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Adoption news just for you.
January 2024
Dr. Brigette Schupay
January 24, 2024
NEWSLETTER
We want to begin the new year by sharing the words of a family that finalized the adoption of their son in 2023. If it is possible for one email to summarize all that we hope to do for families and how we want families to feel as they work with our agency, this is certainly, a nearly perfect example.
“I hope this email finds you well. As I sit to write this, I am filled with immense gratitude and joy, and I want to express a heartfelt thank you for the pivotal role you played in helping our family grow. Reflecting on our journey, which began in 2022, I am struck by the extraordinary support and guidance you provided at a time when we were uncertain about the path to take in expanding our family.
Initially unsure of what we were looking for, your thoughtful training and baseline education were eye-opening. It led us to the realization that we were best suited to welcome an older child into our lives. Your advocacy and deep understanding of our desires for a son led us to J. I vividly recall our first encounter over lunch that Tuesday afternoon – it was clear from those first moments that J. was meant to be our son.
In our home, J. has become a fixture in the kitchen, learning to cook, and on our back lanai, where heart-to-heart conversations bloom alongside our orchids. It's in these quiet, everyday moments that the depth of our connection truly shines through. The idea of life without J. is unimaginable – he has filled our home with laughter, love, and a sense of completeness.
The support of Heart of Adoptions Alliance has been a beacon of hope and joy for us. You have not only helped us find our son but also fostered a nurturing environment that allowed our family to thrive. Your work is life-changing, and we are living proof of the profound impact you have on families like ours.
We look forward to all the future milestones with J. and to sharing those moments with you, who have become an extended part of our family story. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you've done and continue to do for families on their adoption journey.”
As we reflect on the past year, our hearts are filled with gratitude and joy for the countless families that have been brought together through the love of adoption. Every story is unique, and each journey is a testament to the resilience, hope, and love that defines the spirit of our adoption agency.
Thank you for choosing us and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
The A. family finalized the adoption of their 3 children from foster care in Texas, keeping these siblings together. Also, the L. family took placement of their newborn baby girl. We are so happy for all of you!
If you are currently enrolled in the Hearts to Home program’s Search and Support phase, and haven’t attended a W.A.I. T. group yet, we strongly encourage you to join our staff and other waiting families to discuss your experience and support one another. Contact [email protected] to register.
Hoping to adopt from foster care?
If you have a current and approved adoption home study, we’d like to invite you a virtual match event in partnership with Children’s Network of Hillsborough County. Come learn about current waiting foster children in our community!
Thrive offers free virtual and in-person meetings to improve adoptive family functioning. For more information about this service, contact [email protected]
Cassandra “Cassie” Wojciki is a master’s level social work intern in our Hearts to Home program. She was born and raised in Fort Myers and moved to Orlando to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at UCF. She discovered her true passion for advocating for children involved in the child welfare system and decided to return to school for a master’s degree in social work at the University of South Florida. Cassie has experience working with children in crisis intervention, applied behavioral analysis for children with autism, conflict resolution, and activity coordination.
Danielle Coutain was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She holds a B.S. in Social Work from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and is currently pursuing a master's degree in social work at the University of South Florida. She is also training in the Hearts to Home program. Danielle is involved in many community organizations and has a heart to serve the community. Danielle has four amazing children and believes all children deserve an everlasting family.
Hillsborough County Families-
We’ve got a book for you! Actually, a whole lot of books!
Thanks to the generosity of the Mabel & Ellsworth Simmons Charitable Foundation, Inc., we are stocking our library full of great books for foster and adoptive families in Hillsborough County. You can read from the comfort of your home, or while on your beach vacation like this pre-adoptive family.
There is no cost to borrow, and there is no limit, so request a book today! Do you have a recommendation for a great book we should include? Let us know and we just might add it to our list. Click here to access our library.
Birth Parent Pizza Meetups
Our Hope Program Pizza Meet Ups are support group meetings led by birth parents where you can meet and connect with other parents who have placed a child for adoption. Online support is also offered through private Facebook groups that connect birth mothers from all over the world in a supportive environment that allows them to speak freely about the joys and heartbreaks of adoption. Check our events page for dates and locations.
Podcast Pick of the Month
Are you considering adopting this year? Don’t miss this Creating a Family podcast on How to Adopt in 2024. You will learn more about the types of adoption, including wait times and costs.
If you have any additional questions after listening, be sure to reach out to us. We’d love to tell you more about our programs and services.
Save the Date! It’s almost Gala time!
Join us on April 19, 2024, for A Night of Champions Benefit Gala & Auction. This exciting event will include a virtual livestream and in-person event at the Tampa Garden Club on beautiful Bayshore Blvd. Event tickets will go on sale February 1st. Tickets are required to attend, and the event will include messages of inspiration, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, live music, dancing, games and auctions! Registration is free for the virtual livestream/auction- the online silent auction will open on April 14, 2024.
Thank you to all who supported our 2023 gala both in-person and virtually. This event is our largest fundraiser of the year, and without your generosity and compassion, we would not be able to provide essential resources, support, and services to birth parents, children, and adoptive families.
P.S. This event sold out last year, so get your tickets early!
Positive reviews from birth parents and adoptive families help prospective clients feel confident about choosing our adoption services. Could you take 60 seconds to go to Google and share your happy experiences? We will be forever grateful and as a way to thank you, you will be entered in our 1st quarter raffle to win a prize. Thank you in advance for helping us out!
