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Kentucky Adoption Services,Inc. | |
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A Child's Hope
Greetings!
It is hard to believe that summer is over and school is back in full swing. As I have watched my five children head off to school, I have been struck by the many blessings we have here in the US. In spite of the floundering economy, increasing cost of health care and numerous other challenges facing us, we are so blessed that all children in the US are entitled to free public education, access to quality healthcare is obtainable, clean drinking water is the norm and safeguards exist to help families and children in need. 
As most of you know, these standards are not typical in most developing nations. As a regular aspect of our agency, KAS has always contributed significantly to humanitarian aid projects throughout the world. Although KAS has been a 501(c) 3 non-profit since its inception, we have primarily been able to rely on the fees for services we collect to fund humanitarian aid. As countries have closed for adoption, slowed to a crawl and bureaucracy has been increased, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain our typical level of giving and to increase our commitments to other worthwhile projects that serve the world's most needy. When I hold a child in Haiti, worry over the fever of an infant in Burkina Faso or skip with a child in Guatemala, it is not someone else's responsibility to help care for these children; it is my responsibility to do everything I can to make the lives of these children easier. I am not particularly good at asking for money and frankly, I despise having to do it, but KAS is no longer in a position to primarily fund our humanitarian giving through fees for services.
We are establishing more fund raising initiatives and I hope each of you will participate. I hope each of you will share in the responsibility to serve God's Children. Unfortunately, too often children are destined to lives of domestic servitude, slavery, prostitution, malnutrition, no education, basically, lives devoid of hope. We cannot change the world for all the children in need, but we can change the world for some of these children and what a wonderful blessing to pass along God's HOPE to the world's neediest.
Thank you for your support!
Blessings,
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KAS Receives License to operate in Missouri. We are proud to announce that KAS is now licensed as a Child Placing Agency in Missouri! The Missouri office will provide home study and adoption services to families throughout Southwest Missouri.
For more information, please contact Emily. |
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KAS Fundraising Efforts
KAS Yard Sale. KAS is very busy planning and organizing some fundraiser to help raise money for our many humanitarian aid projects. KAS held a yard sale on September 20th and raised $1454. KAS would like to thank Karen Vincent, Carrie Clements and Brenda Montgomery for all of the help that they gave during this event. KAS would also like to thank The Parish family, Brenda Whitmer, The Roberts family, Amy Larkin, Mandy Lawson and The McGary family for all of the donations given to help this event.
KAS KIDS Calendar. KAS is in the design process for the 1st annual KAS Kids 2009 calendar. This calendar will be used to raise money for our humanitarian aid projects. The calendar will include 12 months and for each month there will be pictures of many of our children, holidays from all around the world and each month will describe a celebration held during that month. The cost for these calendars are $20.00 each. To pre-order a calendar please visit KAS' new fundraising website:
KAS Christmas Cards. KAS will be doing Personalized Photo Greeting Cards for Christmas. Each card will be at a cost of $1.00. The cost covers the card and a envelope. You will be able to choose from 3 different styles, using up to 3 pictures of your choice. All profits from these cards will go toward Humanitarian Aid. You can inquire about doing Christmas Cards by contacting Mandy. All cards must be ordered by November 14th in order to have them by the 5th of December. The earlier your order is received the quicker you will receive your cards.
KAS Cookbook. KAS has been lucky enough to have a wonderful woman volunteer to put together a cookbook for KAS. This is still early in the process and it will be a while before they will be available, but she is needing your help. Here is a letter from Rebeccah.
Dear Friends,
I hope that all of you can contribute to a fundraiser cookbook project that I am doing. No, I do not want money. What I would like is for you all to send a complete menu of your family's favorite meal(s) to put in the book which would include:
- Main course(meat entry, or casserole)
- Vegetable
- Salad & Dressing
- Bread
- Beverage
- Dessert
It does not have to have all of the above; just a complete meal menu that you all enjoy. The simpler the better. Also include your favorite quote, scripture or words to live by. I know how busy you are, so hopefully the kids will help you get it together. If you have your favorite recipe written down already, maybe the kids could run it through the copier.
The fundraiser is for Kentucky Adoption Services in Owensboro, KY (a Christian adoption agency). Pam, my adopted daughter, is on the board and trying to come up with ways to raise money. I am just putting the book together and will get it published as soon as possible. I am optimistic that it will all come together, if I can get enough recipes.
