doctor’s appointments, counseling, food, housing, allowance, and transportation for the duration of the pregnancy and a few weeks past. The majority of adoptive families want to share pictures with the birth mother and give letters of updates about how well the child is doing. Good counseling and the opportunity to develop a real relationship is the key to making sure the biological mother, the child, and the adoptive family have a successful and healthy adoption. Placement statistics at the agency are 70% married couples; 24% same-sex couples, and 6% singles. Interestingly, 12% of these couples have adopted a second child through the agency. The average wait time for adoption is slightly less than one year. Since opening their doors, Family to Family Adoptions has placed over 350 children into adoptive homes. Another type of adoption available at Family to Family is embryo adoption. When couples who have previously struggled with fertility have successfully completed their family through IVF, remaining frozen embryos are often placed for adoption. This avenue is available for certain couples who have also struggled with fertility or may have genetic factors to consider. Family to Family Adoptions conducts the home study so that these individuals and couples can become a family, too. If you have more questions, another key member in the Family to Family - family, is Debbie Seiler. She is Director of Development and co-founder of the agency. “There is no greater joy than placing a child with an adoptive family. Adoption is very near and dear to my heart and making sure your adoption journey is joyous and fulfilling is my personal goal. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you!” Family to Family Adoptions is a 501(c)3 organization located at 1000 Austin Street, Suite B, Richmond, Texas. There are other ways to support this great cause. In order to continue to help send birth parents to school, help adoptive families who qualify pay for an adoption, and to provide Christmas for birth parents and their children; they need your help. The 2014 calendars are available. Call Debbie at 281-342-4042 or go to their website www.fam2fam.org to make a difference in the lives of others.
UPCOMING EVENTS: Foster Care: OPEN DOOR Information meetings each Wednesday from 10:00am to Noon in our office
ORIENTATION Thursday, January 9th and 23rd at 6:30pm at our office RSVP: casey@fam2fam.org
Adoption: Adoptive Family Workshop Saturday, January 18th • 10:00am to 2:00pm RSVP: max@fam2fam.org Seating is limited. Light lunch is served.
w w w. f a m 2 f a m . o r g 24-Hour Birth Mother Hotline Call Now or Apply Online 1-800-385-6301 Family to Family Adoptions Inc. 1000 Austin Street, Suite B • Richmond, Texas 77469 281-342-4042 Phone • 281-342-4099 Fax
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Jennifer O’Leary, LBSW, Director of Adoption Services
January 2014 H Fort Bend / Katy Business Journal