SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT

Resource Manual

2014

Kensley Rowe, 16 years old (adopted 6 months ago)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT HISTORY ........................................................................ 6

SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT STATEMENT OF FAITH ................................................. 6

INLAND ORPHAN PARTNERS ........................................................................................ 6

SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT SCHEDULE 2014............................................................ 7

2014 SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT BREAKOUT SCHEDULE ....................................... 8

SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT MAP .............................................................................. 10

MAIN SESSION PRESENTERS .................................................................................... 11

BREAKOUT SESSION PRESENTERS .......................................................................... 12

ENCOURAGE STEPS TO ADOPTION THROUGH WASHINGTON DSHS AND IDAHO DHW ............ 16

ADOPTION TAX CREDIT SIMPLIFIED .......................................................................... 17

ADOPTION GRANTS ..................................................................................................... 18

ADOPTION FUNDRAISERS .......................................................................................... 19

ADOPTION LOANS ........................................................................................................ 20

FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION RESOURCES FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES ...... 21

RESOURCE

LOCAL FOSTER/ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUPS IN SPOKANE AREA .................... 27

LOCAL FOSTER/ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUPS IN COEUR D’ ALENE AREA ........ 28

FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES ................................ 29

MOBILIZE

ORPHAN CARE RESOURCES ...................................................................................... 34

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS ..................................................................... 38

NOTES ........................................................................................................................... 39

FUTURE EVENTS .......................................................................................................... 41

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SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT HISTORY The Spokane Orphan Summit grew out of a necessity from adoptive parents, foster parents, and orphan care workers who came together with a desire to serve the greater Inland Northwest and see families and those interested in caring for the orphan equipped. While recognizing that there were some resources available in our area to help care for orphans, these resources were scattered and fragmented. Jason Wiens, along with his wife Emmy felt called to not only adopt, but encourage others to adopt or support adoption. He helped begin an adoption ministry at Christ the Redeemer Church in Spokane, Washington known as Off the Wall. This led to him founding the Spokane Orphan Summit (SOS). The SOS planning committee has grown and changed each year, but the primary focus always is the same; we seek to Encourage, Resource and Mobilize the Church to care for orphans.

SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT STATEMENT OF FAITH 1. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. 2. We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 3. We believe in the deity and humanity of Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His

vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, in His present rule as Head of the Church and in His personal return in power and glory.

4. We believe that, for the salvation of lost and sinful man, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in regeneration by the Holy Spirit and that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.

5. We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.

6. We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.

7. We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, with equality across racial, gender, and class differences.

INLAND ORPHAN PARTNERS

One Website. We are standing together as people who understand that we can do more together than apart.

Many Organizations. Fostering. Adoption. Advocating.

One Purpose. To care for the Orphans in the Inland Northwest.

Whether you are looking for resources to help you in your quest towards caring for orphans, encouragement in your journey of fostering or adoption, or looking for ways to be an advocate and mobilize others for in loving orphans, you have come to the right place.

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SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT SCHEDULE 2014

Main Speakers: Deborah Gray, Attachment Specialist

Johnston Moore, adoptive dad, speaker with Focus on the Family, Wait No More Conferences and Director of Home Forever

8:00-8:40 Registration, Coffee, Networking

8:40-9:00 Worship

9:00-9:50 Welcome & Introductions

Speakers: Johnston Moore and Deborah Gray

9:55-10:50 Breakouts

10:55-11:50 Breakouts

11:50-1:10 Lunch/Network/Bookstore Open

1:10-2:00 Worship & Main Session

Speakers: Johnston Moore and Jodie Howerton

2:05-3:00 Breakouts

3:05-4:00 Breakouts

4:00-4:30 Network/Bookstore Open

4:15 Kids Camp Closes

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2014 SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT BREAKOUT SCHEDULE

9:55-10:50 AM Room

ADOPTION 101: Sheri Davis & Anna Rowe, MA

Private, foster-adopt & international processes explained

Auditorium 1

PARENTING THAT PROMOTES ATTACHMENT, PART 1: Deborah Gray, MSW, MPA

What are the day-to-day parenting approaches that help children to attach? What should be avoided?

Auditorium 2

CREATING BOUNDARIES & DEVELOPING GODLY RELATIONSHIPS WITH BIRTH

PARENTS & STATE WORKERS: Johnston Moore

Acoustic Café

HOMELESS & SEX TRAFFICKING: HOW THEY COLLIDE WITH VULNERABLE YOUTH,

FOSTER YOUTH & FORMER FOSTER KIDS: Rich Schaus, Union Gospel Mission

Training Center

BUILDING A TEAM & SAFEGUARDING YOUR MARRIAGE: Lisa Qualls

Coffee Bar

10:55-11:50 AM Room

FOSTER CARE 101: Jon & Melissa Pemberton, MSW

Auditorium 1

PARENTING THAT PROMOTES ATTACHMENT, PART 2: Deborah Gray, MSW, MPA

A continuation and more in depth look for the professional. Parents welcome.

Auditorium 2

ICWA (INDIAN CHILD WELFARE ACT): CITIZENS INFLUENCING THE SYSTEM FOR THE

BENEFIT OF THE VULNERABLE CHILDREN: Johnston Moore

Acoustic Café

GLOBAL MISSIONS & INTERNATIONAL ORPHAN CARE: HOW THEY INTERSECT & HOW

TO MAKE AN IMPACT: Steve Allen & Jim Andrews

Training Center

MOMS ONLY: Amy Callahan, Jodie Howerton, Tricia Hughes, Lisa Qualls,& Anna Rowe

An open forum to let your guard down and be honest about the stresses of mothering adopted/foster children, FASD, post-adoption depression and more

Coffee Bar

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2014 SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT BREAKOUT SCHEDULE

2:05-3:00 PM Room

DECODING YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR: Sandra Gorman-Brown, MSW, LCSW

Parents struggle to determine if a child's behaviors are related to adoption, attachment, trauma, prenatal exposure, a typical developmental milestone or other influences. Find out common behaviors, methods to help rule out causes, and professional resources to resolve challenging behavior.

