Marketing Update          

OA&FS reaches out to expectant parents en Español.

Since 2005 OA&FS has reached out to Spanish speakers with a Spanish language 800# and brochure.

 

This brochure has now been rewritten and redesigned to keep it current with the updated content on our web site.  Speaking of which, we also added a 

web page in Spanish to the pregnancy options section, Explorando sus Opciones de Embarazo. (A QR code on the back of the brochure can be scanned with a smart phone to directly enter this page.) A big "thank you!" goes to former OA&FS counselor Jess Gibson for donating her time and skills to translate these projects.

 

We specialize in meeting clients where they are emotionally, and speaking the language in which they feel most comfortable while exploring their options is a big part of this. There are also other audiences to consider when working with Hispanic expectant parents. In some cases they are native English speakers, but may turn to others for guidance - parents, grandparents, family friends - who would prefer information in Spanish. With these materials we aim to make OAFS' services easily understandable for all.

 

 Outreach News 

To educate others about open adoption and services available at our     agency, OA&FS staff conduct outreach presentations and free trainings throughout the region year-round. In doing this, they form important relationships that benefit all who receive services from OA&FS.       

• On January 8, Executive Director Shari Levine, met with Stacy James, the director of Planned Parenthood of the Columbia Willamette (PPCW). In addition to welcoming her to her new position, Shari discussed ways OA&FS could partner with PPCW. They explored the possibility of replicating the formal partnership we have with Planned Parenthood of the Greater Northwest, in which they refer all pregnant women seeking options counseling to our agency and feature OA&FS in the "adoption" section of their website. Shari also discussed OA&FS regularly training PPCW'S staff, and future trainings OA&FS and PPCW could deliver jointly to the community, such as the Pregnancy Options Dialogue. Stacy was very receptive to working together.

• On January 8, Portland counselor Katie Woodward provided two social workers at Doernbecher Children's Hospital with information about open adoption. They were receptive and looked forward to offering our counseling services to parents considering adoption.

• On January 8, Eastern Oregon counselor Angie Lunde presented information regarding our services to 15 DHS workers and a maternity care nurse from the public health department in Ontario, Oregon.

•  On January 15, Executive Director Shari Levine presented to seven staff members at Lovejoy Surgicenter, a Portland based abortion clinic.  They were very intrigued by our program and materials. They expressed an interest in referring patients to our options counseling and open adoption services in the future. Previously, they had their own adoption counseling service.

• On January 17, Seattle counselor Maria Villegas spoke to 10 high school students at South Sound High School in Lacey, WA about open adoption. South Sound High School serves students ages 14-20 who have struggled in their previous schools and could be considered "at risk" of dropping out if left in that environment. These students actively participated in a spirited dialogue about their and the community's perception of sex, parenting, adoption, and abortion. These students were eager to learn about the agency's philosophy of openness and to hear about the free options counseling services.

• On January 22, Executive Director Shari Levine presented directly to 30 DHS and CPS workers in The Dalles and another 20 workers in Condon and Hood River remotely. Additionally, four workers from Healthy Families/Family First/New Parent Services participated. This presentation actually took several years to arrange. The previous DHS area supervisor was very resistant to having us present on our collaborative relationship with DHS in which high risk moms can pro-actively plan an open adoption for their child before their parental rights are terminated. This audience was thrilled to finally learn of this alternate adoption path for their clients.  They were very excited about putting this new information into immediate use.

• On January 22, Portland counselor Katie Woodward attended a gathering with 20 hospital social workers in Portland, Oregon. The discussion was on perinatal mood disorders and how to best support pregnant women during and after pregnancy. Katie provided the social workers with materials about open adoption and the options counseling services at OA&FS.

   

Gatherings 

Attending gatherings is an important way to be better equipped  and prepared for adoption. Plus you get the benefits of developing friendships within the OA&FS community!  We look forward to seeing you. 

Portland

Date: Thursday, February 13, from 6:30-8pm

Topic: Open Adoption Relationships over the years. Adoptive parents Michele Grego and Heather Allmain will join us to talk about their open adoption relationships. Bring your questions, they have a lot of wisdom to share!

Where: Portland OA&FS office, 5200 SW Macadam Ave., #250. Please RSVP to Katie Woodward at katie@openadopt.org  by Tuesday, February 11. Feel free to bring a small snack or drink to share.

Portland Waiting Families Support Group 

Date: Tuesday, February 25, from 6:30-8pm

Topic: Support Group - This gathering is specifically for those who are struggling with the wait. Of course, the struggle is relative to each person's experience, and in the group everyone will be invited to share their feelings and thoughts, fears and hopes. If you're new to the pool and/or feeling fresh and content in the wait, feel free to skip this one.  

Where: Portland OA&FS office, 5200 SW Macadam Ave., #250. Please RSVP to Katie Woodward at katie@openadopt.org  by Monday, February 24. Feel free to bring a small snack or drink to share.  

