On Saturday, May 12, as manyfamilies prepare for the more"traditional" Mother's Daycelebration, families touched byadoption prepare for the lesserknown Birthmother's Day. Foundedin 1990 by a group of Seattle, WAb i r t h m o t h e r s ,Birthmother's Day aimsto not only educate, butmore importantly honorand remember thosemothers who created alife plan for their child.

Birthmother's Day canbe an extremelypersonal holiday.Many families withyounger children light acandle in honor of thebirthmother that gavethem the greatest giftpossible, the gift of life, beforesitting down to a family meal. Asthe children get older, adoptiveparents share the pictures and lettersprovided by their birthother withtheir children. Michaelina Bendig,an AFTH Adoption Consultant andAdoptive Parent says, "We alwaysspoke positively about the affectionwe have for them [the children'sbirthmothers] and the positiveinfluence they've had on our lives."Between sharing pictures andletters, the Bendig's Birthmother

Day celebration naturally progressesinto an open discussion on adoption."We always wanted to bring thechildren's adoption to the forefrontand talk about the gift theirbirthparents gave us; them".

Over the years manyfamilies have begun toinfuse tradition intothis non-traditionalholiday. Celebrationsof Birthmother’s Dayrange from familiescooperatively writinglet ters to theirbirthmother, updatingher on recentaccomplishments andmilestones in thechildren's lives, tosmaller, more personalgestures such as

reading and writing poems, orsending a card.

Each May, Adoptions From TheHeart looks forward to honoring andsupporting the women who havebeen instrumental in buildingfamilies. If you or your family has aspecial celebration or householdtradition and you would like to shareyour story, email KristyG@afth.org.

Spring 2007A Quarter ly News le t ter f rom

© 2007 Adoptions From The Heart. All rights reserved.

Remembering Birthmother’s Day

“youngerchildren lighta candle inhonor of thebirthmother

that gavethem the

greatest giftpossible, thegift of life.”

In This Issue

2 Angelina Jolie Adoption2 Submit Your Child’s Photo3 Legislation4 Charitable Works 5 AFTH Asian New Year

Parties5 Virginia’s Upcoming

Events6 Book Reviews 8 International Program

Updates 10 Musings of an Adoptive

Mama- NEW!11 A World Wide Web

Connection

Insert: AFTH Annual Picnics

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Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter

Send your pictures to:Marketing Team Calendar Search

Adoptions From The Heart30-31 Hampstead CircleWynnewood, PA 19096

(610).642.7200Please have each picture submitted labeled with your child’s name, age, country,

parents name, and address to us by June 30, 2007 for consideration!

Submit Your Photos! We are collecting pictures for our

2008 calendar starring AFTH children!-Send us pictures representing holidays!

-Send us seasonal pictures such as on the beach or in the snow!

-Send pictures with clean faces and endearing expressions!

-Have your digital camera set to the highest resolution and pixel setting to help with clarity!

-Try to send horizontal 4 x6 pictures, (it helps with design!)

-Send us multiple pictures of your children! Variety is good!

Angelina Jolie’s Vietnam AdoptionThe adoption of a child should always be a celebratedand happy time for a family. Unfortunately forcelebrities who adopt, this is not always the case.Plagued by rumors and paparazzi their adoptions areoften filled with security concerns, bad press andchances for exploitation. As many of you have read,Angelina Jolie recently chose AFTH to facilitate theadoption of her new son Pax Thien Jolie. While weissued a press release trying to clear up anymisconceptions regarding her adoption, there is still talkof special treatment. We would like to once againexpress that Ms. Jolie’s adoption followed all the stepsand procedures that all families’ paperwork took. Shewas very insistent upon going through the process just aseveryone else does. She was a pleasure to work with andhad all the same concerns, questions and anxieties as alladoptive families as they wait for signing dates andworry over bonding with their new child. We wish theJolie-Pitt family well with their newest adoption.

Say Cheese!Say Cheese!

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Spring 2007

LegislationOKLAHOMA - The state ofOklahoma is appealing a judge'sMay 2006 decision deeming theAdoption Invalidation Law unconsti-tutional. Under the law, passed in2004, same-sex parents with legallyadopted children lost their parentalstatus while in Oklahoma - even ifjust passing through.