Auditorium 1

WORKING WITH COMPLICATED CHILDREN, PART 1: Deborah Gray, MSW, MPA

What stands in the way of attachment? How should parents respond when children react negatively and with controlling behaviors? What should the home look like?

Auditorium 2

EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY ABOUT HIV/AIDS: Jodie Howerton

Acoustic Café

EMDR (EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION REPROCESSING) EXPLAINED: A THERAPY

TO CONSIDER FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH WITH TRAUMA & PTSD: Laura Taylor, MSW, LCSW

Training Center

INLAND ORPHAN PARTNERS: CHURCHES, ORGANIZATIONS & GOVERNMENT

AGENCIES WORKING TOGETHER THROUGH COLLABORATION: Amy Callahan

Coffee Bar

3:05-4:00 PM Room

SENSORY PROCESSING DISORDER: PRACTICAL HELP FOR PARENTS: Susan LaBarre,

OTR/L, Pediatric Occupational Therapist

Auditorium 1

WORKING WITH COMPLICATED CHILDREN, PART 2: Deborah Gray, MSW, MPA

A continuation and more in depth look for the professional. Parents welcome.

Auditorium 2

HIV POSITIVE ADOPTION: REALITIES OF LIVING WITH HIV: Jodie Howerton & Lisa

Qualls

Acoustic Café

MOBILIZING THE CHURCH TO CARE FOR ORPHANS, VULNERABLE CHILDREN &

YOUTH: Steve Max Allen

Training Center

DADS ONLY: Kimmer Callahan, Carey Hughes, Johnston Moore & Jason Wiens

An open forum to let your guard down and be honest about the stresses on a family, marriage, life and identity when parenting foster and adopted children

Coffee Bar

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SPOKANE ORPHAN SUMMIT MAP

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MAIN SESSION PRESENTERS

Deborah Gray specializes in the attachment, grief, and trauma issues of children in her practice, Nurturing Attachments. Her methods of working with children and families reflect her strong developmental and infant

mental health perspective. Her passion is to help families develop close, satisfying relationships. She has worked for 20 years in children’s therapies. Johnston Moore, prior to joining the Hope for Orphans team in 2007, and co-founding Home Forever in 2012, enjoyed a career in film and television production, as a writer, associate producer and production coordinator. John married Terri in 1988 and together they have seven children who they adopted from the Los Angeles foster care system. John is a strong believer in, and vocal advocate for, permanency and justice for children,

having witnessed the impact both have had on his children.

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BREAKOUT SESSION PRESENTERS

Steve and Carrie Allen are parents of 5 children, 3 of whom are adopted from China. Steve is a frequent speaker regarding adoption and has led many teams into China and Central America to care for orphans.

Steve Max Allen spent five years with his family in Zambia as a missionary working with pastors in Lusaka. During this time he and his wife Stephanie adopted Jenny Rhoda four years ago. Steve and Stephanie live with their 5 daughters in Northwest Spokane. Steve is the executive director of Family Promise of Spokane, a non-profit homeless family organization that partners with local churches to host, feed and care for homeless children and their parents. This is the second year that Steve has been on the leadership team for Spokane Orphan Summit.

Jim & Megan Andrews have been married for 25 years and are parents to six children, three biological children and three children adopted internationally. Jim is president and owner of a local commercial construction company. Megan is a full-time mom. They have been involved in orphan care in Mexico and China, and have teamed up with Agros International in Central America.

Kimmer and Amy Callahan are adoptive parents of two beautiful, internationally adopted children. Kimmer is a practicing attorney at Callahan & Associates, Chtd., where he has dedicated his practice to helping families plan properly for the unseen. Amy took a leave of absence from teaching in the Coeur d' Alene School District and has remained a stay-at-home mom to dedicate her time to her children, family, and empowering the church toward caring for the fatherless. Together their passion is to see the church rise up to care for the orphan here and around the world. This passion blossomed into a ministry at their church, Real Life Ministries in Post Falls, Idaho.

Sheri Davis is the Co-Director and Office Manager of the Antioch Adoptions Spokane office. She is an adoptive mom and loves to attend the Summit Ridge Foster / Adoptive family group and Off the Wall ministry meetings.

Sandra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduate of Deborah Gray's Attachment Focused Therapy Certificate program. She has 25 years of direct practice experience with expertise in the treatment of attachment issues, pediatric trauma and grief. Much of her work is focused on children and families whose lives have been impacted by the child welfare system, foster care and adoption.

Jodie Howerton is a mom to three incredible kids between the ages of 9 and 14 through birth and adoption. Her youngest son is HIV positive and she advocates for reforming HIV/AIDS education in the nation’s public schools through Redefine Positive Project, which she founded. She’s a writer, speaker and pastor’s wife who daily relies on God’s grace.

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Carey Hughes is Senior Pastor of Christ the Redeemer Church in Spokane, Washington. His heartbeat in ministry has always been for kid. He helped establish an orphan care ministry at their church called “Off the Wall,” so named for the early church’s practice of receiving discarded children left at the city wall.

Tricia Hughes is an adoptive mom who has become fairly well versed in maneuvering through the special education web dealing with ADD, FAS, and a blind child as well. As a former labor and delivery nurse, she loves all things related to childbirth and infant health and well-being. She is more often found with a screw-gun in her hand than a spatula.

Together they are parents to 10 children: 4 home grown, 6 imported via the foster care system. Among all 10 children.

Susan LaBarre is an occupational therapist with 16 years of experience working in an outpatient pediatric therapy clinic, early intervention home health, school systems, Birth to Three Program evaluations, Park and Recreation Handwriting Camp, and in private practice providing consultation, evaluation and treatment. Her experience includes working with children birth to 21 yrs of age with a variety of diagnoses. Her passion lies behind this quote by Stanley Greenspan, "All children have within them the potential to be great kids. It's our job to create a great world where this potential can flourish." She has been married for 20 years and has two teenage boys.

