Yes, it has been a while since we have posted news or information on this adoption blog as we have been busy parenting our twins and our son! But, there will be more in the coming months, especially as we get into 2010.
Our desire is to spread the joy and blessings of adoption. So many kids are in need of families. Can you imagine being a little boy or girl during the holidays and NOT HAVING anyone to call a family? Forget the toys and gifts. They just want love!
Spread the word about adoption.
Adopt a child yourself.
Your life will never be the same and God himself will shine His glory on your life!
PLEASE DONATE TODAY TO THE QUINN FUND SO OTHERS CAN ADOPT IN 2010.
https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?aid=22119
SELECT QUINN FUND
http://www.facebook.com/dillon.international
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Great Orphan Care Story
Check out this amazing story! Everyone can make a difference with a child!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/world/africa/25orphan.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/25/world/africa/25orphan.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Summer Orphan Movie Should be Banned!
NEWS - from an email from Dillion International:
Dear Families,
It was recently brought to our attention that a movie—titled “Orphan”—scheduled for release this summer is filled with negative stereotypes and presents adoption, particularly the adoption of older children, as a dangerous decision. Our staff was outraged at this insult to the many beautiful children who eagerly await the love of a forever family, and ask you to consider joining an appeal from Adoptive Families magazine to let the movie’s producers and your local theaters know just how offensive and damaging these stereotypes can be to the loving choice of adoption. Below, you will find a link to the movie trailer as well as contact information for key members of the movie industry along with a sample letter you can use.
We appreciate your consideration in participating in this grassroots effort. Please consider forwarding this email with appeal to your extended family and friends and request that they also join this effort.
Dear Families,
It was recently brought to our attention that a movie—titled “Orphan”—scheduled for release this summer is filled with negative stereotypes and presents adoption, particularly the adoption of older children, as a dangerous decision. Our staff was outraged at this insult to the many beautiful children who eagerly await the love of a forever family, and ask you to consider joining an appeal from Adoptive Families magazine to let the movie’s producers and your local theaters know just how offensive and damaging these stereotypes can be to the loving choice of adoption. Below, you will find a link to the movie trailer as well as contact information for key members of the movie industry along with a sample letter you can use.
We appreciate your consideration in participating in this grassroots effort. Please consider forwarding this email with appeal to your extended family and friends and request that they also join this effort.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Why You Should Adopt
This blog has one purpose - to promote and encourage those that come across it to adopt today. Why? Every Child Needs a Family.
Think about it. Can you imagine not having a mother or father? Can you think about the despair you would feel without a family to laugh with, cry with, pray with, hang out with, or exist with?
Millions of children around the world need families and YOU just might be called to do something great for them and you.
Read our story here - www.luvfromasia.blogspot.com
Then check out this blog anytime for various information and details about adoption.
If only one child is adopted because someone read this blog, then all of our efforts are worth it all. Make a child's dream come true and bless your own life like you will never believe.
Adopt today!
Think about it. Can you imagine not having a mother or father? Can you think about the despair you would feel without a family to laugh with, cry with, pray with, hang out with, or exist with?
Millions of children around the world need families and YOU just might be called to do something great for them and you.
Read our story here - www.luvfromasia.blogspot.com
Then check out this blog anytime for various information and details about adoption.
If only one child is adopted because someone read this blog, then all of our efforts are worth it all. Make a child's dream come true and bless your own life like you will never believe.
Adopt today!
Adoption Financial Aid
There are lots of avenues for finding the funds to complete an adoption. Below are some reputable organizations you might consider. Remember, the best contacts are ones you already know have relationships with i.e. friends, family, your church, your employer, local charities. More on all of those ideas later!
The Abba Fund
The Abba Fund exists to glorify God as one of His instruments in helping the fatherless by helping Christian families grow through adoption. We provide adoption financial aid assistance for parents who believe that God is calling them to grow their families through adoption and need help with the “cash flow crunch” posed by adoption expenses.
A Child Waits FoundationA Child Waits Foundation's Grant Program is specifically designed to help older children and children with special needs who are still living in international orphanages to become part of a family. Provides low interest loans for families who have exhausted other adoption financial aid options and could not proceed with their adoption without this help. Write: 1136 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tel: 866-999-2445 (866-999-CHILD). Fax: 518-794-6243.
Christian Advocates For AdoptionCAFA is dedicated to seeing the fatherless children of the world find their place in loving Christian homes. CAFA exists to promote adoption within the Christian community through inspiration, education and provision. CAFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization through which donated funds are made available to facilitate adoptions. This will encourage giving due to the tax benefits and allow donors to remain anonymous. We want to remove the barrier of cost so that more families will be able to follow their hearts in adoption.
Gift of Adoption FundGive a child a home for a lifetime! It brings new life to parentless children; new hope to the childless, and joy to families that extends through generations. The Gift of Adoption Fund turns the dream of adoption into reality for those who could not otherwise afford to adopt. The Gift of Adoption Fund provides adoption financial aid assistance to moderate and low-income families seeking to adopt.