FEWER INTER-COUNTRYADOPTIONS IN 2006 - In2006, 20,679 children were adoptedabroad by US parents - a drop fromthe 22,728 total in 2005.

FOSTER ADOPTIONSSAVE GOVERNMENTMONEY - For each dollar spentby child welfare services to place andfinalize the adoption of a child fromfoster care, the US government savesan average of $3, reports theDepartment of Economics atAmerican University.

An adoptee is 23 percent more likelythan a child in foster care to completehigh school, and twice as likely topursue schooling beyond highschool. These factors contribute to a37 percent increase, on average, in anadult adoptee's earnings.

O P E N R E C O R D SVICTORY IN NEW JERSEY -The New Jersey Senate has approvedlegislation to give adopted adultsaccess to their original birth certificates.

ADOPTION AND SAFEFAMILIES ACT - A recentstudy looked at 16,000 placementsover a six-year period in Illinois andfound that the risk of disruptiondropped by 11 percent after ASFAwent into effect. Higher disruptionrisks were associated with non-relative placements, older or disabledchildren, and placements handled byinexperienced social workers.

I N T E R - C O U N T R YADOPTION GOE SDIGITAL - USCIS, has selectedinter-country adoption processingto introduce a centralized electronicrecords system. Electronic processingis expected to improve theconsistency, quality and timelinessof information available to adoptionprofessionals and USCIS officials.

The change to online case willeliminate the need for parents tore-file paperwork if they move duringthe adoption process, or to resubmitbirth or marriage certificates forsubsequent adoptions. No timelinefor the project has been announced.

T R A N S R A C I A LADOPTION STILL NOTU N I V E R S A L L YACCEPTED - A new nationalanalysis of foster and adoptiveplacements found that African-American children would benefitfrom more stringent enforcement ofthe Multiethnic Placement Act of1994 (MEPA) and other anti-discrimination laws designed to

prevent children from lingering infoster care while awaiting same-raceplacement. MEPA prohibits racialmatching as the primary placementcriterion, but states continue toviolate this law (Ohio was fined in2003; South Carolina in 2005).

CIS FEE INCREASE - CIS islooking to increase their fees. Theproposed increase for the I-600A andI-600 will be from $545 to $670 andthe N-600 fro $255to$460. There areother proposed increased increaseslisted in the Federal register.Adoptions From The Heart wrote toprotest these fee increases as didmany other agencies. The deadlinehas now passed for comment and wedo not know, at this time, what theresult will be.

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Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter

Charitable Works

Help Needed for an AFTH Family - TheAdoptions From The Heart community is lending itsstrength and support to a very special little girl, Tori. Atonly 9 months, when most babies are beginning to crawl,Tori began fighting for her life after being diagnosed witha rare and aggressive brain tumor. Since being diagnosed,Tori has undergone surgery to remove a substantialamount of the tumor, and has been receivingChemotherapy in hopes of being one of the 2% of peoplesuccessful against this debilitating disease.

Tori’s medical bills have put a financial strain on thefamily. Adding to the financial burden, her mother losther job when she refused to leave her daughter’s side atthe hospital after she exhausted the time allotted to her bythe Family Medical Leave Act. In January to help reducethe financial impact on the adoptive family, AFTH beganselling hope in the form of a bracelet. Almost $2000 hasalready been raised in bracelet sales and donations andadditional donations will help to make a larger dent inTori’s overwhelming medical bills. If you would like topurchase a red thread bracelet made of glass beads,contact our Lancaster office by phone at (717) 399-7766.Bracelets are $25.00 each, and all proceeds directlybenefit Tori and her family during this critical time.

As always, we will also accept donations of any size,which can be made, payable by check to: AdoptionsFrom The Heart, 30-31 Hampstead Circle, Wynnewood,PA 19096. In the memo field, please note: Tori Fund.We want to thank you on behalf of Tori's family forgiving as generously as you can.