Jon Pemberton is currently employed by the Washington State Division of Licensed Resources (DLR) as a foster home licensor. He has worked with children and families involved in foster care for over ten years. Jon has a BS in Elementary Education from the University of Idaho and this summer will complete a MA in Theology from Whitworth University.

Melissa Pemberton works part-time conducting home studies for Antioch Adoptions. Melissa also spent 5 years as a social worker with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Melissa has a MSW and a BS in Developmental Psychology from Eastern Washington University.

Jon and Melissa have three children and are passionate about the foster care crisis in Spokane and hope to use their experience to equip others to care for the orphans in their community.

Lisa Qualls has been married for 30 years to her husband Russ and is the mother of twelve children by birth and adoption; a journey marked by many joys as well as challenges of trauma and attachment. She earnestly believes in the power of God to heal children’s broken hearts and wounded minds, and is privileged to participate in that process with her children. Lisa writes the blog, http://www.onethankfulmom.com/.

Anna Rowe has been involved in adoptions for 15 years using her skills to encourage and bring healing to children, birth parents and adoptive parents. Together with her husband they have fostered over 25 children. Their family consists of birth, foster and adopted children. Anna holds a MA in Counseling Psychology.

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Rich Schaus is the director of the Crisis Shelter at Union Gospel Mission of Spokane. He believes in CANI (Constant and Never Ending Improvement). He strives to be a person who changes himself and in turn changes the World. He has served the Spokane area for over 10 years and has a passion for working with those who are often underserved. He is married and has 3 children.

Laura is a Jesus girl who has a passion for helping people, specifically helping them heal from traumas in their lives using EMDR. She has a part-time private practice and is a member of AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors) and EMDRIA (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association). Laura has worked with many foster and adopted children and their families over the past 17 years. She adores her husband and children and enjoys spending time with family and friends in the outdoors.

Jason Wiens is an adoptive father who has a passion for seeing the church mobilized to care for orphans. He and his wife Emmy, helped launch “OFF The WALL” Ministry at Christ the Redeemer Church, which has grown into a thriving community that seeks to support and encourage the Body of Christ in adoption and foster care. He lives in Spokane with his wife and five children and works as a Cardiac Intensive Care Nurse.

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ENCOURAGE

en·ku·rij to make (someone) more

determined, hopeful, or confident

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare

and

not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. ~Jeremiah 29:11

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STEPS TO ADOPTION THROUGH WASHINGTON DSHS AND IDAHO DHW

Washington DSHS Idaho DHW

Initial Contact 1-866-958-KIDS (5437) http://www.fosteringtogether.org

Idaho Care-line 2-1-1 or 800-926-2588

Orientation Meeting Attend a 3 hour meeting or complete the online training

Attend a 2 hour meeting

Application Complete application Complete application

Training

Complete 27 hours of PRIDE training and First Aid/CPR/Bloodborne Pathogens Training

Complete 27 hours of PRIDE training.

Home study Complete an adoption home study Complete an adoption home study

Child Selection Families will either get a call from Home Finders or can search NWAE or WARE for children waiting.

Families can search for children from NWAE, Idaho Wednesday’s Child or be matched by a social worker.

Visitation and Placement If a match is found then visitation and a transition into your home will be made.

Child transitions to adoptive home.

Adoption Finalization

Find your attorney who will file the petition to adopt while the social worker completes a post placement report and provides the consent to adopt.

Find your attorney who will file the petition to adopt while the social worker completes a post placement report and provides the consent to adopt.

Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. “A Lifelong Developmental Journey.” DSHS 22-

1096(X), (2005). Web. 20 Mar. 2012. <http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications /22-1096.pdf> “Becoming a Foster or Adoptive Parent.” Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. n.p., n.d. Web. 13 Mar.

2013 <http://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/Children/AdoptionFosterCareHome/ BecomingaFosterorAdoptiveParent/tabid/1905/Default.aspx>

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ADOPTION TAX CREDIT SIMPLIFIED

2013

2014*

Amount of Credit $12,970 per child $13,190 per child

Modified Adjusted Gross Income Phase-out Ranges

$194,580—$234,580 $197,880—$237,880

Refundable or Non-Refundable Non-Refundable Non-Refundable

Years to carry forward 5 years 5 years

Can a child deemed “special needs” get the maximum amount of credit regardless of expenses?

Yes Yes

Can I claim the credit for a failed domestic adoption?

Yes, only for qualified adoption expenses

Yes, only for qualified adoption expenses

Can I claim the credit for a failed international adoption?

No No

IRS Form Form 8839 Form 8839

* The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (H.R.8) enacted on January 2, 2013, permanently extended the Adoption Credit and the adoption assistance programs for tax years beginning after December 31, 2012.

“FAQS.” Save the Adoption Tax Credit. n.p., n.d. Web 13 Mar. 2013. <http://adoptiontaxcredit.org/faqs/>

“Topic 607-Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance Programs.” IRS. n.p., 17 Jan. 2013. Web. 13 Mar. 2013. http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc607.html “Adoption Benefits FAQs” IRS. 07 Feb. 2014. Web 12 Mar. 2014. http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Adoption-

Benefits-FAQs

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ADOPTION GRANTS

68:5 Fund provides financial grants to Christian couples in the Inland Northwest who are pursuing adoption.

More information can be found at http://685fund.org

Affording Adoption Foundation provides grants to families who have been matched with a child. More

information can be found at http://www.affordingadoption.com

A Child Waits Foundation's Grant Program is designed to help children who are living in international

orphanages to become part of a family. More information can be found at http://www.achildwaits.org

God's Grace Adoption Ministry Grant is for Christian, two-parent families. They provided a matching grant towards adoptions that have significant associated expenses. The matching grant is a commitment of funds by GGAM that is available to the family to the extent that the funds are matched by the family’s community. For more information visit http://ggam.org/

Hand in Hand Christian Adoption grant provides a matching grant to families who have a completed and

approved home study by a qualified agency or by a professional licensed in the state in which you reside. For more information visit http://handinhandadopt.org /

Helping Kids Cope offers a PARENTS-TO-BE-AWARD to prospective adoptive families. They also have

grants for children in foster care and birthmothers. For more information on their programs visit http://helpingkidscope.com

Helpusadopt.org Grant is for US citizens with a home study and a demonstrated financial need for

assistance. For more information visit http://helpusadopt.org

Ibsen Adoption Network Grant is for Washington families who have a desire to adopt special needs

children, locally and globally with a completed home study and an identified child. Visit http://www.ibsenadoptionnetwork.com for more information.

