| NOVEMBER IS ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH! In Celebration Of This Important Month, ARS Is Waiving The Application Fee, Whether It Be For Adoption Or A Home Study. This Waiver will be in Effect For The Entire Month Of November! |
Adoption Related Services News
This summer was an exciting one for Adoption Related Services, Inc!! We had the privilege of hosting two important visitors; Ms. Daina Roze, our Latvian attorney and Ms. Brigita Sternina International Coordinator from the Latvian Ministry of Welfare. These ladies came to the Pennsylvania/Maryland/Virginia area to better understand the American adoption and child welfare system, hosting programs and to visit with families who have adopted children from Latvia.
During their visit they had the opportunity to meet with officials, agency board members program staff and community adoption advocates. Our guests were invited to attend a parent training program where they were able to meet potential adoptive families. This gave families an opportunity to ask questions about the Latvian adoption process. It also allowed our visitors to witness firsthand parent training.
While the overall trip was enjoyable for all, the highlight of the trip was the reception that was held in their honor. Long time adoption supporters and Latvian adoption advocates, Charley and Annette Kratz, held a reception in their lovely home, in honor of Ms. Roze and Ms. Sternina. They provided a fun filled day of swimming, great food and plenty of activities!
Many families who have adopted from Latvia came to see Ms. Roze and Ms. Sternia. It was a wonderful event, full of laughter and tears and of course the many wonderful stories and memories the families shared with our honored guests. What was especially touching is that each child brought some type of accomplishment to show our guests. It was heartwarming to see the children’s school work, report cards, art work, music etc. The families shared their experiences and memories of being in Latvia and spoke about the transition of their children. What an inspiring time for all!
Ms. Sternina shared that although she sees the paperwork involved with adoption, she often wonders about the children and how they are faring. She was very excited and pleased to see how well the children and families had bonded. It was the highlight of the trip for both women!
Adoption Related Services, Inc was honored to have these ladies come and visit our area, our program and to spend time with the families. We value our relationship with our Latvian counterparts. An ethical dedication to the plight of orphaned children is what makes these relationships work so well.
Adoption Related Services, Inc wants to thank the families that made the trip to Virginia to attend the event. A special thanks to Charley, Annette Kratz and Alex, for their kindness and hospitality and their continued love of orphans and children in need.
Building bridges, breaking down barriers and helping orphans find the love of a committed family, no matter where they come from, is what adoption is about. We at Adoption Related Services, Inc. are proud to be a part of this mission!
Barbara
Barbara L. Lorenzo, MSW, LCSW
Executive Director
From left to right:
Ms. Brigita Sternina, Barbara Lorenzo, and Ms. Daina Roze