Eugene

Date: Monday, February 10, from 7-9pm

Topic: Screening Emails

Where: The home of Chris Roddy & Hilary Prager: 1010 Polk St., Eugene, OR 97402. Please RSVP to Lori Maas at lori@openadopt.org 

Eugene

Date: Monday, March 10, from 7-8:30pm

Topic: Birthparent Panel

Where: First United Methodist Church - Youth Center, 1376 Olive St., Eugene, Oregon 97401 

Seattle

Topic:

Where:

 
Seattle

Date: Tuesday,April 15, from 7-9pm

Topic: To be announced

Where: 2100 Building, 2100 24th Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98144. Please RSVP to Bess Clickenger at

bess@openadopt.org 

Out of State Waiting Families

Date: Wednesday, February 19, from 4-5:30 pm PST.  

Topic: Sensitive adoption topics (breastfeeding, circumcision, explaining your adoption process to friends, etc). As always, there will be time to check in generally as well about how each of you are doing.    

Teleconference Instructions: The OA&FS conference call-in room number is (530) 881-1000, use participant code 252531#. Please RSVP to Lori Maas at lori@openadopt.org. 

Check out the following community events and resources     organized by other OA&FS adoptive parents in your area:   

Portland

Please join the Portland Adoptive Families Group for dinner!

When: Wednesday, February 26, at 6:30pm.  

Where: We will be meeting at HUB Powell, 2944 SE Powell Blvd., Portland, OR 97202. It is family-friendly so bring tiny ones! RSVP to Cathy Harmon at cathyharmon@yahoo.com or (503) 919-9910. 

Announcements

Congratulations: 

• Ben Levy and Marie Knapp of Portland Oregon were thrilled to receive "the call" that they were chosen by Kacie in Indiana.  Given the last minute nature of the situation and the distance, Ben and Marie quickly jumped on board!  They met Kacie and Michael, their child's birthfather, separately by phone and prepared for their trip.  Ben and Marie exchanged contact information with Kacie and Michael and texted for a few days before boarding an east-bound plane with their two-year-old son, Elliot.  They landed amidst record lows and a gusty snow storm, arriving just a few days prior to delivery.  Kacie, her daughters and her parents welcomed Ben, Marie and Elliot to a family visit at her dad's house.  After being snowed in the next day, Kacie delivered a beautiful baby girl on January 7, 2014.  Cecily Brynnlie Ann entered the world surrounded by love.  They all spent time together at the hospital caring for Cecily and getting to know one another over feedings and diaper changes.  Michael had a special meeting with Cecily and a nice visit with Ben, Marie and Elliot at the hospital as well.  While waiting for ICPC approval, Ben, Marie and Elliot spent time with Kacie and her family.  Together, everyone has built a beautiful foundation for Cecily to have a life filled with love and connection.

• Janet Fisher and Darren Mitchell of Woodinville, Washington are thrilled to welcome three children to their family!  Janet and Darren have been working extensively with DHS in Oregon and DSHS in Washington to become licensed foster parents and plan to adopt this wonderful sibling group.  They have taken numerous classes, logged thousands of miles between Woodinville and Oregon, created yet another family book, remodeled and decked out their home with new bedroom furniture and décor, registered the kids for school, located all local necessary resources, researched everything in regards to parenting these three incredible children, and had a blast shopping for toys, games, athletic equipment and art and craft supplies.  In partnership with the children's foster mom, they have created a solid foundation in which to grow.  The kids are eager to have a forever home and Janet and Darren are elated  to be parents!  It has been remarkable to witness Janet and Darren's positivity, determination, flexibility, and dedication while on this journey.  They are incredibly devoted to honoring their children's heritage, birth family, and foster relationships while being hospitious and highlighting openness!  We wish them the absolute best!  

Adoption Related Events 

Path to Parenthood Though Open Adoption 

This work group provides a place for learning and support with your   process of pursuing open adoption. 

Contact: Michele Greco, Mindful Somatic Coaching, michele@michelegreco.com, (503) 880-4868.

Expert Q&A: Inside Transracial Adoption

with Beth Hall

When: Thursday, February 13, at 12pm

Learn about the intersection of adoption and race and how it affects children who grow up with adoptive parents of another race. How will you help your child embrace and feel confident in his racial identity? Talk about race and racism? Find role models who will be able to provide first-person perspectives on race and culture? Join Beth Hall, co-author of Inside Transracial Adoption, to ask your questions. Register Here!  

When: Wednesday, March 12, 2014, from 7-8:30 pm  

Where: Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Medical Office Building 2 (501 N. Graham).  Look for NAFA signs -- park in Parking Structure 2.  

Topics: Guest speakers and NAFA volunteers present on various topics: Transitioning Baby and Child Home, Baby Sign Language, Infant and Child Safety, Adoptive Family Panels, Behavioral Issues Related to Adoption, and How and When to talk to Your Child About Adoption. Meetings are free for anyone interested.  

Contact: nafawait@gmail.com, or (503) 819-5209.  

African American Hair Care

A common worry among transracial adoptive parents, of a child of African descent, is how to properly care for our child's hair. There are many things to worry about as a new parent, but caring for your child's hair shouldn't be one of them. Caring for your child's hair can be a fun bonding ritual 

Offered By: Adoption Mosiac

When: Multiple Dates: February 2,9, and 23.  

Learn More and Register Today   

Strengthening Attachment with your Child

An understanding of the critical role that attachment plays in children's development is very important, especially when you parent an adopted child. This class explores many facets and techniques for strengthening that bond.  

Offered By: Adoption Mosaic

When: February 8, from 9am-1pm

Learn More and Register Today   

Toddler Sign Language