Katelyn’s Fund is for two parent, Christian families who have a completed home study and a need for

financial assistance. You can visit http://katelynsfund.org for more information.

Lifesong offers matching grants (range from $2,000-$4,000), which encourage the adopting couple's church family to financially and prayerfully support the adoption. At this time, Lifesong is unable to provide financial assistance to families that already have the child/children placed in their home for the adoption in which they are seeking financial assistance. For more information please visit their website http://www.lifesongfororphans.org

LYDIA Fund grant is for Christian married families to defray adoption costs associated with international

adoption. You can find more information at http://lydiafund.org

Redeemer Adoption Fund is a non-profit organization based in Spokane, Washington, founded for the

purpose of providing various forms of assistance to adoptive families and to aid and encourage them in the adoption process. For more information visit http://www.redeemeradoptionfund.org/

Show Hope provides grants to qualified Christian families who are adopting from all parts of the world-

domestically as well as internationally with an adoption home study. More information can be found at http://www.showhope.org

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ADOPTION FUNDRAISERS

100 Good Wishes is a website where adoptive couples can create a page with information and pictures

about their adoption journey. Family and friends can visit their page and by making a donation, they can offer a "wish" to the adoptive couple. Donations are sent directly to the recipient's Paypal account. There are no fees to use this service but couples must be home study approved in order sign up for an account. Visit http://www.onehundredgoodwishes.com/ for more information.

147 Million Orphans is an organization that has specific fundraising gear for adoptive families to be able to

raise money for their adoption costs. This organization was started by two adoptive moms. For more details visit http://www.147millionorphans.com/.

Adoption Bug allows families to sell adoption t-shirts as a fundraiser. Families receive their own fundraiser

website and can select the products they want to sell. There are no minimum orders 25-45% of the sales from a fundraiser store go directly to you (exact commissions vary by product). In addition, Show Hope receives a small commission on all "Shirts of Hope" you sell. For more information visit http://www.adoptionbug.com.

Flower Power allows you to run an online fundraiser. All you need to do is set up an account and customize

your page. You can direct others to your site to purchase their seeds and bulbs. They offer 50% profit on every sale. Visit http://www.flowerpowerfundraising.com/index for more information.

Faultless; The American Orphan can be used as a Fundraising even. In order to use this video you can

contact Jonathan Goode to find out the details of how it would work. Visit http://beunthinkable.org/faultless/ or contact Jonathan at, (478) 319-7841.

Just Love Coffee Roasters founders are adoptive parents. This company allows adoptive couples to earn $5 per bag of coffee and will receive a link to their own fundraising webpage for family and friends to visit and make purchases. For more information visit https://justlovecoffee.com/.

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ADOPTION LOANS

Abba Fund knows that Adopting couples may request financial assistance in any amount, based upon their

needs. ABBA Fund provides interest-free covenant loans to Christian couples who are called by God to expand their families through adoption and who need help with the “cash flow crunch” posed by adoption expenses. For more information visit http://www.abbafund.org

A Child Waits Foundation has a loan problem. Eligibility to receive a loan is based upon financial need

and each case is judged individually. Their objective is to help families who have exhausted all other sources of funds and could not proceed with the adoption without our financial assistance. Their loans are not a low cost alternative to other financing options; rather they are a last means of financing for families who have already exhausted all other possibilities and funds. For more information visit http://www.achildwaits.org/

America’s Christian Credit Union believes that every child deserves a forever family. Since 2009, over

500 children have found a loving home through the Adoption Loan Program at America's Christian Credit Union. We are passionate about supporting the work of organizations that are helping 143 million orphans worldwide. For more information visit http://www.americaschristiancu.com/personal/loans

Lifesong offers a loan program. Lifesong’s adoption loan is not the same as a traditional, legally binding,

promissory note used by lenders. Instead, we ask the couple to enter into a “covenant agreement” whereby they covenant to reimburse Lifesong in monthly or annual payments as mutually agreed upon. The covenant commitment is then between the couple, Lifesong and God. The couple agrees to exercise financial stewardship responsibility to both Lifesong and to God, to use funds that God provides to them to reimburse Lifesong for the financial assistance that God graciously provided. Visit their website for more information, http://www.lifesongfororphans.org.

Pathways for Little Feet is pleased to know that you have opened your heart to adopting a child. By

providing interest-free loans to adoptive families, they hope to help create a world in which every child belongs in a loving home. To be considered for an interest-free loan, please call 713-860-4981 for a pre-screening interview. You can also visit their website for more information, http://www.pathwaysforlittlefeet.org

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FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION RESOURCES FOR PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES The Spokane Orphan Summit is providing the following list as a resource only and does by no way endorse any particular agency or organization.

Adoption Advocates International Serves families in Washington with their foster to adopt program and families in the US for their international program. 709 S. Peabody St. Port Angeles, WA 98362 (888) 481-4775, Ext. 15 http://www.adoptionadvocates.org

All God's Children International AGCI is a Christian, non-profit organization. They have been helping children and families for over 20 years. Currently AGCI completes approximately 200 adoptions each year. 1400 NE 136th Ave.. Suite 201 Vancouver, WA 98684 (800) 214-6719 http://www.AllGodsChildren.org

American World Adoption America World is committed to helping America's families and the world's orphans experience the love of God in Jesus through the "Spirit of adoption." They have programs in a number of countries. Mark and Tamara Flippen (509) 315-4820 theflippens@awaa.org

A New Beginning Adoption Agency A non-profit, licensed adoption agency providing private adoption, domestic adoption and facilitating international adoption for Idaho families. 9703 W Ustick Rd Boise, ID 83704 (208) 939-3865 http://adoptanewbeginning.org

Antioch Adoptions A licensed, fee-free adoption agency serving Spokane County. Their mission is to place infants and children, regardless of ethnicity, age, or special needs into Christian adoptive homes, and to remove the financial, perceptual, and practical barriers to adoption.

