Recent national news points to the need for
support groups and in some cases, one-on-one
support. We invite you
to call or e-mail with any questions or concerns that
you may have: 651-255-2437 or pas@chsfs.org. |
| The of Value of
Support |
The Value of
Support,
by Emily
Alewine
Parenting has often been called the
hardest job you'll ever love. This rings true, possibly
more so, when a family is brought together through
adoption. Support groups that focus on the adoption
process are very beneficial. They offer
parents the opportunity to share, understand and manage
the complexities related to their experience. These
issues may include the stress of waiting for a child, or
may be more specific in nature.
Adoptive-parent support groups are
beneficial not only to the adoptive family, but also to
prospective adoptive families. Support groups allow
prospective adoptive families to gain an in-depth
understanding of adoption by hearing firsthand accounts
from families and individuals who have already finalized
the adoption process. These families offer advice,
guidance and support to the prospective adoptive family.
Children can also benefit from
groups. Participation in groups for adopted children and
their siblings will give children comfort in knowing
they are not alone in their experiences. They can share
similar feelings, concerns and questions with other
adopted children and in doing so, build a support
network of their own.
When parents are able to utilize
each other for encouragement and advice, the resulting
connection can help alleviate or lesson feelings of
stress, anxiety and uncertainty. Consider
expanding your support network by joining one of our
many groups.
The PAS department at CHSFS can assist you in
finding one that will meet your needs; feel free to call
with any questions or
concerns. |
| Coming Up This Fall |
Post-Adoption understands how important support
is for you and your family. Please take a moment
to read about some of the support groups resuming this
fall.
West
Metro Adoptive Parent Group- Facilitated
by Alene Roeglin, MSW, LISW. Second Tuesday
of each month in Chanhassen 6:30-8
p.m.
The
Bubble Gum Years- Join CHSFS' Jenni Edwards for
a six-week pre-teen support group for children ages
8-12.
Parents meet separately. Dinner provided
at 6
p.m. Every other Monday, starting in
late September.
Dads on Board- Adoptive
dads meet to discuss the challenges and joys of
parenting. Facilitated by social workers Ben Nesbitt,
MSW, LGSW and Jeff Mondloh, ACSW, LICSW. Fourth Tuesday
of each month. 6:30-8.
My Time Too- An adoption based
activity group for children ages 5-7 (similar to My
Time). This group will coincide with the
parent topic presentation and the My Time group for 7-10
year olds on the fourth Tuesday of each
month.
|
|
May Parent Education
Classes |
|

PE 028 Parenting as an Adventure in
Whole-Family Health and Healing
Adoptive
parent Dr. Karen Lawson, from the
University
of Minnesota's
Center for Spirituality and Healing, will explore how we
can hold the paradox that is parenting with grace and
humor. She will offer tools and practices for
building a healthy home through commitment to family
health.
May
22; 6:30-8
p.m. $20/person
PE
027 Parenting
Adolescents
In
this workshop, we will explore some of the challenges
that many adoptive parents face during their child's
teen years. Facilitated by Suzanne Witte, MSW,
LGSW, Minnesota's
Waiting Children program and Heidi Weitzman, MSW, LGSW,
Individual and Family Counseling
Program.
This class will also be offered as a
webinar to remote clients only.
May
22; 6:30-8
p.m. $20/person
For more information about all of our May
education offerings or to register, follow this
link. |
| CHSFS Birthland
Tours |
It is
never too early to start planning for a birthland tour!
Tour
India!
Tour
China! |
| The Book Nook |
|
Books for parents:
-
Adoption Parenting-Jean MacLeod
and Sheena Macrae
-
Beyond Good Intentions-Cheri
Register
-
Post-Adoption Blues-Karen J.
Foli and John R. Thompson
-
Inside Transracial
Adoption-Gail Steinberg and Beth
Hall
-
Global Mom: Notes from a Pioneer
Adoptive Family- Lana Noone
-
Attaching in Adoption-Deborah
D.
Gray | |
|
Sincerely, Heather
Hosfield Children's Home Society & Family
Services
| | |
CHSFS Support
Groups |
|
New
Adoptive Family Group- For
families newly formed through adoption. Facilitated
by Corrie Wold, MSW, LGSW and Mary Chesemore
LSW.
For more
information call Post-Adoption Services
at 651-255-2437.
International and American Infant
Waiting Families- Join
others who are waiting in the midst of the adoption
process.
Singles and those getting ready to travel. Those who wish
to attend must be approved by their social worker. Facilitated by
Adoption social workers, Laura Nystrom, MSW, LGSW and
Alison Pluntz, MSW, LGSW. Year-round,
on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8
p.m.
Parents of Adult
Adopted Persons-
Did you adopt in the 70s or 80s? Gather
to support one another and learn more about the changing
world of adoption. Facilitated by Maxine Walton, MSW,
LICSW and Peg Studaker, BSW. Third
Tuesday
of each month starting in September from
6:30-8:00
Follow this link for a complete list
of all CHSFS support
Groups |
|
| Culture Camps |
Culture Camps are a wonderful venue for
support. They give children the chance
to experience their own culture. We
encourage all of our clients to attend a culture camp
this summer. For a full listing of culture camps
click
here. |
| Happy
Mother's Day! |
|
M & S Grill, - 1110 Nicollet Ave,
Minneapolis, MN (612) 332-3908 - is offering a free
Mother's Day meal to our adoptive moms when they
come in with their families to dine on Sunday, May 13,
2007.
All a mom needs to do is mention to their server
that they are a Children's Home Society & Family
Service's adoptive mom and their meal will be free.
Reservations are recommended. Reservations
available online |
|
|
Silly Mammo |
|
Ethiopians
For Ethiopians would like to invite you to a free,
one-time event.
Dr.
Yohannes Gebregeorgis the author of Silly Mammo, the
most famous, bilingual, Ethiopian folktale will be
giving a children's storytime. He will speak on
storytelling and folktales in Ethiopian culture and
literacy in Ethiopia.
Children
are welcome!
Friday,
May 11, 6:00pm
Ethiopian Evangelical Church in
MN
For
more information or to RSVP email:
Ethiopia@bellward.com
|
| | |