You may email your menu,scripture,name,address and phone number (in case I have questions) to Pam @ pamalambsdream@yahoo.com OR mail it to me at:
KAS Recipes
Rebeccah Apling
276 Lambert Schoolhouse RD
Hawesville, KY 42348
You may call me at 270-927-9144 if you have any questions. I strongly believe that every child that God created should have food, drink, and love enough to prepare for life in order to live it for His glory. Thank you for your time and your RECIPE.
Rebeccah
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Welcome Home
KAS would like to congratulate the following families on the completion of their adoption journey. Welcome Home!
Kevin and Susan welcomed Noah from the USA.
William and Robin welcomed Hunter from the USA.
The Hicks family welcomed Sophi from Guatemala.
The Patterson family welcomed Evan from Guatemala.
The Carlton family welcomed Nathan from Guatemala.
The Kruger family welcomed Katie from China.
The Tackett family welcomed Hudson from Korea.
The Kiper family welcomed Lydia from Korea.
The Hubbard family welcomed Maddox from Guatemala.
The Moreno family welcomed Jose from Guatemala.
The Reed family welcomed Maya from Guatemala.
The Lynch family welcomed Gloria from Guatemala.
The Thatcher family welcomed Josie from Guatemala.
The Shelton family welcomed Maelynn from Guatemala.
The Ehrhart family welcomed Clara from Guatemala.
The Seraphine family welcomed Jameson from Korea.
The Henry family welcomed Briley from Korea. |
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Thank You! We would like to thank the following people for their donation to KAS' many endeavors. If you would like to learn how you can make a tax deductible donation to KAS please contact Kelly
The Clickner-Padgett Family
Leila Lawson
Hugh Hildreth
Hawesville Baptist Church VBS along with supplies for orphanage
Pam Morris - Missions of Love donation
Blackford Association of Baptists
Reidland United Methodist Church - for an orphanage in El Salvador
Dripping Springs Baptist Church VBS - Jennifer Miller for 3 Children in Haiti
Owensboro Catholic School for 3 children in Haiti
Marvin and Janice Clark for 3 children in Haiti
Damian and Carrie Clements for 3 Haiti Children
Brock Vincent for Haiti Children
Steve and Amanda Burke for Missions of Love
William and Mary Lou Madigan
Money made at Recent Fundraisiers
Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser $51.78
Appleebees Fundraiser $200.00
Beef O' Brady's Fundraiser $175.00
Yard Sale $1454.36 |
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Vincent Family Challenge
Dear KAS Families Past & Present:
This is a letter to "CHALLENGE" each of you.....
We all know the Blessings of having our children home. Knowing that they are safe, loved, have food and shelter. With this in mind, look at your child and imagine their faces without.... without food, shelter or the love of a family. This is the life for thousands of children.
KAS has taken pride in the fact that they have joined hundreds of children with their FOREVER FAMILIES, and helped many with "Humanitarian Aid". But unfortunately with the Guatemala program closing down, finances have become somewhat of a burden. Support to Humanitarian Aid, Orphanages and shipment of supplies have not been easy. We recently held a Yard Sale to raise money for shipment of supplies to a much needed Haiti. God surely BLESSED!
For this reason "We" would like to challenge each family to LOOK at their children and agree for each child that you have brought Home, to Donate $10 per child per month until the remainder of the year...
We are pledging to KAS $20 for the months of Oct., Nov. & Dec. Our prayers will be that "You" will take the "CHALLENGE"
GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND ALL THE CHILDREN AROUND THE WORLD,
THE VINCENT'S
LARRY, KAREN
BROCK - Home from GT 5/05
KADEN - Home from GT 12/07
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KAS Family Fundraisers KAS knows how difficult it is to raise the money to complete an adoption. That is why we would like to offer families the opportunity to list their fundraising events in our newsletter so that each family receives extra exposure. If you would like to add your adoption fundraiser or learn more about those mentioned please send an email to MANDY.
Falco Family Fundraisers
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Sibling Group in Haiti
Wilson (pictured left) six years old, Wilberson (pictured middle) four years old, and Wildania (pictured right) 6 months old are currently residing in an orphanage in Haiti. Their mother has passed away and their father brought them to the orphanage because he was not able to care for them.
The boys enjoy playing ball and being together. Wildania is a very active and seemingly healthy infant. They were all malnourished when they arrived at the orphanage and are beginning to thrive with the love and care they are receiving.
KAS is still currently looking for an adoptive family to bring these children into their home. We would highly prefer placing the children together, but will consider splitting their sibling group.
Please pray the Lord will find His precious children families in His timing. If you know of anyone interested in adopting older children or a special needs child, please contact the KAS office or e-mail EMILY.
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Program Updates
NEPAL - COMING SOON!