Vietnam - AFTH has continued its commitment tosupport Vietnamese orphanages with contributions sinceJanuary totaling $15,000. The money will help ease theburden of daily expenses including food, clothing,educational materials and medical supplies. In addition,AFTHprovided the Tam Binh, Picasso, and Thi Nghe orphanages with $4000 to put towards their annual Tetcelebration.

According to Legend: An invisible red threadconnects those who are destined to meet, regardless oftime, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretchor tangle, but never break. This time-honored Chineselegend underscores the belief that when a child is borninvisible red threads connect that child's soul to allthose people - present and in the future - who will playa part in that child's life. As each birthday passes,those threads shorten and tighten, bringing closerthose people who are fated to be together. Theadoption community has taken this legend to heart,and has embraced the tradition of the red threadbracelet as a symbol of the connection between thesechildren and their new families.

Left: Donna and Keith Jones with daughter Tori pictured atLancaster’s Fall Festival Celebration.

Below: Kimberly Platz, AFTH Lancaster Office Supervisor,pictured above with Emma Klinke (age 2) at the 2007 AsianNew Year Party. Emma proudly displays the red threadbracelet purchased to support the Tori Fund.

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Spring 2007

The 2007 AFTHAsian New Yearparty was once againa great success!Over 600 parentsand children joinedus in celebrating TheYear of the GoldenPig at the ValleyForge ConventionCenter in February.With specialperformances byThe Lee MingSimplified ChineseSchool, partygoersenjoyed authentic

Chinese dance and music while The Main Line ChineseSchool performed an impressive yo-yo demonstration, afan dance, and the traditional lion dance that chased awayevil and ushered in a year of good luck!

We would like to thank all the families who attend this

event; it is you that makes it special. Gung Hay Fat Choyand Chuc Mung Nam Moi!

Virginia Celebrates the Year of The Pig!The AFTH Virginia Office held their annual Asian NewYear Celebration at Mr. Liu’s in Williamsburg, VA onSunday, February 25. Over 110 people attended theevent! Guests enjoyed Lion Dancers, a Karatedemonstration, good food and great company!

We hope to see everyone in 2008 to celebrate the Yearof the Rat - details will be coming shortly!

Virginia Office Activities

New Location - New StaffThe new address is: 1407 Stephanie Way, Suite H, Chesapeake, VA 23320

Birthmother’s Day Celebration!

Also, the Virginia Office welcomes Adoption Consultant Barbara Garrison (BarbaraG@afth.org), andDonna Banks (DonnaB@afth.org) to the AFTH team!

Annual AFTH Picnic!Saturday, May 19th, 10am-2pm

Sandy Bottom Nature Park

Saturday, May 12 from 11am-1pmJoin us at our NEW Chesapeake Office to celebrate the very special Birthmother’s Day. Enjoy a luncheon andreconnect with AFTH families as we honor the women whose courage gave us the gift of family!

For more information call (757) 361-0008

Join the AFTH staff and families as we celebrate another year of building beautiful families! Bringyour family, a blanket, and picnic lunch! AFTH will provide drinks, ice, paper products, and a grill!Enjoy the playground, nature center and trails, a scavenger hunt and prizes!

AFTH Asian New Year Parties

Book Reviews

6

Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter

Families Like MineChildren of GayParents Tell it Like ItIs by Abigail Garner- Using extensive researchand interviews with somefive dozen youths, Garnerdiscusses many topicsincluding: family changes,particularly divorces andsame-sex break-ups; howkids with LGBT parentshandle school; the conceptof "straight familyprivilege" and straight kids

in queer culture to name a few. She doesn't shy away fromtough questions, and she doesn't believe that kids with gayparents grow up exactly like everyone else. Weaving intothe book her own fears and experiences, Garner is able toclearly delineate many of the problems that members of anon-traditional family encounter. This book is tremendouslyreadable; the contributions from the interviewees and theauthor's personal story were fascinating. Garner's ability tosynthesize and explore this topic in such an accessible wayis ground-breaking. This is not an old book about an oldsubject, but an excellent resource for anyone reaching outfor understanding and guidance about growing up in anLGBT household. Retail price: $19.95 AFTH price: $20.00

