October 2020 MARE Moment

MARE M O ME NT News from the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange

Photo by Lisa Anderson Issue22-October-2020

TA K I N G S T E P S W I T H C A R E It is hard to think back to the last month or look forward into the next, without acknowledging the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She spent her whole life advancing gender equality and fighting gender discrimination and has been eulogized as a rock star. RBG was also well known for her dissents – those decisions she believed strongly were wrong. As a woman who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, these were important and deeply personal issues that affected and more than likely shaped my life. Maybe that’s why this has shaken me so much. She fought for those that needed to be uplifted, who needed her help and were being treated unfairly. So where is the connection to our work?

We make life-changing decisions on behalf of our waiting children every day. We need to take these steps with care and with resolve to include our waiting youth’s voices into consideration at all decision points. We need to move closer to seeing our work through a racial equity lens. We need to make sure our waiting youth get the chance they deserve to grow up in a stable, loving and accepting family that has the training and skills to meet these kids where they are and where they want to go. We need to make sure all families who have the desire to parent these youth feel welcome — single people, LGBTQ individuals and families, grandparents and kin.

Like RBG, we need to say no to discrimination and yes to acceptance.

Lisa Funaro

Executive Director

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LETTER FROM LISA

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MARE MOMENT

W E LC O M E O U R N E W S TA F F MARE is pleased to welcome a staff member this month!

MARISSA SWYER

Family Support Services Intern

Marissa Swyer is a second year MSW student at Boston College studying Macro Social Work with a focus on Children, Youth, and Families. Growing up, her parents were foster parents and this experience led her to pursue a career in social work. Marissa is very excited to be joining the MARE team as a Family Support Services Intern this year!

UPCOMING EVENTS Learn about the need for adoptive homes for children with special needs, the adoption process and next steps, what role MARE plays in the adoption journey, and much more! Hosted by Renee Williams, Project Director at Recruitment, Training, and Support Center (RTSC), and Ashley Falandys, Specialized Recruitment Coordinator at MARE. *Registration is not required

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE View More Upcoming Event i MARE MOMENT

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STAFF

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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UPCOMING EVENTS Please join us for a fun and interactive morning of virtual trivia with waiting youth, ages 12 and older. You will have the opportunity to talk with youth while testing your trivia knowledge! The following Monday, you will then have the opportunity to talk directly with social workers about the youth at the event over Zoom.

This event is open to families who are currently participating in MAPP or are further along in the licensing process.

For questions please contact Kristina Russell at kristinar@mareinc.org

REGISTER

Have you ever considered adoption from foster care? Now, more than ever, home is so important to us all, yet many children and youth in our area do not have a place to call home. Now is your chance to learn more. It could change your life... and the life of a child!

Stop by Jordan’s Furniture in Avon, Reading, or Natick and a staff from MARE and DCF will gladly talk to you about the process of adoption from foster care.

For questions please contact Bridget Chiaruttini at bridgetc@mareinc.org

DATES

10/3/2020 | 11/7/2020 | 12/5/2020 Walk-in anytime, no appointment needed.

Social Distancing protocols will be adhered to.

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MARE MOMENT

G O L F F O R T H E C AU S E Our “Modified Charity Golf Tournament� was a huge success this year. We had more than 75 participants register who arrived to sunshine and warm weather on the course.

We raised more than $17,000 and were able to connect with our most dedicated golfers and supporters while we observed social distancing and wore masks. The tournament is in its 12th year with MARE! We are so grateful to the Welcome Lodge #158 Knights of Pythias including; Paul Deletetsky, Alan Goldberg, Ted Foundas, Michael Shreier, Michael Silverman and Mark Zuroff. Thank you to the Blue Hill Country Club, KPMG, Bob Hallett and Joanne Donovan, The McLaughlin Group, Bay State Financial, Brown Brothers Harriman,

Edward Jones, Prone Family Foundation, Chestnut Hill Realty, Delphone, Carla HornERA, Rich Owens, Mortgage Resources, Bob Lieberman, and Dan Fradkin.

We thank all of those that participated, even in a time of national crisis, to help meet the needs of the children in our own communities. The stress of the pandemic has hit the child services arena hard, especially for children waiting in foster care for permanent homes. No child in MA should have to deal with challenges alone or without a permanent family. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and loved. That is what MARE can do with your continued support.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Your support can change the lives of children and families.

DONATE

Thank You MARE MOMENT

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GOLF FOR THE CAUSE

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MEET OUR CHILDREN Lariah

Ages 14 Registration #4273 Lariah is a creative girl who enjoys watching TV and doing crafts.

She loves getting her nails and hair done, too! She is very strongwilled and is described by those who know her as an engaging and happy teenager.

LEARN MORE

Aleenah

Age 13 Registration #5666 Aleenah is a fun, outgoing girl who has a great sense of humor.

She enjoys activities like bowling, roller skating, going to the movies, and singing. She enjoys helping others, especially younger children at school.

Photo by Erin Mathieu

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MARE MOMENT

Elijah

Age 9 Registration #6419 Elijah is a fun-loving and happy boy who is great at making friends and making others laugh! He is energetic and enjoys playing outdoors, building with Legos, and doing arts and crafts. His favorite outdoor activities include camping, fishing, hiking, and biking.

LEARN MORE

Gianna

Age 13 Registration #6826 Gianna is an outgoing and friendly girl with lots of different interests.

She enjoys gymnastics, running, and cheerleading. Her social worker describes her as a resilient child who is very determined and kind-hearted.

Photo by Linda Fitzpatrick

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MEET OUR CHILDREN

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We find adoptive homes for children and teens in foster care.

617-964-6273 www.mareinc.org massadopt Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange 19 Needham Street, Suite 206, Newton, MA 02461