FamilyBuilder Fund Grants
Christian World Foundation FamilyBuilder Fund is a response to the needs of parents who are registered clients with Christian World Adoption. We understand that there parents with the heart to adopt, but not always the means. The FamilyBuilder Fund is an adoption financial aid grant to help cover adoption expenses for qualified CWA parents. Grants are made to families on a case by case basis according to need and funds available.
Show Hope (formerly Shaohannah’s Hope)
In 2003, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman founded the ministry of Shaohannah’s Hope to help reduce the financial barriers of adoption so that more orphans would have famlies. Now known as Show Hope, this ministry continues to provide grants to connect waiting orphans with loving, Christian families.
Our Creator's HopeOur Creator's Hope sole purpose is to provide a way to fulfill God’s commandment for the church but most importantly to help those who need us the most, the orphans. The founders, Ray and Leigh Stevens, realize adoption fees are a huge barrier to many Godly families seeking to adopt. There are few resources available to help offset these fees. This barrier ultimately results in orphans never finding permanent homes. We believe and advocate that EVERYONE can do their part to help orphans unite with Godly loving parents. We believe parents should not have to incur debt in order to fulfill God's purpose for the church or believers in caring for orphans. We created an organization that would help orphans and their future families come together, unhindered by financial burdens.
LifeSong For OrphansAdoption is our ultimate goal in caring for orphan children as it enables them to become a part of God's perfect plan…a family. While many Christian couples have the desire and resources to care for a child, initial costs keep many from following God's call to adopt. LifeSong helps remove this financial roadblock by offering matching grants which encourage the adopting couple's church family to financially and prayerfully support the adoption.
National Endowment for Financial Education“How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option” is for people who would like to consider adoption but are reluctant because they believe that the process is too expensive. It is also for families who, caught up in the emotions of adopting, may not have given serious thought to some of the less obvious financial aspects of adoption. Here you’ll find out about expenses common to most adoptions. You’ll also learn about financial assistance and tax breaks available to adoptive parents. If you’re thinking seriously of adopting, don’t let the myths about the costs deter you. By careful financial planning, you can make adoption an affordable option for your family and provide a nurturing environment for a child.
The National Adoption FoundationA nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support, information, and services for adoptive and prospective adoptive families, has recently expanded their programs to include home equity loans, as well as unsecured loans and grants for adoption expenses. There is also a limited grant program. For information, or to request a brochure, write: 100 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811. Tel: 203-791-3811. Fax: 203-791-3801.
The Abba Fund
The Abba Fund exists to glorify God as one of His instruments in helping the fatherless by helping Christian families grow through adoption. We provide adoption financial aid assistance for parents who believe that God is calling them to grow their families through adoption and need help with the “cash flow crunch” posed by adoption expenses.
A Child Waits FoundationA Child Waits Foundation's Grant Program is specifically designed to help older children and children with special needs who are still living in international orphanages to become part of a family. Provides low interest loans for families who have exhausted other adoption financial aid options and could not proceed with their adoption without this help. Write: 1136 Barker Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Tel: 866-999-2445 (866-999-CHILD). Fax: 518-794-6243.
Christian Advocates For AdoptionCAFA is dedicated to seeing the fatherless children of the world find their place in loving Christian homes. CAFA exists to promote adoption within the Christian community through inspiration, education and provision. CAFA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization through which donated funds are made available to facilitate adoptions. This will encourage giving due to the tax benefits and allow donors to remain anonymous. We want to remove the barrier of cost so that more families will be able to follow their hearts in adoption.
Gift of Adoption FundGive a child a home for a lifetime! It brings new life to parentless children; new hope to the childless, and joy to families that extends through generations. The Gift of Adoption Fund turns the dream of adoption into reality for those who could not otherwise afford to adopt. The Gift of Adoption Fund provides adoption financial aid assistance to moderate and low-income families seeking to adopt.
FamilyBuilder Fund Grants
Christian World Foundation FamilyBuilder Fund is a response to the needs of parents who are registered clients with Christian World Adoption. We understand that there parents with the heart to adopt, but not always the means. The FamilyBuilder Fund is an adoption financial aid grant to help cover adoption expenses for qualified CWA parents. Grants are made to families on a case by case basis according to need and funds available.
Show Hope (formerly Shaohannah’s Hope)
In 2003, Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman founded the ministry of Shaohannah’s Hope to help reduce the financial barriers of adoption so that more orphans would have famlies. Now known as Show Hope, this ministry continues to provide grants to connect waiting orphans with loving, Christian families.
Our Creator's HopeOur Creator's Hope sole purpose is to provide a way to fulfill God’s commandment for the church but most importantly to help those who need us the most, the orphans. The founders, Ray and Leigh Stevens, realize adoption fees are a huge barrier to many Godly families seeking to adopt. There are few resources available to help offset these fees. This barrier ultimately results in orphans never finding permanent homes. We believe and advocate that EVERYONE can do their part to help orphans unite with Godly loving parents. We believe parents should not have to incur debt in order to fulfill God's purpose for the church or believers in caring for orphans. We created an organization that would help orphans and their future families come together, unhindered by financial burdens.