The Post AdoptionBlues by Karen J. Foli,Ph.D. and JohnThompson, MD - Over150,000 people adoptchildren each year, andmore than 2 millionparents are now raisingadopted children. Whilethe path to parentingthrough adoption is richwith rewards andfulfillment, it's notwithout its bumps. Thiscompassionate, illuminating, and ultimately uplifting bookis the first to openly recognize the very normal feelings ofstress that adoptive families encounter as they cope with thechallenges and expectations of their new families. The

mission of The Post-Adoption Blues is to examine thechallenges of adoption, and to alleviate feelings oftenexperienced during and after the adoption process. Byshedding light on Post-Adoption Depression Syndrome(PADS) through their own experience as adoptive parentsas well as interviews with dozens of adoptive families andexperts in the field, the couple offers parents theunderstanding, support, and concrete solutions they need toovercome post-adoption blues. Retail price: $14.95 AFTHprice: $12.00

When I Met You - A Story of RussianAdoption - by Adrienne Ehlert Bashista -

One of the first children's books about the Russian adoptionexperience. It tends to be focused towards girls since it iswritten from a mother to a daughter but while it is not anexact story for all adoptions, it is written with heartfeltwords. Price: $17.00

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Spring 2007

Daughters from theUSAAnthony & JodiPeter & KendraDavid & MeganDavid & KimberlyMichelle & DeniseFrancis & CaraMatthias & VonettaFrank & RichardStephen & BrendaJoanna & Lorraine

Sons from the USAMatthew & ElizabethDaniel & AmyCharlotteClifford & NoreenEdward & PamelaJoseph & KellyJoshua & SherryTimothy & ChristineRichard & CharleneWesley & Michelle

Daughters fromChinaGary & LorraineJoseph & KerstinArthur & LynnCarmine & LindaMarc & TonyaDonald & DianaMichael & MaureenStephen & JessicaScott & KimMark & KimJohn & CynthiaBenjamin & BarbaraMark & Mary JeanBrian & LouanneDanaDaniel & MeganRaymond & AllisonDavid & AbigailRobert & NatalieDonald & StaceyWilliam & JoannaClayton & YolandaJonathan & MirellaDebbieJoanStephen & CarrieScott & AnabellaChristopher & LaneJames & LorraineKristopher & SusanJim & CarlaRobert & SarahMark & Belinda

Daughters fromGuatemalaGalen & SharonRamakant & GwenLindaFrank & Mary ElizabethDaniel & BerniceAngelaJohn & ElaineJohn & GinaScott & Michelle

Sons fromGuatemalaDavid & KimberlyCarl & BethanyDavid & JanicePaul & Jacqueline

Daughters fromKazakhstanBruce & LindaDavid & BrendaCorey & RobynStephen & TracyDorcusJenniferJohn & Sonia

Sons from RussiaPavel& LarisaDaniel & LindaThomas & Georgiana (2 children)

Daughters fromRussiaJoseph & Michelle

Daughters fromVietnamTammyChristopherLindaMaritaRobert & CarolReginaJohn & StephanieJohn & JamieCharles & Emilie

Sons from VietnamEric & AimeeGeorge & AnnAngelinaMarkAlanMartine (twins)JackJon ToddKen

Sons from UkraineCarol

Daughters fromUkraineJohn & Carol

Sons from LithuaniaChristopher & Mary

Congratulations to Families Who Have Recently Adopted!

8

Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter

International Adoption Program UpdatesVIETNAM - Our license to work in Vietnam wasrenewed for another year on April 2, 2007. Manyfamilies have traveled and returned home with theirchildren and we currently have 12families waiting for signing dates.Our Executive Director MaxineChalker and Vietnam ProgramCoordinator Heidi Gonzalez will betraveling to Vietnam in May to meetwith officials and try to streamlinethe process in-country. They will belooking into branching out intodifferent provinces and establishingcontacts with new orphanages.Families should remember to sendtheir commitment letters to theAFTH Wynnewood office when theyare due. Three original copies arenow needed.

GUATEMALA - There have been no drasticchanges with the Guatemala program at this time. Wecontinue to receive referrals and are assigning them tofamilies. Families are continuing to travel to bring hometheir children.

