April 18th, Tax Day. Invite your Members of Congress!
Dear Families,
The Executive Committee has been meeting with more congressional staff over the last few weeks about the importance of protecting the adoption tax credit (ATC) and making it refundable. We have collectively made GREAT progress on the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act (S. 950/H.R. 2434), but we still have work to do before congressional recess this summer. That will be our last chance to advance the ATC bill this Congress!
In an effort to elevate the ATC on behalf of children and families on #TaxDay2016, we have organized a joint, bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the experiences of adoptive families and the importance of a refundable adoption tax credit. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Danny Davis (D-IL) will be honorary hosts of the briefing on April 18th. Please ask your Members of Congress to send their tax, adoption and child welfare staff. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
Your phone calls and emails lead to more cosponsors of the ATC bill, which increases the likelihood that the bill will actually be considered by congressional leadership. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to cosponsor. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
In other news, the IRS released a new Tip: Top Ten Facts about the Adoption Tax Credit, which addresses common questions about the current ATC and its limits. As an additional resource, read an article by Becky Wilmoth about the ATC and the need to advocate for refundability: Foster Care & The Adoption Tax Credit.
Please use this tax season to spread the word about the ATC on behalf of children and families!
Warm Regards,
The ATC Working Group Executive Committee
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Adopt America Network
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (Secretariat)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Donaldson Adoption Institute
National Council for Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
ShowHope
Voice for Adoption
#TaxDay2016
The Executive Committee has been meeting with more congressional staff over the last few weeks about the importance of protecting the adoption tax credit (ATC) and making it refundable. We have collectively made GREAT progress on the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act (S. 950/H.R. 2434), but we still have work to do before congressional recess this summer. That will be our last chance to advance the ATC bill this Congress!
In an effort to elevate the ATC on behalf of children and families on #TaxDay2016, we have organized a joint, bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the experiences of adoptive families and the importance of a refundable adoption tax credit. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Danny Davis (D-IL) will be honorary hosts of the briefing on April 18th. Please ask your Members of Congress to send their tax, adoption and child welfare staff. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
Your phone calls and emails lead to more cosponsors of the ATC bill, which increases the likelihood that the bill will actually be considered by congressional leadership. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to cosponsor. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
In other news, the IRS released a new Tip: Top Ten Facts about the Adoption Tax Credit, which addresses common questions about the current ATC and its limits. As an additional resource, read an article by Becky Wilmoth about the ATC and the need to advocate for refundability: Foster Care & The Adoption Tax Credit.
Please use this tax season to spread the word about the ATC on behalf of children and families!
Warm Regards,
The ATC Working Group Executive Committee
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Adopt America Network
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (Secretariat)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Donaldson Adoption Institute
National Council for Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
ShowHope
Voice for Adoption
#TaxDay2016
Nappies For Nork 2016 - Your Change to Make a "Change" in Armenia!
Source: http://martiniadoptionroad.blogspot.com
Last year, through the great generosity of many donors, we raised $12,000 for SOAR to purchase diapers for Nork orphanage in Yerevan. For eleven months, thousands of diapers were delivered to the children living there, but the funds will run out after the final delivery this month.
Therefore, please join us in Nappies For Nork 2016, a collaboration of SOAR, Hopscotch Adoptions, and adoptive mom Viviane Martini whose son lived at Nork from early 2009 until summer 2011.
Learn more.
Nappies For Nork 2016
Last year, through the great generosity of many donors, we raised $12,000 for SOAR to purchase diapers for Nork orphanage in Yerevan. For eleven months, thousands of diapers were delivered to the children living there, but the funds will run out after the final delivery this month.
Therefore, please join us in Nappies For Nork 2016, a collaboration of SOAR, Hopscotch Adoptions, and adoptive mom Viviane Martini whose son lived at Nork from early 2009 until summer 2011.
Learn more.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
One of The Biggest Names in Fashion Just Changed the Game for Kids With Disabilities
Fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger debuted the first-ever clothing line for children with disabilities on Tuesday.
The American fashion designer partnered with Runway of Dreams, "a non profit organization that works with fashion industry to create clothing for the disabled community." to bring an adaptive fashion line to consumers, the Hollywood Reporter reports.
Read more.
Announcing NCFA's April Webinar- It's Okay to Think About Yourself
"It's Okay to Think About Yourself: An Honest Conversation About Self-Care"
Working
in the adoption field is more than just a job. For many of us, it is a
calling, a vocation, our life’s work. As a result, we give of ourselves
in a way that can leave us feeling tired both physically and
emotionally. During this webinar, Kimberly Harrell will share practical
ways to take care of yourself so you can continue refreshed and renewed
in this important work allowing you to do your very best work on behalf
of children and familiesty.Join us on Thursday, April 28th, at 2pm EST for NCFA's Newest Webinar.