723 W. Indiana Avenue Spokane, WA 99205-4627 (509) 328-2700 Sherri Davis sdavis@antiochadoptions.org

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Koyama, P.S. Proudly assisting families through the adoption process with expertise in independent adoptions, agency adoptions, state adoptions, and step-parent adoptions. 1519 West Broadway Spokane, Washington 99201 (509) 328-0951 Nicole Koyama, nicole@adoptionspokane.com

CASI Foundation for Children CASI is a private, non-profit, non-denominational agency providing International and Domestic Adoption Services, Humanitarian Programs for the orphans of China and Haiti, and free Birth Parent Services in Idaho. 2308 N. Cole Rd. Suite E Boise, ID 83704 (208) 76-0558 http://www.adoptcasi.org

Catholic Family & Child Service - Tri-Cities Catholic Adoption Services of Washington State serves as a resource for all Washington families who are considering building their families through adoption. Domestic infant adoption and

international adoption services are available. 2139 Van Giesen Street Richland, WA 9935 (206) 328-5921 www.cfcstricities.org

Children’s Home Society of Washington Since 1896, Children's Home Society of Washington has helped provide children with strong families, loving stable homes, and their best chance for happiness and success. They provide Home Studies, Specialized Recruitment and Placement and Post adoption Services and Counseling along with Search & Reunion Services 2323 North Discovery Place Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 747-4174 childrenshomesociety.org

Foster Parent Association of Eastern Washington The Foster Parent Association of Eastern Washington was established as a nonprofit service organization in 1972. They seek to strengthen foster families through training and education, publications, networking among foster parents, legislative advocacy, and linkage organizations. P.O. Box 9248 Spokane, WA 99207 (509) 363-3473 contact@fpas.org

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Foster Parent Association of Washington State The Foster Parents Association of Washington State (FPAWS) is a non-profit corporation chartered in 1973 providing support and services to foster families throughout the State of Washington. Our Association has evolved over the years to develop direct support for adoptive, foster and kinship parents as well as initiating legislative action for the betterment of foster and adoptive families. 1121 Harrison Avenue PMB 274 Centralia, WA 98531 (800) 391-2273 fpaws@fpaws.org

Homes of Hope A Christian Non-Profit Corporation, dedicated to the equipping and support of foster families and the children in their care. Not everyone can become a foster family, but they believe that everyone can help. They serve families in the Lewiston/Clarkston Valley with services to Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce Counties in Idaho and to Asotin, Garfield and Whitman Counties in Washington. (509) 758-8918 angie@homesofhopeproject.org www.homesofhopeproject.org

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Becoming a foster parent means opening your life to a child or sibling group in foster care. Currently, there are approximately 1350 Idaho children in foster care, from very young children to teenagers. Some need temporary foster homes and are eventually able to return to their birth families. Some children need permanent homes through adoption. Within Idaho, you can dial 2-1-1 Outside of Idaho, call (800) 926-2588 careline@dhw.idaho.gov.

Idaho Youth Ranch Since 1983, Idaho Youth Ranch has worked with adoptive parents to provide loving, stable homes for newborns and children through the miracle of adoption. The adoption process can be complex and is often viewed as being “overwhelming” by adoptive couples. However, our experienced social workers—who have nearly 50 years of combined adoption experience–provide advocacy, guidance, support and education throughout the process. 2201 N. Government Way, Suite J Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 667-1898 www.idahoyouthranchadoptions.org

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Lutheran Community Services Northwest Helps children find safe, stable, loving homes through our Foster Care and Adoption Programs. The Adoption Program serves families in Eastern Washington by providing Home study and Post-Placement services for all types of adoptions including: International (Including Hague Convention), Domestic, Private, Step-Parent or Relative. 210 W. Sprague Ave Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 747-8224 http://www.lcsnw.org/spokane/

Mark Iverson, Attorney at Law An adoptive father of three, Mark Iverson provides Adoption Legal Services in Washington and Idaho 921 W Broadway Ave., Suite 301 Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 462-3678 (800) 338-8273 http://www.adoptionwa.com/

New Life Adoptions of Wenatchee New Life Adoptions has the mission of recruiting adoptive homes for the placement of infants and children, particularly "orphans" currently in foster care, despite age, ethnicity or special needs. They provide both independent and domestic adoption services. They serve all of Eastern Washington and are a licensed “no fee” adoption agency. 1127 Grant Road East Wenatchee, WA 98802 (509) 888-2768 maddog@nwi.net http://www.newlifeadoptions.org/

Off the Wall (A ministry of Christ the Redeemer Church) Are you: contemplating adoption/foster care, in the process of bringing an orphaned child into your family, in the post adoption journey & needing the help & support of others who have been through the adoption/foster care process or part of the community of someone who has fostered or adopted? Then this is the place for you. Christ the Redeemer Church 1523 W Mallon Ave Spokane, WA 99201 Jason, (509) 280.2132 or Jasonwiens@spokaneorphansummit.com http://CTROrphanCare.blogspot.com

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Olive Crest Olive Crest is dedicated to preventing child abuse, to treating and educating at-risk children and to preserving the family, “One Life at a Time.”® Olive Crest recruits, trains, and certifies foster family homes from the community Foster children and parents are provided ongoing therapy, training, and support services. 505 E Wedgewood Spokane, WA 99208 (509) 468-0700 http://www.olivecrest.org

Orphan Care Ministry of Real Life Ministries Empowering the church to care for orphans by providing support and training to those who foster or adopt, providing information for those who feel called to adopt or foster, and by providing opportunities for the church to directly minister to orphans locally and around the world. Amy Callahan: (208) 661-6160 orphancare@reallifeministries.com

Reece's Rainbow The mission of Reece's Rainbow is to rescue orphans with Down syndrome and other special needs through the gift of adoption, to raise awareness for all of the children who are waiting in 25 countries around the world, and to raise funds to help adoptive families afford the high cost of adopting these beautiful children. Andrea Roberts: andrea@reecesrainbow.org http://reecesrainbow.org