RUSSIA - In the last edition of Adoption News, AFTHhappily reported having completed the first 2 placementsin its new Russia Networking Program in December of2006. Since the start of 2007, 5 more Russian childrenhave been placed in the homes of AFTH families.Additionally, 8 other AFTH families have traveled toRussia within the past month to meet their children, andall look forward to bringing these children home in thenear future. Of special note is that all of these familiesreceived the referral of their child within 4 months ofcompletion of their adoption home study. AFTH

continues to partner with Children of the WorldAdoption Agency, Inc. in placing Russian boys and girlsas young as 12-36 months of age.

UKRAINE - AFTH has 15families currently waiting forappointments to travel and one familyscheduled to travel in May. It isanticipated that more appointmentswill be coming any day. Thegovernment of Ukraine is consideringa new law that would mandate nomore than 45 years age differencebetween parent and child and whichwould also eliminate adoption bysingle adoptive parents. At this point,the bill needs to go through two moreprocesses to become law and it isuncertain that it will pass. The U.S.

State Department has gotten confirmation that the agerequirement would not be applied to adoptive parentswho are already registered and the agency facilitatorsexpect that singles who are already registered will alsobe "grandfathered" in if the new law is passed. Familieswho have adopted are reminded to file their annualreports with the Ukrainian Consulate. These are due onthe 1st of the month of the anniversary of the adoption.If you have questions regarding post-placement require-ments or the adoption process is Ukraine, contact TerryPetrone, the Ukraine Adoption Coordinator via e-mail atTerryP@afth.org or by phone at the Cherry Hill office.

LITHUANIA - AFTH is no longer acceptingapplications for Lithuania since the waiting time forchildren under 5 without special needs is so long. Wehave a family traveling in May and one other familywaiting for referral. Families who are interested inchildren from Eastern Europe are encouraged to considerUkraine and Russia since both of those programs movemuch faster than Lithuania and there are youngerchildren available.

KAZAKHSTAN - Kazakhstan has been movingwell. Ten families have traveled since January and it is

expected that we will complete more adoptions by Junethan were completed the entire year last year. Althoughthe travel is very long, families are reporting thatKazakhstan is a very interesting country to visit and,while they are anxious to come home with their babies,families traveling recently seem to be enjoying thetravel. We continue to ask families who have completedadoptions to complete their post-placement at leastone month before the due date to avoid negativelyimpacting families in process. Annual reports withphotographs should be sent to Terry Petrone at theCherry Hill office one month prior to the anniversary ofthe adoption court date. Any questions regarding post-placement reports or the Kazakhstan program can bedirected to Terry Petrone via e-mail at TerryP@afth.orgor by phone at the Cherry Hill office.

CHINA - We are now past the 5/1/07 deadline for thesubmission of dossiers so all new families must meetthe new China requirements. We would just like toremind everyone to please call one of our offices if youhave questions about eligibility.

NEPAL - In March 2007,Adoptions From The Heart sent arepresentative, Kala Lilani to the FirstInternational Adoption conference inNepal. A few weeks later, twoGovernment officials from Nepalvisited the Wynnewood office toexchange information about adoption.We will continue to investigate thiscountry - look for details in our nextissue of Adoption News.

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Spring 2007

Got E-mail?To have monthly adoption program updates sent to you, send an e-mail withthe word "subscribe" in the subject line to the appropriate email address:

Guatemala - AFTHGuatUpdates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Vietnam - AFTHVietnamUpdates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

China - AFTHChinaUpdates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Ukraine - AFTHUkraineUpdates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Kazakhstan - AFTHKazakUpdates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

India - AFTHIndiaUpdates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

To become a member of our Domestic online discussion group where youcan connect with other AFTH families, send an email with the word“subscribe” in the subject line to the email address below:

Domestic - AFTHopenadoption-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Re-Opening ofIndia Program toFamilies Needing

ReferralsAs spring quickly approaches, AFTH is excited toannounce the re-opening of our India program forIndian families seeking referals! In Spring 2006, theagency stopped accepting applications from familieswho needed referrals due to long waits and no newreferrals being issued, making the adoption processvirtually unbearable. Now, with two new orphanages towork with, AFTH looks forward to providing familieswith another option for international adoption.

