| Adoption Information Meetings |
I want to give a big hurrah to everyone who has found a location for their 2010 AIM meetings and has set dates for meetings through April. Great job!
The Adoption Information Meetings are so important because in many cases it will be the first and only face-to-face contact potential adoptive families will have until much later in their adoption process. Offering families an opportunity to meet and talk with someone whose life has been touched by international adoption is so important for families researching adoption.
As an Area Representative you agreed to schedule quarterly AIM meetings in your area. If you have any questions, concerns or ideas for your meetings please don't hesitate to contact me by email at caitlin@dillonadopt.com or by phone at (918) 749-4600 ext. 210. |
| Haiti: Adoption and Humanitarian Aid |
 The earthquake in Haiti devastated the capital and has touched the hearts of millions of Americans. Dillon International is receiving thousands of calls from people wanting to know how they can help or what the adoption procedures are. If anyone contacts you with questions here are a few things you can tell them.
- So far we have raised more than $55,000 for Haiti.
- Dillon International is not currently processing new applications in Haiti. With the post-earthquake chaos it will be many months before we know which children are truly orphaned and not just separated from family. Families interested in international adoption should consider other countries that also have hundreds of children in need of families.
- If a family is truly only interested in Haiti they can visit this link http://www.dillonadopt.com/Haiti_screen.htm and fill out the online form. We will contact them when we have more information.
- Our orphanages and hospital in Port-au-Prince only suffered some flooding and minor structural damage. They are open and assisting as many earthquake victims as they can. Urgent needs so far have included mattresses for patients, medical supplies and daily necessities. We are accepting monetary donations online or by mail. Anyone interested in donating items can contact Randy Daniels at Buckner. He is organizing containers of supplies to send to Hope Hospital.
- Medical teams or mission groups interested in serving in Haiti are being scheduled so that we can be sure there is room to accomodate them. Groups should contact our office to find out more.
- Good resources include:
1) Our blog has a wonderful post by Cherri answering some of the frequent questions and correcting some misinformation.
2) The website has several wonderful links with updated information about adoption and humanitarian aid in Haiti.
3) Our facebook page and the orphanCare site are updated regularly with any new information.
- Don't forget to remind families that while Haiti's need is great, there are many other children in need and adopting children orphaned by the earthquake is not possible at this time.
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| New Countries! |
Over the past few months there have been many changes in the country programs that Dillon is involved in. Many of those changes are included in the power point all Area Reps received, but some of the programs and changes are more recent.
NEPAL
Dillon International can only take 10 families a year in the new Nepal program. We currently have families lined up for 2010 and 2011. However, families interested in learning more about Nepal can contact Jynger Roberts at jynger@dillonadopt.com.
GHANA
We are now licensed to adopt from Ghana! Contact Jynger Roberts at jynger@dillonadopt.com for additional information.
We are now licensed to adopt from the Honduras! Applicants must be married and between the ages of 25 and 50. Couples interested in learning more about this adoption opportunity may contact Irina at ishytova@buckner.org.
*These programs are new since Area Representatives received a copy of the Adoption Information meeting powerpoint on DVD. For information meetings refer to the powerpoint that was emailed. |
| Caring Hearts |
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Our Caring Hearts program is growing, but it needs your support! If you or someone you know are interested in joining the Caring Hearts group in your area please call Caitlin at (918) 749-4600 x207. We are always looking for new faces, new ideas and willing helpers!
Upcoming events:
Wichita, KS: Lunar New Year family dinner Feb. 20 at Jason and Alison Van Hecke's home 5 p.m.; contact Alison Van Hecke at (316) 733-5304 for more information
Dallas, TX: Fundraising Golf Tournament Sept. 27; details closer to the event. Piper Bain and Courtney Spitler are organizing. |
| Dillon International polos |
 Just a reminder, while I received shirt sizes from many of you for your Dillon International polos I was unable to reach some of you. If you have not received a polo please call me at (918) 749-4600 x207.
The polos cost $35 plus shipping and handling on the Dillon online store, but Area Representatives receive a blue polo shirt for free. We have women's and men's sizes from small to XL.
It isn't too late to let me know what size you need! |
