Newsletter
A Celebration of Parenthood
With Mother’s Day and Father’s Day approaching, my thoughts are with the tens of millions of fortunate parents across the U.S. who will be commemorating these special days. Whether biological or adoptive, every parent deserves a day to both be commended and give thanks for the gift of parenthood.
Although many mothers and fathers will be honored on this day, we must also remember the millions of children worldwide who are still waiting for parents. These children look forward to a permanent home and family to call their own.
continue reading →Affording Adoption
For almost two years, Jason and Jill had known they wanted to adopt. The initial fees required were steep, however, and the couple wondered how they would afford a child without depleting their savings account. When they heard about Funds for Families, Jason and Jill filled out the one-page application and were called the next day, receiving approval. With a financial “safety net” in place to start their life as a family, Jason and Jill couldn’t have been more thrilled.
continue reading →Domestic Adoption
When Tim and Carol found out they couldn’t conceive almost five years ago, the couple turned to adoption to build their future family. After spending six months touching up and perfecting their profile, the couple was tired of waiting and ready for a child. When their first experience fell through, however, they felt discouraged—until a second birth mother calmed their fears and reassured them they were supposed to be parents to her child.
continue reading →International Adoption
After having joined their biological families 12 years ago, Tracey and Chris thoroughly enjoyed time spent with their family of six. A few years ago, however, the couple wondered whether they should expand their family and have another child to love, which is when their hearts were led to adoption. With an indifference to domestic or international adoption, the two took their social worker’s recommendation and decided to adopt from Ethiopia. A short nine months after beginning the process, Tracey and Chris have a new family member, an appreciation of African culture, and a fresh perspective on life.
continue reading →Agency News
In this month’s agency news, learn about AAI’s Hague accreditation, how you can be involved in our 2008 Hosts of Hope program, a need for host parents, new waiting children programs in Russia and Ukraine, and more!
continue reading →Donation Opportunity
The 2008 Hosts of Hope summer program will facilitate connections between potential adoptive families and older orphans from Russia through a two-week hosting program in July. The children visit the U.S. and are hosted by families here in the states. This gives the children an opportunity to learn what ‘family’ life in the U.S. is about. Their stay includes several group activities with all of the children, as well as everyday individual family experiences. The goal of this program is to provide every child that participates a permanent adoptive family.
continue reading →Adoption Accents
Last minute fares? Longer or shorter stays than expected? Infant seats, extra baggage, customs, visas? We have dealt with it all, and we can assist you in overcoming these obstacles too. We can even help you with special adoption airfare and tickets that are fully refundable, exchangeable, and available at the last minute so that you are where you need to be, when you need to be there. Seamlessly.
continue reading →Connections
Last October, as one of only 12 Russian-accredited agencies in the U.S., AAI was selected by the State Department to host a Russian delegation for a day. The group—which included an orphanage director, a Ministry of Education representative, two judges, a prosecutor, and a member of the national media—was charged with personally assessing the care and protection of Russian children after their adoptions. Our job was to show them—in just one day—how our work at AAI impacts their children. What an eye-opening, trust-building, future-brightening day it turned out to be!
continue reading →Affording Adoption
Looking for ways to raise money to cover adoption expenses? Take a page from Steve and Wendi who organized a bowling event, raised more than they ever expected, and had a great time doing it!
continue reading →Domestic Adoption
It had been a long road—literally and emotionally—that led Dan and Shalee to their son. But the instant they laid eyes on this baby with “special needs”, this young couple knew it was a journey they’d never regret.
continue reading →International Adoption
Almost everyone who works at AAI has some personal connection to adoption, a connection that makes the work we do more than just a job. This is especially true for one of AAI’s newest staff members, Larissa Koedyker, Ukraine program coordinator.
continue reading →Agency News
In this month’s agency news section, read about new waiting children programs in Russia and Ukraine, a new DVD for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies, and an upcoming blog to help families face some common challenges. You’ll also learn about our 2008 Hosts of Hope program bringing children from Russia to the U.S. this summer, a new donation opportunity, and one way that you can help promote international adoption!
continue reading →Donation Opportunities
What could be better than supporting adoption? Having a great time while doing it! So note these events on your calendars.
continue reading →Orphanage Support
What can a few little children do with some extra pocket change? Two classrooms in Michigan gathered it up and sent it to an orphanage in Haiti—and learned a valuable lesson in the process!
continue reading →Adoption Accents
Two young women—one 17, one 25—are at different places in their lives, but both have unplanned pregnancies. Both experience the fear, pain, and regret of carrying new life while being unprepared to parent. Watch their stories and take an inspiring journey with two brave young women, two excited families, and two beautiful baby girls.
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