Kala Lilani, an AFTH Adoption Specialist, returnedfrom India in March of 2007 with the good news. Now,working with the Bal Bikas Mahila Mandal Orphanagein Latur, India, and the Matruchhaya Orphanage inGujarat, India, hopeful families can look to adopt bothboys and girls, ranging in age from young children toolder toddlers. A few things to be aware of whenapplying to the India program: referrals can takebetween six month to one year, and one parent must beof Indian origin. Those families that wish to adopt fromIndia and are not of Indian decent can adopt olderschool age children (age seven and up) as well asspecial needs children.

10

Adoptions From The Heart Quarterly Newsletter

We're Open, Baby:And Here's WhyBy Gretchen Boger-O'Bryan

Some days I am Janis Joplin, Tracy Chapman, or my ownbluesy folksinger with a soulful groove. Of course, onthese days I am driving in my car and, luckily, no onehears me. My late grandmother was a singer and pianist,but her musical talents are lost on me.

Yet, there's hope. Not only does my 19-month-olddaughter Maeve love to sing in toddler dialect Twinkle,Twinkle, Little Star and Row Your Boat, she boasts animpressive dance repertoire. Her great-grandmotherwould be proud.

Maeve bops, sways and claps to music in the house,whether children's sing-a-longs, blues, reggae, rock orjazz. With a spark in her eyes and a beaming smile,Maeve shakes jingly bells, her daddy taps drumsticks,and I, wannabe bluesy songstress, take tambourine inhand. We laugh and dance, laugh and dance - our ownwonderful rhythm.

While these moments of familial bliss make treasuredmemories, they also are a stark reminder of anotherwoman's loss in an arrangement so bittersweet.

Although ours is an open adoption with letters, photosand an annual reunion picnic, my husband and I wantmore contact and hope our relationship with Maeve'sfirst mother, B., continues to grow.

Some folks are incredulous. Their faces scrunch as theyask: "How could you want Maeve to know her birthmother?" I try not to bristle, and simply answer, "Howcould I not?"

Entrusted with guiding Maeve into adulthood, it's ourresponsibility to equip her with the tools to make herwhole. We are not gatekeepers of Maeve's history; rather,we are its caretakers, charged with protecting thischerished part of her until she's ready to take the reinsand follow her own heart.

Skeptics ask if I'm threatened when B. plays with her,kisses her. They tell me in a protective tone, "You're hermom now," implying there should be no interferencewith the mother-child relationship.

I agree. So I ask them to consider the mother thatcreated and carried Maeve, and loved her enough toadmit she couldn't provide all her daughter deserved. Iask them to consider the woman who pushed Maevefrom her loving womb, and held her close before lettingher go in an act of love many couldn't muster. She is themother that lawyer, judge and adoption agency had nohand in making.

I'm humbled at being chosen Maeve's everyday mom.And each morning when her coy wave greets me, Ire-commit to do right by B. and - pardon the rewrite,Ms. Joplin - the baby that takes yet another little piece ofmy heart.

The daughter that makes us both a mother.

Gretchen Boger-O'Bryan was placed with her infantdaughter in July 2005 through Adoptions From TheHeart. An editor in legal publishing, she also is a free-lance writer and currently writes about adoption andfirst-time parenthood on her blog, musings:mamahood&more, at www.mamagigi.wordpress.com.

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Spring 2007

MySpace Reunites SistersAFTH tries to provide education to adopting familiesabout the importance of being open with their childrenabout their adoption and birthparents. Since 99% of ourfamilies enter into semi or totally open adoptions, theyare well aware that their children will be askingquestions. I wanted to share a story with you that reflectshow the internet has now made it possible for “anyone tofind anyone.”

The names in this story have been changes to protect theprivacy of the family. Mr and Mrs. Smith adopted a littlegirl, Abby (A), and agreed to the exchange of letters andpictures at the time of placement but later did not followthrough with their promise. The same birthmother gavebirth to another daughter three years later and placed herfor adoption. The family that adopted this little girl namedBecca (B) kept in contact with the her birthmother asBecca was growing up. Becca even has a various picturesof her and her birthmother together from different timesthey had met over the past 15 years of her life.

