EMBRACE update Summer 2013:
Our website was launched a few months ago and will undergo a facelift soon. You can view it here: http://www.embraceanorphan.com/
We will also be hosting a local Mansfield area information/mingle meeting this summer. Stay tuned for more information.
Orphan Sunday is just a few months away. We all CAN make a difference. One child at a time.
posted by Brady Speers
Showing posts with label Adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adoption. Show all posts
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Thursday, November 3, 2011
WRBC Embrace is Coming in 2012!
In a world that treats children with such disregard through the practices of abortion, abuse and purposeful starvation, it is time the Church steps up in its cause for orphans.
We are commanded to care for orphans
Christ did not suggest that the Church reach out and minister to widows, orphans and those in prison. He commanded that we do. So obviously, the next question is why aren’t we doing it? Facts are that if churches would simply do what Christ commanded we do, there would be no fatherless children on the earth.
Every day 5,760 more children become orphans!
In 2004, over 3,000,000 children in U.S. did not have homes!
What are we to do? We believe WRBC can have a direct impact in the world through the adoption of children. Every child that is adopted by a Christian family is giving not only the hope of an earthly joyful life, but most importantly, the opportunity to come to Christ. The basis of our entire future as a human race depends on children and our future needs more children that know and serve Christ.
Starting in 2012 WRBC Embrace will become a ministry to help educate, assist and support church members with the desire to know more about or follow through with adoption, and help the church body become more directly involved in orphan care around the globe.
YOU can make a difference through WRBC Embrace!
WRBC Embrace is looking to connect with; those interested in learning more about adopting a child and orphan care, those who have adopted a child and those adults that have been adopted –in order to form an internal adoption/orphan care community of support and information. We need your help today!
Pray – Volunteer – Connect – Support
Embrace Contacts:
Brady & Julie Speers (international adoptive parents) 817-909-2249 jules75@charter.net
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Adoption Resources
Check Out These Resources,,,
Internet Resources & Articles
Pastor Russell Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/
Adoptive Families http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/
Every Child Deserves a Family http://www.adoptiveblessings.blogspot.com/
Christian Alliance for Orphans http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/
Adoption News http://news.adoption.com/
US Dept of State – Adoption Info http://adoption.state.gov/
“Ten Questions for Those Wanting to Adopt or Foster”
http://tapestryministry.org/ten-questions-for-parents-preparing-to-adopt-or-foster
“Adoption Costs & Financial Assistance Resources”
http://tapestryministry.org/adoption-costs-financial-assistance
“Don’t Adopt!”
http://www.russellmoore.com/2011/10/12/dont-adopt/
Recommended Books:
“Adopted For Life” by Russell Moore
“The Whole Life Adoption Book” by Jayne Schooler & Thomas Atwood
“Successful Adoption” by Natalie Gillespie
“The Adoption Decision” by Laura Christianson
Recommended Agencies/Organizations/Attorney
Domestic Organizations (Texas/DFW):
Bair Foundation (used by McMahon family) http://www.bair.org/
Covenant Kids (recommended by Tapestry) http://www.convenantkids.org/
International Agencies:
Dillon International (used by Speers family) http://www.dillonadopt.com/
Buckner International http://www.buckner.org/
DFW Adoption Attorney David Cole (recommended by Tapestry) http://www.adoptlegal.com/
Posted by Brady Speers
Internet Resources & Articles
Pastor Russell Moore http://www.russellmoore.com/
Adoptive Families http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/
Every Child Deserves a Family http://www.adoptiveblessings.blogspot.com/
Christian Alliance for Orphans http://www.christianalliancefororphans.org/
Adoption News http://news.adoption.com/
US Dept of State – Adoption Info http://adoption.state.gov/
“Ten Questions for Those Wanting to Adopt or Foster”
http://tapestryministry.org/ten-questions-for-parents-preparing-to-adopt-or-foster
“Adoption Costs & Financial Assistance Resources”
http://tapestryministry.org/adoption-costs-financial-assistance
“Don’t Adopt!”
http://www.russellmoore.com/2011/10/12/dont-adopt/
Recommended Books:
“Adopted For Life” by Russell Moore
“The Whole Life Adoption Book” by Jayne Schooler & Thomas Atwood
“Successful Adoption” by Natalie Gillespie
“The Adoption Decision” by Laura Christianson
Recommended Agencies/Organizations/Attorney
Domestic Organizations (Texas/DFW):
Bair Foundation (used by McMahon family) http://www.bair.org/
Covenant Kids (recommended by Tapestry) http://www.convenantkids.org/
International Agencies:
Dillon International (used by Speers family) http://www.dillonadopt.com/
Buckner International http://www.buckner.org/
DFW Adoption Attorney David Cole (recommended by Tapestry) http://www.adoptlegal.com/
Posted by Brady Speers
Friday, October 28, 2011
Embrace Pre-Launch & Orphan Sunday
Sunday, November 6, is Orphan Sunday in which churches around the country will take time out to pray for and consider ways to reach out to children without families.
We are proud to also announce that we are starting an adoption/orphan care ministry at our church (Walnut Ridge Baptist Church) in Mansfield, Texas, with a pre-launch promotional table on Orphan Sunday. Joining us in this effort to "embrace" orphans will be our new adoptive parent friends, Brandon and Jennifer McMahon and our amazing class "Couples for Christ".
What is Embrace?
See the next post!
We are proud to also announce that we are starting an adoption/orphan care ministry at our church (Walnut Ridge Baptist Church) in Mansfield, Texas, with a pre-launch promotional table on Orphan Sunday. Joining us in this effort to "embrace" orphans will be our new adoptive parent friends, Brandon and Jennifer McMahon and our amazing class "Couples for Christ".
What is Embrace?
See the next post!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
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.
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