KAS is pleased to report that we have completed our application for accreditation in Nepal and anticipate receiving our accreditation very soon. Families interested in adopting from Nepal must be 30 years old. Married couples and singles are accepted, but families with children of both genders are not eligible. Families with no children must be open to a child of either gender. Families with children of one gender will be referred a child of the opposite gender. We anticipate the program will take under a year to process.
CHINA: It is currenlty taking about 31 months for a referral from China. All families are welcome to join China Chat on the KAS EZ-Board each Thursday night from 8-9 pm CST. KAS is now networking with Madison Adoption for our China program. We are accepting families who reside in Kentucky or Missouri.
KOREA: One of our partner agencies is accepting new applications for Korea programs from Kentucky or Missouri families for children with mild or moderate special needs. If you are interested in the process from Korea please contact Lydia.
DOMESTIC: We continue to receive calls from expectant parents considering adoption as a plan for their unborn child. KAS continues to offer support to expectant mothers and to also network with other agencies who need families for children.
ETHIOPIA: Kentucky Adoption Services, Inc. proudly partners with Illien Adoptions, International, a licensed child placing agency based in Atlanta, Georgia to assist Kentucky and Missouri families in their pursuit of an adoption from Ethiopia. Kentucky Adoption Services, Inc. and Illien Adoptions have created a cooperative working relationship to provide ethical, professional and quality service delivery to both children and families. Infants and children of all ages are available for adoption. Both married couples and single women are allowed to adopt from Ethiopia.
GUATEMALA: At long last, our final pre-Hague Guatemalan cases are about to be completed. We are diligently working on establishing the possibility for two very special children in Guatemala; whereby we will need to cooperate with the new Central Authority. One of these cases appears to be progressing well. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the many children in desperate need in Guatemala. We rejoice with the families who will soon be bringing their precious children home, while remembering that we must continue to stand in the gap for children across the world who may never have a chance at a loving family because of bureaucracy and unethical practitioners. We appreciate your prayers for these children.
EL SALVADOR: KAS is actively seeking some adventurous families looking to adopt from this gorgeous Central American country. El Salvador is a time consuming process, whereby families must receive approval from the Central Authority of El Salvador in order to proceed with an adoption. Families must have been married for a minimum of 5 years and due to the length of time for adoption completion we are preferring families who already have children, which makes the emotional wait of adopting a bit easier. Although Salvadorian law allows for single females to adopt, in reality singles are rarely if ever approved. Please Note: There is some misinformation abounding about adopting from El Salvador-please contact us for the ACCURATE information. This program is an excellent choice for families seeking older children.
HAITI: We are still looking forward to welcoming additional families into this program. Families must be at least 28 years old. Single women are accepted. Families must be of the Jewish or Christian religion and should not have more than 3 children. The laws in Haiti may be changing soon we will keep all interested families current on what is happening with the Haiti adoption program! We are currently working with two children's homes in Port au Prince, Haiti, as well as Promises of Hope, the orphanage built through funding by KAS.
THE GAMBIA: KAS is pleased to be the first and only adoption agency authorized to work in this gorgeous West African country. The first KAS family is currently in Gambia pursuing their adoption of a gorgeous 7 month old boy! Children available from The Gambia will be 9 months and up and will be either fully orphaned or abandoned. Fees are reasonable, with a significant portion going directly into humanitarian aid. We anticipate the adoption process will take less than 12 months and are excited to have already accepted our first families into this pilot program.
GHANA: KAS is beginning an adoption program in Ghana. Details will be offered as available.
RUSSIA: KAS is able to assist Kentucky and Missouri families with adoptions from Russia. For more information please contact the office or email MANDY .
UKRAINE: Ukraine is different from other programs, as parents receive a referral of their child when they travel to the country. The adoption process can take anywhere from six to twelve months after submitting your dossier to the State Department of Adoptions (SDA). After the State Department processes and approves the dossier, they contact KAS and the family directly to extend an invitation to travel to the Ukraine on a specific date to receive a referral of a child. Children available range in age from 18 months to 14 years of age, the most common ages being 3-4 years. KAS is accepting families for this program.
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| JCICS Call to Action
October 6, 2008
Dear Families and Friends,
Please join us to ensure that every child has a family, and every loving family can adopt a child.
Joint Council asks you to join us in resolving an issue that will severely and negatively impact over 10,000 U.S. families hoping to adopt a child in need. This shortfall in the law, if left unchecked, will cost Potential Adoptive Parents (P.A.P.s) thousands of dollars, force them to face the complications of switching adoption agencies mid-process, and potentially end some families' journey to adopt a child in need. A summary of the current law and its subsequent impact on families can be found on our website at Joint Council Position on I-600A Renewals.