At the age of 18, Abby - the first adopted daughter -decided that she wanted to find her birthmother and shebegan searching on MySpace and YouTube. Amazingly

enough, instead of finding her birthmother she foundBecca and was thrilled to have found a half sister. Beccashares pictures of their birthmother who she has beenkeeping in contact with ever since her placement 15years ago.

When Abby saw that Becca has been keeping in touchwith their birthmother, she questioned why theirbirthmother chose to keep in touch with Becca and nother. Abby was hurt that she did not have the sameopportunity to keep in contact with her birthmother. Itis unsure whether Abby ever spoke to her adoptiveparents, Mr. and Mrs. Smith about why they chose not tokeep their promise to her birthmother. This storyreiterates the benefits of open adoption and theimportance of adoptive parents keeping their promise tocommunicate with the birthmother, not just for herbenefit but also for their child.

The story does not end here as Mr. and Mrs. Smith andAbby now have plans to reunite with Becca. We willkeep you posted as the story continues.

Adoptive Parent Activities!

Camp FCC (Families with Children from China) Camp Ockanickon & Matollionequay

Medford, NJ June 15,16,17

Welcome to the 6th annual Camp FCC where childrenenjoy cultural and educational programs along withphysical activities in a safe and nurturing environment.Parents and children, camping together, will exploreChinese culture and positive adoption awareness in arelaxed, natural setting. Register soon as programs sellout quickly! Call Lisa Stanwyck for more information (609)-405-1663 or email stanwyck@comcast.net

Harambee Parent Support GroupEvery Third Saturday

3-5pmPhiladelphia, pa 19119

Considering adoption? Are you an adoptive parent? Areyou searching for adoption related answers? Do you wantto connect with other adoptive parents of AfricanAmerican children?

Contact Group Leaders for more information: harambeeparents@yahoo.comor call Sylvia at (215) 457-5141

NON-PROFITORG

US POSTAGEPAID

PERMIT # 36ARDMORE, PA

Adoption News is a publication of Adoptions From The Heart, a private, non-profit, licensed agency.

30-31 Hampstead CircleWynnewood, PA 19096

WYNNEWOOD OFFICE30-31 Hampstead CircleWynnewood, PA 19096610.642.7200

LEHIGH VALLEY OFFICE2212 Union BlvdAllentown, PA 18109610.432.2384

HARRISBURG OFFICE4331 North Front StreetHarrisburg, PA 17110717.232.1787

LANCASTER OFFICE1525 Oregon Pike, Suite 402Lancaster, PA 17601717.399.7766

PITTSBURGH OFFICE206 Main St. Ste 3Greensburg, PA 15601724.853.6533

SOUTHNEW JERSEY OFFICE451 Woodland AvenueCherry Hill, NJ 08002856.665.5655

CENTRALNEW JERSEYOFFICE1 Bethany Road, Ste 81, Bldg 6Hazlet, NJ 07730732.335.8883

DELAWARE OFFICE18-A Trolley SquareWilmington, DE 19806302.658.8883

VIRGINIA OFFICE1407 Stephanie Way, Suite H Chesapeake, VA 23320757.361.0008

WEST VIRGINIA OFFICEPO Box 2057Beaver, West Virginia 25813304.763.5400

CONNECTICUT OFFICELocal Staff: 800.355.5500or contact our Lancaster Office

NEW YORK

Look for new Brooklyn Officeopening soon!

Is Our Mailing List Current? Do you wish tobe removed from future mailings? Are you receiving more than onecopy? Are your name and address incorrect? Please let us know bye-mailing adoption@adoptionsfromtheheart.org.

CPFA CONFERENCE“Let’s Talk Adoption”

November 3, 2007Rutgers University in Piscataway, NJ

www.cpfanj.org

APC CONFERENCE"Adoption: Children are the

Hope of the World" November 18, 2007Montclair State University

in Montclair, NJ(201)689-0995

www.adoptiveparents.org

2007 National AdoptionConference

Hosted by: National Council for AdoptionJuly 25-27, 2007

Washington, DC www.adoptioncouncil.org

SPRING 2007

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.adoptionsfromtheheart.org