Washington State Department of Social & Health Services Within the Children's Administration, the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the provider of client services. DCFS offers Foster Parent and Adoptive services. 1313 N. Atlantic, Suite 2000 Spokane, WA 99205 (866)958-KIDS (5437) http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/fosterparents/index.asp

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RESOURCE

re·zors a place or thing that provides

something useful

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own

understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will

make straight your paths. ~Proverbs 3:5-6

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LOCAL FOSTER/ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUPS IN SPOKANE AREA

Coffee Time Support Group Meets 3rd Thursday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30am. Childcare available (3 day notice requested) Sandy Porter (509) 990-0980 or sdpforkids@yahoo.com Southside Christian, 2934 E 27th Ave, Spokane (Next to Trader Joe’s)

Native American Foster Family Support Group Contact for times. Training and Craft for the children Aimee and Roger Moses, (509) 483-7336 naffsg@live.com

Off the Wall Meets every other month. Childcare available. Jason Wiens, (509) 280-2132 JasonWiens@spokaneorphansummit.com

Spokane Buddy Program Matches new foster parents with experienced foster parents. Trudie Nesbitt, (509) 487-8270 or OnSquidRow@aol.com

Spokane Night Life Meets 3rd or 4th Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Childcare available (3 day notice requested) Amber Sherman, Facilitator, (509) 467-2964 or amber-sherman@olivecrest.org Prince of Peace Church – 8441 N. Indian Trail Rd., Spokane

Spokane “The Younger Years” Support Group Contact for times. Childcare available (3 day notice requested) Melike Bludau, (509) 714-7728 or melikeb@southsidespokane.org Southside Christian, 2934 E 27th Ave, Spokane (Next to Trader Joe’s)

Summit Church Meets every other month for a potluck for foster and adoptive families Debbie King, debking78@gmail.com or (509) 999-4792 for more information 1801 E 29th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99203

Summit Church Women’s Bible Study Weekly Bible study foster and adoptive moms. Childcare available (with reservation) Megan Andrews (509) 251-3565 1801 E 29th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99203

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LOCAL FOSTER/ADOPTION SUPPORT GROUPS IN COEUR D’ ALENE AREA

Coeur d’Alene Resource Family Training & Support Group Meets 1st Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30pm. Childcare available. Julie Gardner, (208) 676-1186 x3404 or jgardner@ewu.edu Kroc Center, 1765 W Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene

Dad's Night Out Support Group Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at a local restaurant Contact Amy Callahan, (208) 661-6160 or amy@inlandorphanpartners.com

Mom’s Night Out Support Group Meets 3rd Tuesday of each month at a local restaurant Contact Amy Callahan, (208) 661-6160 or amy@inlandorphanpartners.com

Post Falls Relatives as Parents (RAP) group Meets 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 10:00 to 11:30am. Robbie Eaton, (208) 773-6164 Head Start, 106 West 9th Street Post Falls, ID.

Rathdrum Relatives as Parents Linda Stolley, (208) 712-3152

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FOSTER CARE AND ADOPTION RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES The Spokane Orphan Summit is providing the following list as a resource only and does by no way endorse any particular agency or organization.

Adoption Nutrition The Adoption Nutrition Website is a collaborative effort between SPOON Foundation and Joint Council International Children’s Services. SPOON Foundation 3227 NW Thurman Street Portland, OR 97210 (503) 954-2524 info@spoonfoundation.org

The Center for Adoption Medicine The center has three pediatricians that specialize in adoption medicine: Julia Bledsoe, MD, Julian Davies, MD, and Cynthia Kertesz, MD. They perform pre-adoption consultations by telephone and also provide post-placement evaluations and ongoing pediatric care at our Seattle clinic. The Center for Adoption Medicine University of Washington Pediatric Care Center 4245 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98105 (206) 598-3006 Post-adoption clinic appointments (206) 598-3000 adoption@uw.edu

Children’s Home Society of Washington Since 1896, Children's Home Society of Washington has helped provide children with strong families, loving stable homes, and their best chance for happiness and success. They provide Home Studies, Specialized Recruitment and Placement and Post adoption Services and Counseling along with Search & Reunion Services 2323 North Discovery Place Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 747-4174 childrenshomesociety.org

Clothing Perk The Clothing Perk is a program set up through the Foster Parent Association of Spokane; we are providing foster children with new and gently used clothes, shoes and other items needed when they are placed in a home. (509) 279-1525 clothingperk@hotmail.com

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FAS Diagnostic & Prevention Network The Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic & Prevention Network (FAS DPN) is a network of four WA State community-based interdisciplinary FASD diagnostic clinics linked by the core clinical/research/training clinic at the Center on Human Development and Disability at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. The mission of the FAS DPN is FASD prevention through FASD screening, diagnosis, intervention, research, and training. FAS DPN Center on Human Development & Disability Box 357920 University of Washington Seattle WA 98195-7920 (206) 598-9666 fasdclin@uw.edu

Foster Parent Association of Eastern Washington The Foster Parent Association of Eastern Washington was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit service organization in 1972. They seek to strengthen foster families through training and education, publications, networking among foster parents, legislative advocacy, and linkage with local and state parent associations and child welfare organizations. P.O. Box 9248 Spokane, WA 99207 (509) 363-3473 contact@fpas.org

Foster Parent Association of Washington State The Foster Parents Association of Washington State (FPAWS) is a non-profit corporation chartered in 1973 providing support and services to foster families throughout the State of Washington. 1121 Harrison Avenue PMB 274 Centralia, WA 98531 (800) 391-2273 fpaws@fpaws.org

Grass Roots Therapy Welcome to Grassroots Therapy Group. Our mission is to support and guide individuals and families in their healing process to uncover true potential and lead a life worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. 316 West Boone Avenue Suite 577 Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 279-8838 or (509) 990-6419 http://www.grassrootstherapy.com/

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Homes of Hope A Christian Non-Profit Corporation, dedicated to the equipping and support of foster families and the children in their care. Not everyone can become a foster family, but they believe that everyone can help. They serve families in the Lewiston/Clarkston Valley with services to Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce Counties in Idaho and to Asotin, Garfield and Whitman Counties in Washington. (509) 758-8918 angie@homesofhopeproject.org www.homesofhopeproject.org .