Beginning in May 2008, Joint Council has been actively engaged with U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS), Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, and Members of Congress to resolve this pending crisis. We continue to work with USCIS and most recently engaged with David Yurkovich and Dianne Pearce, organizers of the Fairness For Families petition, and we have expanded our contacts with Congressional leaders. We are confident that USCIS is actively seeking a resolution and have seen evidence that positive steps are being taken. With your support and active participation, our goals can be realized.
Please note that if our combined efforts are not immediately successful, Joint Council remains prepared to launch The P.A.P. 10,000 Initiative, an expanded, intensified and targeted Call To Action.
The 5 Ways You Can Help (below) or visit http://www.jcics.org/5WaystoHelp.htm details how you can help us to avoid this pending crisis. Your active participation will allow the over 10,000 families who will be negatively impacted if the law or process is not changed to continue on their journey of providing a loving family to a child in need. On behalf of the children and families we serve, Joint Council extends our sincere appreciation for joining us in our collective efforts. |
| 5 Ways to Help |
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1. Today, please read the Joint Council Position Paper on I-600A Renewals at www.jcics.org.
2. Today, send an email in support of the Joint Council Position Paper on I-600A Renewals to Joint Council at advocate@jcics.org and the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute at mark@ccainstitute.org.
a. Joint Council will deliver a petition supporting an immediate resolution, including all emails, to USCIS on October 18th. To be sure that your email is included, please send your email no later than October 16th.
3. Today, go to Adoption for All: the Fairness for Families Petition and sign the petition.
a. Joint Council, in collaboration with Adoption For All organizers David Yurkovich and Dianne Pearce, will present the petition and all signatories to Congressional leaders on October 18th. To ensure that your signature is included, please sign the petition no later than October 16th.
4. On October 14th, 15th, and 16th, contact your Congressional representatives, both in the House and Senate.
a. Joint Council is working with Members of Congress and seeks their participation in resolving this issue.
b. You can find your Senators' phone numbers and email addresses at www.senate.gov.
c. You can find your Representative's phone number and email address at www.house.gov.
d. Include the following in your calls and emails.
- A brief explanation of the situation.
- "I/we understand that USCIS is actively engaged in seeking a resolution to the I-600A issue. I/we respectfully ask the Senator/Congressperson to contact USCIS and express their support of efforts to find an immediate resolution to the I-600A Extension issue."
- A kind 'thank you'.
5. Stand ready to expand and intensify your efforts if needed.
Joint Council may contact you with a revised Call To Action if needed.
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Culture Corner-Nepal
Nepal (Nepali: नेपाल [neˈpaːl]) is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is bordered by China to the north and by India to the south, east and west. The Himalaya mountain range runs across Nepal's northern and western parts, and eight of the world's ten highest mountains, including the highest, Mount Everest, are within its territory.
A small country with an area of approximately 52,818 sq miles, Nepal, is diverse geographically as well as ethnically with more than 61 ethnic groups and 70 spoken languages. You will find rich cultures and vibrant traditions, exquisite temples and monuments as well as fast flowing rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife, making your trip an unforgettable experience. It is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. However, all the people from different races and religions live in harmony and there is an ideal blending of Hinduism and Buddhism.
To cross a street in Kathmandu is to travel across centuries. Shrines, temples, palaces, palace squares, ageless sculptures and legends that are parts of every brick and stone and gilded masterpiece, make Kathmandu Valley a verifiable living museum. |
| Alu Roti (Potato Filled Bread) |
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Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 large potatoes
- 3 hot green chili peppers (chopped)
- 4 tablespoon cilantro (coriander) leaves (chopped)
- 4 tablespoon ghee, butter or vegetable oil for frying (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt or according to tastePreparation
Directions
- Boil the potatoes in their skins and peel.
- Knead flour with melted ghee, water and two pinch of salt till you get soft dough. Leave dough in a warm place for about half an hour.
- Add salt, chili peppers, cilantro (coriander) to potato.
- Divide into about eight portions and roll out in circular disc shape (each about 15cm /6 inches in diameter).
- Put the potato mix between the two rolled out dough. Roll again to evenly apply potato mix inside the bread.
- Cook breads in either on a skillet with oil or ghee.
- Serve hot with Achar or Chutney.
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Specialist in International and Domestic Adoption
Kentucky Adoption Services, Inc.,
Kentucky State license number 500458 is approved in the State of Kentucky according to Kentucky State Licensing Regulations pursuant to KRS 199.640.670 | |
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