Adoption Associates, Inc: Domestic Infant and International Adoption Agency

February 2009

Open Hearts and Homes

It is with open hearts that we enter into this month of February, acutely aware of the large and ever-present number of children around the world who need our love. Although the past year has shown its economic difficulties, we push forward with new hope in 2009. This year, more than ever, we call for all those whose hearts are open to adoption. Whether through providing an adoptive home for a child, volunteer efforts, or making charitable contributions, we encourage everyone to come alongside us.

Affording Adoption

After adopting their first child, Elizabeth, using private funds, Vikki and Bobby knew they would have to seek alternative means for their second adoption. The couple soon found out about a loan program that bridges the gap between the time the adoption is finalized and the time a tax credit is issued. After completing a simple, one-page application and being approved within 24 hours, the couple was on their way to adopting another child.

Domestic Adoption

Despite originally having interest in international adoption, God led Sue and Rick in another direction when, on the first day of their home study, Sue’s mother called. Informing the couple that she had found their future son, Sue and Rick switched to domestic adoption and several months later, their son was born. When choosing to adopt for a second time, circumstances led them to adopt domestically again. Although the wait was much longer the second time around, the new family is happy and, as their oldest child says, “rich.”

International Adoption

Since children weren’t something Tim and Renee had always seen for their future, it was with cautious hearts that they approached adoption, after 17 years of marriage. The couple turned to a Chinese adoption agency when seeking their first daughter, but negative experiences led them to seek another agency—AAI. The couple knew that a long wait could be in store—particularly since they wanted to adopt from China once again—until they were presented with the idea of adopting a child with special medical needs. Nine months from the day they saw their youngest daughter on the web, they were holding her in their arms.

Agency News

In this issue, learn more about Adoption Associates, Inc.’s upcoming Hosts of Hope programs, bringing children from Russia and Ukraine to the U.S. to stay in host family homes. Also learn about two free ways to get more information about AAI’s adoption programs and several ways that you can help support the agency through online searches, online shopping, becoming a Facebook fan, sponsoring a child, or participating in an upcoming event.

Donation Opportunities

Last November, Mike Carroll joined the team at Adoption Associates, Inc. as its new Chief Development Officer. With almost a decade of fundraising experience, Mike looks forward to bringing additional funding, friends, and awareness to Adoption Associates, Inc., after his heart was touched by adoption. Find out all about his goals with the agency, plans for 2009 events and how he would like you to become involved.

Adoption Accents

Jewelry from the In My Heart Collection is a gift that is not only worth giving, but one that is worth cherishing for a lifetime. This heirloom quality jewelry crafted of 14k yellow or white gold and adorned with diamonds is a wonderful way to commemorate the adoption experience for any woman or girl touched by adoption. Whether for a grandmother, mother, birth mother, daughter, or granddaughter, this is a special keepsake that will be passed down for generations.

For Mother’s Day delivery, orders must be placed by Monday, April 13, 2009!