CEU: 1.5 hours credit*, 1 hour ethics credit**
Deadline to register: Wednesday, April 17th at noon EST
About the Presenter: Kimberly Harrell, M.Ed., LPC, NCC is the program director at the Center for Adoption and Pregnancy Services, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Arlington. She has over 20 years of experience working with those whose lives have been touched by adoption, including birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents and adoptive families. Kimberly is also in private practice in Centreville, VA where she works with individuals, families, and adolescents. Her passion for working on adoption-related issues continues in her practice. Kimberly has written a number of articles on the importance of support for birth parents, including Meeting Birth Parent Needs for a Successful Adoption. She also speaks to groups of mental health professionals to educate them on the adoption-related issues they may encounter in their practices. She holds a Masters in Education from Virginia Tech University.
COSTS: $25 for NCFA Members and $30 for the Public, CEU $15
Monday, April 11, 2016
Adoption Tax Credit Briefing on April 18th, Tax Day. Invite your Members of Congress!
Dear Families,
The Executive Committee has been meeting with more congressional staff over the last few weeks about the importance of protecting the adoption tax credit (ATC) and making it refundable. We have collectively made GREAT progress on the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act (S. 950/H.R. 2434), but we still have work to do before congressional recess this summer. That will be our last chance to advance the ATC bill this Congress!
In an effort to elevate the ATC on behalf of children and families on #TaxDay2016, we have organized a joint, bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the experiences of adoptive families and the importance of a refundable adoption tax credit. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Danny Davis (D-IL) will be honorary hosts of the briefing on April 18th. Please ask your Members of Congress to send their tax, adoption and child welfare staff. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
Your phone calls and emails lead to more cosponsors of the ATC bill, which increases the likelihood that the bill will actually be considered by congressional leadership. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to cosponsor. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
In other news, the IRS released a new Tip: Top Ten Facts about the Adoption Tax Credit, which addresses common questions about the current ATC and its limits. As an additional resource, read an article by Becky Wilmoth about the ATC and the need to advocate for refundability: Foster Care & The Adoption Tax Credit.
Please use this tax season to spread the word about the ATC on behalf of children and families!
Warm Regards,
The ATC Working Group Executive Committee
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Adopt America Network
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (Secretariat)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Donaldson Adoption Institute
National Council for Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
ShowHope
Voice for Adoption
#TaxDay2016
The Executive Committee has been meeting with more congressional staff over the last few weeks about the importance of protecting the adoption tax credit (ATC) and making it refundable. We have collectively made GREAT progress on the bipartisan Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act (S. 950/H.R. 2434), but we still have work to do before congressional recess this summer. That will be our last chance to advance the ATC bill this Congress!
In an effort to elevate the ATC on behalf of children and families on #TaxDay2016, we have organized a joint, bipartisan congressional briefing on Capitol Hill to share the experiences of adoptive families and the importance of a refundable adoption tax credit. Senators Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) and Roy Blunt (R-MO), and Representatives Diane Black (R-TN) and Danny Davis (D-IL) will be honorary hosts of the briefing on April 18th. Please ask your Members of Congress to send their tax, adoption and child welfare staff. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
Your phone calls and emails lead to more cosponsors of the ATC bill, which increases the likelihood that the bill will actually be considered by congressional leadership. Please continue to reach out to your Members of Congress to ask them to cosponsor. Don't know who your Members are? Find out here!
In other news, the IRS released a new Tip: Top Ten Facts about the Adoption Tax Credit, which addresses common questions about the current ATC and its limits. As an additional resource, read an article by Becky Wilmoth about the ATC and the need to advocate for refundability: Foster Care & The Adoption Tax Credit.
Please use this tax season to spread the word about the ATC on behalf of children and families!
Warm Regards,
The ATC Working Group Executive Committee
American Academy of Adoption Attorneys
Adopt America Network
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (Secretariat)
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
Donaldson Adoption Institute
National Council for Adoption
North American Council on Adoptable Children
RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
ShowHope
Voice for Adoption
#TaxDay2016
Unstable Conditions in Artsakh
As conditions in Artsakh remain unstable, SOAR remains committed to
assisting the two Armenian orphanages in Stepanagert and Kashatagh.
If you would like to earmark a donation to the Artsakh orphanages
CLICK HERE
And Choose Artsakh Orphanages from the drop down menu.
If you would like to earmark a donation to the Artsakh orphanages
CLICK HERE
And Choose Artsakh Orphanages from the drop down menu.
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