ICYMI

Last month, on November 8, 2021, GWAC kicked off its "Adopting While Black: Joys, Challenges & Legal Complexities" Program Series in recognition of National Adoption Month with an overview of the adoption and foster care systems. This series has been moderated by GWAC's Legislative Affairs Chair, Angela Robinson. Speakers included GWAC Past President Judge Tara J. Fentress, who sits on the Family Court of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia; Kamilah Bunn, chief executive officer of the National Adoption Association; Kathleen Stines, DC Child and Family Services Agency Foster Care and Adoption Recruiter; and Jason Turner, an adoptive parent (all pictured below from left to right).

On November 15, 2021, GWAC co-sponsored the Parents' Tax Workshop & Clinic, alongside Mothers Outreach Network, led by GWAC member, Melody Webb.

Part two of "Adopting While Black, " which occurred on November 23, 2021, covered obstacles and preparation which featured Jo-Ann Leitch, adoptive mother and Supervisor, City of Alexandria Center for Children & Families and her daughter; GWAC Legislative Affairs Chair and Moderator Angela Robinson (pictured bottom left) and her adopted daughter; and Ashley Strange (pictured bottom right), Preparing Youth for Adulthood Program Manager at CASA for Children of DC.

GWAC joined the Washington Counsel of Lawyers as a cohost for their Racial Justice Series: Helping Clients in Crisis on November 3, 2021. Attendees heard from Aida Fitzgerald, Senior Staff Attorney in the Public Benefits Law Unit of the Legal Aid Society of the District of Columbia; June Crenshaw, Executive Director of the Wanda Alston Foundation and member of the Diversity Committee for the DC Victim Assistance Network; and Ted Howard, Pro Bono Partner at Wiley Rein.

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ICYMI

On, yesterday, November 30, 2021, part three of "Adopting While Black" took place and it covered the topic of how to address trauma. Speakers included LaGail Wilson, family and marriage therapist with Open Hearts Therapy Services LLC; Dr. Lisa Boynes Sindass, pediatrician at Trusted Medical Services, LLC; Dr. Kijana Nix, pediatrician at Trusted Medical Services, LLC; and Dr. William Hill, adoptive father and current adoptive parent applicant (all pictured below from left to right).

ICYMI

On November 17, 2021, GWAC hosted its fall General Body Meeting and program,

"Financially Preparing for the Holiday Season: How Not to Break the Bank, " facilitated by attorney and financial coach, Rho Thomas.

GWAC with co-host, the Washington Bar Association Young Lawyers Division kicked off "Glowing Up and Growing Up with Insecure" on Sunday, October 24, 2021 and continued in the month of November. Recaps are done on Instagram Live. Discussions have been had around many topics including the importance of communicating expectations, introspection, and setting boundaries. Attendees were joined by a special surprise guest, hip hop artist and actor Chingy! Only four episodes remain, be sure to tune in.