The Idaho Child Welfare Partnership Their mission is to promote the safety, permanency and well-being of the children and youth in Idaho's child welfare system of care and expand and refine the parties' support of Idaho's Child Welfare System of Care. http://www.icwpartnership.org/

Lutheran Community Services Northwest Helps children find safe, stable, loving homes through our Foster Care and Adoption Programs. The Adoption Program serves families in Eastern Washington by providing Home study and Post-Placement services for all types of adoptions including: International (Including Hague Convention), Domestic, Private, Step-Parent or Relative. 210 W. Sprague Ave Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 747-8224 http://www.lcsnw.org/spokane/

Off the Wall (A ministry of Christ the Redeemer Church) Are you: contemplating adoption/foster care, in the process of bringing an orphaned child into your family, in the post adoption journey & needing the help & support of others who have been through the adoption/foster care process or part of the community of someone who has fostered or adopted? Then this is the place for you. Christ the Redeemer Church 1523 W Mallon Ave Spokane, WA 99201 Jason at (509) 280.2132 Jasonwiens@spokaneorphansummit.com http://CTROrphanCare.blogspot.com

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Olive Crest Olive Crest is dedicated to preventing child abuse, to treating and educating at-risk children and to preserving the family, “One Life at a Time.”® Olive Crest recruits, trains, and certifies foster family homes from the community Foster children and parents are provided ongoing therapy, training, and support services. 505 E Wedgewood Spokane, WA 99208 (509) 468-0700

Orphan Care Ministry of Real Life Ministries Empowering the church to care for orphans by providing support and training to those who foster or adopt, providing information for those who feel called to adopt or foster, and by providing opportunities for the church to directly minister to orphans locally and around the world. Amy Callahan: (208) 661-6160 orphancare@reallifeministries.com

Spokane Guilds’ School Our purpose is to nurture the full potential of families and their children, from birth to three, with disabilities. We do this through a personalized, comprehensive program of assessment, therapy, education, and support. Our evaluation/enrollment process is multi-stepped. We have described this complex process using the questions that are most frequently asked about enrolling a child into our program. 2118 W. Garland Ave. Spokane, WA 99205 (509) 326-1651 http://www.guildschool.org/

Teen Closet Helping boost the self-esteem of teenagers in foster care and others in-need, by providing fashionable clothing and accessories of their choice.” 9212 E. Montgomery, Suite 302 Spokane Valley, WA 99206 (509) 534-1151 https://www.teencloset.org/

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MOBILIZE

moh·buh·lahyz to bring (people) together for action

Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the

afflicted and the destitute. ~Psalm 82:3

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ORPHAN CARE RESOURCES The Spokane Orphan Summit is providing the following list as a resource only and does by no way endorse any particular agency or organization. Consider volunteering for one of the organizations involved in orphan care.

Adoption Tax Credit The purpose of this organization is to encourage advocacy to save the adoption tax credit. Become an advocate for the Adoption Tax credit to help adoptive families.

http://adoptiontaxcredit.org/

Camp to Belong This non-profit organization has been actively reuniting brothers and sisters placed in separate foster, adoptive or kinship homes through Summer Camp Programs and year round events since 1995. They have a camp located in Western Washington with volunteer counselor opportunities or other opportunities to help the international organization

http://camptobelong.org/

CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected and report to the court as to the best interest of the child. 1208 West Mallon Spokane, Wa, 99201 (509) 477-2469 Susan Cairy, SCairy@spokanecounty.org

Children’s Home Society of Washington Since 1896, Children's Home Society of Washington has helped provide children with strong families, loving stable homes, and their best chance for happiness and success. There are a number of volunteer opportunities to provide support to foster children and adoptive families. 2323 North Discovery Place Spokane Valley, WA 99216 (509) 747-4174 childrenshomesociety.org

Clothing Perk The Clothing Perk is a program set up through the Foster Parent Association of Spokane, we are providing foster children with new and gently used clothes, shoes and other items needed when they are placed in a home. (509) 279-1525 clothingperk@hotmail.com https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clothing-Perk/197861026914227

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Cup of Cool Water Cup of Cool Water’s mission is to empower youth who are homeless to become wholehearted followers of Christ and to exit street life. Volunteer opportunities for adults wanting to make a difference in the life of a homeless youth. Approximately 12-30% of foster kids who age out struggle with homelessness

1106 W 2nd Ave Spokane, WA 99201 (509) 747-6686 http://www.cupofcoolwater.org

Foster Parent Association of Eastern Washington The Foster Parent Association of Eastern Washington nonprofit service organization. They seek to strengthen foster families. There are a number of volunteer opportunities to provide support to foster children and adoptive families. P.O. Box 9248 Spokane, WA 99207 (509) 363-3473 contact@fpas.org

Foster Parent Association of Washington State The Foster Parents Association of Washington State (FPAWS) is a non-profit corporation chartered in 1973 providing support and services to foster families throughout the State of Washington. Volunteer as a Board Member. 1121 Harrison Avenue PMB 274 Centralia, WA 98531 (800) 391-2273 fpaws@fpaws.org

Heart Gallery of America The Heart Gallery of America is a traveling photographic and audio exhibit created to find forever families for children in foster care. If you have a talent for taking pictures you can join as a volunteer to help kids find forever families. http://www.heartgalleryofamerica.org/

Homes of Hope A Christian Non-Profit Corporation, dedicated to the equipping and support of foster families and the children in their care. Not everyone can become a foster family, but they believe that everyone can help. They serve families in the Lewiston/Clarkston Valley with services to Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce Counties in Idaho and to Asotin, Garfield and Whitman Counties in Washington. (509) 758-8918 angie@homesofhopeproject.org www.homesofhopeproject.org

