Away

Thanks to all my readers for your comments and questions. Keep them coming! I am going to be away on vacation until January 5th, so no posting will take place. I hope everyone has a safe, loving holiday season!

 

Samantha

Looking for a new way to give?

An Orphan’s Ticket Home is a program sponsored by America World Adoptions. Their goal is to raise $300K for a variety of programs in Ethiopia, El Salvador, Honduras, Brazil, India and Vietnam. They have been blessed to have raised $200K so far! Each cause is separated and they have made it very easy to donate online. By looking at their website, you can read about each different cause and the children that are involved. I found it very exciting that they are trying to implement new adoption programs in Brazil, India and Vietnam. You can donate to this effort as well. Money is tight for most people this year, but perhaps you are looking for a unique gift for someone who has everything and you just cannot think of what to get them. Why not make a donation to one of these causes in their name and help bring another orphan home!

Domestic Adoption Profiles in Waiting

I came across a very interesting website titled, Best Light Adoption Profile Review. We all have heard the heart wrenching stories of adoptive families in the waiting stage who have put together a scrapbook of some sort, also known as their profile for birthparents to look through in hopes of being selected as the adoptive parents. People put a lot of time, thought,effort and care into creating their profiles and sometimes wait years before they are selected. Some are never selected. Well, Best Light Adoption Profile Review offers tips and advice on how to make your profile stand above the rest. They offer adoption workshops, testimonials, articles and even a top ten list! If you are in the waiting stage or in the process of creating your profile, click here to check out this website. I found it pretty interesting, let me know what you think!

Ethiopia Program

As I stated in a previous post, for the month of December I am highlighting Gladney Center for Adoption. Their website is excellent and goes into great detail concerning their history as well as the services that they offer. Gladney handles both domestic and international adoptions. They also offer aid to birthmothers and birthfathers. In the past 2 years, Ethiopia has become a popular country to adopt from. Perhaps it is because many countries like Guatemala and Vietnam are closing their programs. The requirements for Ethiopia could vary from agency to agency but for the most part, they have relatively simple requirements for prospective adoptive parents. Gladney’s Ethiopia program requires the following:

 

• For an infant adoption, both parents must be 25-45 years old to adopt an infant.
• One parent must be a U.S. citizen.
• Both parents are requested to travel, unless extenuating circumstances are presented and approved.
• Married couples must be married for at least one year.
• Parents must be in good mental and physical health.
• Ability to show sufficient income to parent a child(ren).
• One year age gap between the youngest child in home and adopted child

 

If you are interested in learning more about this program, click here.

The website offers a variety of videos. Some of families who have adopted from Ethiopia who wish to share their story while others focus on the children in Ethiopia. You can learn about the adoptive process, the fees and the country. It is very well put together and I encourage you to check it out for yourself.

Adoption Tax Credit 2010

The adoption tax credit has been a popular topic lately and many are wondering what is going to happen in 2010 when the credit that was established in 2001 expires. I have done research and have not been able to find any concrete information. The bill must be passed in the House and the Senate in order to remain in use.  Christian World Adoption has posted some helpful information concerning the Federal Adoption Tax Credit, click here to read their call to action. They suggest sending a letter to your  Senator and Congressional representative urging them to support this bill. We can all help in this small way with just a few simple clicks of our mouse. As I discover new information, I will continue to share it with you. But for now, I am sending an email to my Senator and representative. To find your state Senator click here. It will take you to a drop down list of states and then to a list of your senators and finally to their home page. You can send an email to them from their home page. To find your representative click here and follow the instructions above. Good luck!!!

Ethnic Dolls

With transracial adoption becoming such a common occurence in our world, it could be a good idea to purchase baby dolls of all races for your child, whether your child is adopted or biological. It will help them to become more accepting of themselves and others. It is also a great way to teach your child about other cultures. I have come across a website called Precious Baby Doll Company that creates and sells dolls from America, Guatemala and Russia. The Chinese and African Dolls are coming soon. They are bit pricey at $69.99, but if you can afford it, it will make a great gift for that little girl in your life. I have found some other websites that offer similar dolls, one is China Adopt Shop, their dolls are all Asian, but are priced at a comfortable $25.00 – $26.00. Another site Dolls and Gift for Adopted Children offers African, Asian, Russian and Hispanic dolls. They have a large inventory to choose from as well as price range. Finally a website selling dolls called Language Littles. They are from all over the world and actually speak a little of their native language. Click here to visit their website. Happy Shopping!

Adoption Agency of The Month

For the month of December, I will be highlighting Gladney Center for Adoption based out of Fort Worth, TX. Gladney handles both Domestic and International Adoptions. Their list of International countries is lengthy and their website is very informative. You can watch a video of a family that has adopted from each country and hear their experience. They also outline the fees and waiting period for each country which makes it easy to see if the country would be a good fit for you and your family. I encourage you to check with the Better Business Bureau to see for yourself their track record.Better Business Bureau I also suggest you go to the Adoption Agency Ratings website to read more about first hand experiences with Gladney. Throughout the month of December, check back often to learn more about Gladney and what programs they have to offer!