LifeSong For OrphansAdoption is our ultimate goal in caring for orphan children as it enables them to become a part of God's perfect plan…a family. While many Christian couples have the desire and resources to care for a child, initial costs keep many from following God's call to adopt. LifeSong helps remove this financial roadblock by offering matching grants which encourage the adopting couple's church family to financially and prayerfully support the adoption.
National Endowment for Financial Education“How to Make Adoption an Affordable Option” is for people who would like to consider adoption but are reluctant because they believe that the process is too expensive. It is also for families who, caught up in the emotions of adopting, may not have given serious thought to some of the less obvious financial aspects of adoption. Here you’ll find out about expenses common to most adoptions. You’ll also learn about financial assistance and tax breaks available to adoptive parents. If you’re thinking seriously of adopting, don’t let the myths about the costs deter you. By careful financial planning, you can make adoption an affordable option for your family and provide a nurturing environment for a child.
The National Adoption FoundationA nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial support, information, and services for adoptive and prospective adoptive families, has recently expanded their programs to include home equity loans, as well as unsecured loans and grants for adoption expenses. There is also a limited grant program. For information, or to request a brochure, write: 100 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT 06811. Tel: 203-791-3811. Fax: 203-791-3801.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Adoption Financial Information - FYIs
(from hrc.org)
Raising a child is expensive. So is bringing one into your life through adoption. Here are some ways that you might be able to defray the costs.
Tax BreaksA federal adoption tax credit of $10,000 per child is available for domestic adoptions. The credit increases for domestic adoptions of children with special needs.
People earning more than $75,000 or more in adjusted gross income receive a reduced tax credit. People earning $115,000 or more receive no tax credit.
Several states also offer tax credits for couples adopting children from the state's child welfare system. To learn if your state offers a tax credit, contact your state department of taxation, tax attorney or state adoption specialist.
Special Needs Benefits
Federal and state adoption subsidies may be available for the ongoing care of children with special needs. Check with your adoption agency.
Employer Benefits
Ask if your employer offers:
Assistance with adoption information and referral services
Reimbursement of a portion of adoption expenses, including medical expenses of the birth mother
Paid or unpaid leave when the child arrives.
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act
The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees that employees who adopt can take up to 12 weeks of leave with no interruption in health benefits if they meet the following conditions:
They have worked for at least the last 12 months for the same employer
They worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months
They work for an employer who has 50 or more employees.
For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor website.
Military Subsidies
If you are an active-duty member of the military, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $2,000 in one-time domestic or international adoption costs, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education. If you adopt a child with disabilities, he or she also may be eligible for up to $1,000 a month in assistance under the military's Program for Persons with Disabilities.
For more information about adoption costs and financial assistance, contact the National Endowment for Financial Education, a nonprofit foundation devoted to helping people control their finances.
Raising a child is expensive. So is bringing one into your life through adoption. Here are some ways that you might be able to defray the costs.
Tax BreaksA federal adoption tax credit of $10,000 per child is available for domestic adoptions. The credit increases for domestic adoptions of children with special needs.
People earning more than $75,000 or more in adjusted gross income receive a reduced tax credit. People earning $115,000 or more receive no tax credit.
Several states also offer tax credits for couples adopting children from the state's child welfare system. To learn if your state offers a tax credit, contact your state department of taxation, tax attorney or state adoption specialist.
Special Needs Benefits
Federal and state adoption subsidies may be available for the ongoing care of children with special needs. Check with your adoption agency.
Employer Benefits
Ask if your employer offers:
Assistance with adoption information and referral services
Reimbursement of a portion of adoption expenses, including medical expenses of the birth mother
Paid or unpaid leave when the child arrives.
Federal Family and Medical Leave Act
The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act guarantees that employees who adopt can take up to 12 weeks of leave with no interruption in health benefits if they meet the following conditions:
They have worked for at least the last 12 months for the same employer
They worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months
They work for an employer who has 50 or more employees.
For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Labor website.
Military Subsidies
If you are an active-duty member of the military, you may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $2,000 in one-time domestic or international adoption costs, according to the National Endowment for Financial Education. If you adopt a child with disabilities, he or she also may be eligible for up to $1,000 a month in assistance under the military's Program for Persons with Disabilities.
For more information about adoption costs and financial assistance, contact the National Endowment for Financial Education, a nonprofit foundation devoted to helping people control their finances.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Useful Tools and Information Coming Soon
Stay Tuned to ADOPTIVE BLESSINGS for current news, information and tools for those thinking about or in the process of adopting a child.
Topics will include:
TRUSTWORTHY online resources
Agency referrals
Financial Assistance information
Books
Events
Opinions
Contacts
Insights from Current Adoptive Parents - us and others!
Topics will include:
TRUSTWORTHY online resources
Agency referrals
Financial Assistance information
Books
Events
Opinions
Contacts
Insights from Current Adoptive Parents - us and others!
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