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The Idaho Child Welfare Partnership Their mission is to promote the safety, permanency and well-being of the children and youth in Idaho's child welfare system of care and expand and refine the parties' support of Idaho's Child Welfare System of Care. http://www.icwpartnership.org/

Idaho Youth Ranch IYR offers emergency shelter, residential care, substance abuse treatment, job readiness training, alternative education, adoption services, family counseling, and more for at-risk kids and their families in Idaho. There are a number of volunteer opportunities to provide support to foster children and adoptive families. 2201 N. Government Way, Suite J Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 667-1898 www.idahoyouthranchadoptions.org

Northwest Adoption Exchange The NWAE provides profiles of waiting children from the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska. They have several ways individuals and groups can support the mission of this organization, “Finding adoptive families for the children in foster care; supporting the families who come forward to accept this challenge; and educating and advocating for the excellence in child welfare.” Suite 1350 520 Pike Street Seattle WA, 98101 (800) 927-9411 www.nwae.org

Off the Wall (A ministry of Christ the Redeemer Church) Are you: contemplating adoption/foster care, in the process of bringing an orphaned child into your family, in the post adoption journey & needing the help & support of others who have been through the adoption/foster care process or part of the community of someone who has fostered or adopted? Then this is the place for you. Christ the Redeemer Church 1523 W Mallon Ave Spokane, WA 99201 Jason at (509) 280-2132 Jasonwiens@spokaneorphansummit.com http://CTROrphanCare.blogspot.com

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Olive Crest Olive Crest is dedicated to preventing child abuse, to treating and educating at-risk children and to preserving the family, “One Life at a Time.”® Olive Crest recruits, trains, and certifies foster family homes from the community Foster children and parents are provided ongoing therapy, training, and support services. 505 E Wedgewood Spokane, WA 99208 (509) 468-0700 http://www.olivecrest.org/

Sally’s House Sally's House is the only emergency foster care program in Spokane. Before there was a Sally's House, children were taken from unfit homes to a caseworker’s office where they could wait several hours for the first available foster home. 222 E. Indiana Ave. Spokane, WA 99207 (509) 325-6826

Teen Closet Helping boost the self-esteem of teenagers in foster care and others in-need, by providing fashionable clothing and accessories of their choice.” They are always looking for volunteers. 9212 E. Montgomery, Suite 302 Spokane Valley, WA 99206 (509) 534-1151 https://teencloset.org

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

Several of the free resources available today were provided by

John Wilson II

39

NOTES

40

NOTES

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FUTURE EVENTS

Foster Parent Orientation, DSHS (March 18, 2014) No registration required. Children & Family Services, Rock Pointe East Building 1313 N. Atlantic, Suite 2000, Spokane Contact Chris Bagby for questions, (509) 363-4646

Cup of Cool Water Volunteer Training (March 22,2014) Registration and fee required Contact Kathy Burrowe; kathy@cupofcoolwater.org or call 509-747-6686

Ethiopian Cultural Play-date (March 22nd) Hosted by His Place Church, 3079 E 16th Ave., Post Falls. To connect adoptive families and keep our children connected to their Ethiopian heritage. We share a traditional Ethiopian meal, celebrate Ethiopian holidays, have short lessons on Ethiopian culture and traditions. Contact information is: rmrcgallegos@hotmail.com or (208) 691-5772

Summit Ridge Potluck (April) Potluck for Foster and Adoptive Families 1801 E 29th Avenue, Spokane, WA 99203 Contact Debbie King, debking78@gmail.com or (509) 999-4792

Antioch Adoptions, Introduction class (April 16th at 7pm) Hosted by Life Center Church 1201 N Government Way Spokane 99224 Please contact sdavis@antiochadoptions.org for more information

Mom’s Night Out Support Group (April 22nd) Meets once a month at a local restaurant in the Coeur d’Alene area. Contact Amy Callahan, (208) 661-6160 or amy@inlandorphanpartners.com

Olive Crest's Annual Cheers to Kids Wine Tasting Benefit Event

(April 25th) 6:30-9:00pm at Red Lion Hotel 303 W. North River Dr., Spokane, WA 99201 Contact Stephanie Eccleshall at (509) 468-0700, ext. 100 for more information or to purchase tickets.

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America World Adoption Seminar (April 26th at 10am) Hosted by Immanuel Chapel 5109 N. Adams St, Spokane, WA 99205 We will present an overview of what God's Word says about adoption in a multimedia program called Adopted by Design. Visit www.awaa.org to sign up for this free event.

CASA Training (April 26th to May 13th 5:30-8:30pm) Tuesday and Thursday evenings Contact Susan Cairy, (509) 477-2469, SCairy@spokanecounty.org for an application

Dad's Night Out Support Group (April 29th) Meets once a month at a local restaurant in the Coeur d’Alene area. Contact Amy Callahan, (208) 661-6160 or amy@inlandorphanpartners.com

Mark Schultz Fundraiser Concert (May 9th at 7pm) Benefiting Antioch Adoptions Hosted by Life Center Church 1201 N Government Way Spokane 99224 Please contact sdavis@antiochadoptions.org for more information

Community Orphan Sunday (October 26th) Sponsored by Real Life Ministries Orphan Care Hosted by the Kroc Center, 1765 W Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene Contact Amy Callahan: (208) 661-6160 orphancare@reallifeministries.com for more information

Orphan Sunday ( November 2nd) On Orphan Sunday Christians stand for the orphan. We are a people called to defend the fatherless…to care for the child that has no family…to visit orphans in their distress. Visit http://orphansunday.org/ to organize an event for your church.

National Adoption Day (November 22nd) National Adoption Day is a national day of celebration of adoptive families and an opportunity for courts to open their doors and finalize the adoptions of children from foster care It is celebrated the Saturday before Thanksgiving. http://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/adoptionDay/

The 16th Annual, A Home for the Holidays (December) This TV event typically airs mid-December on CBS. This is a great family show that brings awareness to the orphan in our country. Throughout the show viewers hear different stories of foster care adoption. (Sponsored by the Dave Thomas Foundation)