Add Blogs

Now that Mark and Christine N are home with Lena (and have given me the green light), I am adding their blog back to the blog list on the right side of the blog. Their URL is not recognized, so it doesn't automatically tell when there is a new update, so click on it to keep updated. She is settling in nicely and can't wait to see pics!

Anyone else started a blog a they would like to share?

How To Raise Money For Adoption

When you tell people you are going to adopt, you often get asked, "isn't adoption so expensive?" HMMMM....How to answer?! A lot depends on the type of adoption you are doing, foster to adopt, domestic or international. Is the agency have a sliding scale for fees? Are you able to secure grants? Are you able to get a state subsidy for living expenses for a child considered special needs or "at risk"? The bottom line is, yes it does cost money to adopt, as there are a lot of people involved at many level and a lot of paperwork, along with fingerprinting, homestudies, follow up visits, etc. I always tell people, NEVER let money be a deciding factor on whether or not you adopt. If it is God's will, HE will provide. I have seen amazing things in the adoption world. A family that had 2 children, got pregnant during the adoption process adopted internationally. They did this all on 1 salary, consisting off a part-time youth pastor and part-time bus driver! Another family I know began an international adoption with $300!! You know the 'ol saying, where there is a will, there is a way:)

That being said, how do you raise and obtain funds needed for adoption? Check out the sites down the right side of the blog for grants. Be willing to apply more than once, even if you are initially turned down.

Check out:
http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/adoptionsubsidy.html
I know a family that adopted a child from foster care that gets a monthly stipend for that child until he is in college. The state often looks it at as cheaper to assist on the front end vs a child who becomes delinquent without the support of a family.

Ask your agency if they offer no interest loans or grants. Sometimes this information isn't in print:) Ask about sliding scale fees or payment schedules.


More fund raising ideas:
http://www.findstuff.com/home/search/index?uvx=jI93I1X2AnOa0Yt1W5aoRnaH0hNh01nHZ2SA0L6zt5FIWnYK0CJxfDkGASqvhpwFbR0wnMGWpW9XpwOpFgpLlzoPXcUEeXIeNSuknWZ31UU4_dLFAOaw19tMhjTHhXpcmgta4kfhfC7Jszneku0-GsA67twOnT8U
and
http://dyn.adknowledge.com/search/?mk=us&query=fund+raising&kwp=62&kwid=111887&ip=173.69.124.58&lid=610&catid=756

Ideas from Amy D on how to raise money for adoption:
*Downsize your car to one with no payments and save the $$
*Work overtime or get a 2nd job
*Cut your budget and saved the $$
*Sell items on Ebay
*Hold Raffles
*Compile and sell cookbooks
*Sell Ornaments (there are tons of companies that will give a percentage of the profits for your adoption...Tastefully Simple, Junk Posse, Pampered Chef, Gold Parties, ect.....)
*Ask for donations to your adoption fund instead of gifts for bdays, christmas ect...
*Sent out fundraising letters to let others know of your need.
*Use Frequent flyer miles, hotel miles, credit card point to pay for your travel
*Hold yard sale/garage sale (ask family and friends to donate)
*Hold Pancake bfast/spaghetti suppers...with silent auctions/raffles
*Hold fundraising concerts
*Hold fundraising walks/runs

Sometime the answer is just time. After we made the decision to adopt, we waited almost 3 years to begin the process, so we could secure the finances.

What other suggestions do you have?

Tax Credit

Adoption Tax Credit Changes:
The adoption tax credit is going through some changes. The maximum tax credit will be $12,170 through the year 2010. However, after this year the credit will be dropping to $5,000 for a healthy child and $6,000 for a special needs child. In order to qualify for the 2010 credit, your adoption must be finalized in the year 2010. Families who have questions on the tax credit should contact their tax advisor. Families are also welcome to contact their representative and ask them to work to increase the tax credit for 2011 and the years to follow as it is a very important resource for many families. You can find your representative’s contact information at https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml.

This adoption tax credit is something a lot of families rely on to "recoup" the fees associated with adoption, so call, email or write our reps and bring this to light!!

Happy New Year

I am excited about what the year 2010 will bring for many PCC families. It is hope, hope that one child will have the security and love that a can family offer. I pray for smooth processes for those families in process. As your process change and move forward, feel free to email me or post here, so we can pray and praise!

We started the year off with some great social events for adoptive families. The event at the Y was successful, with around 15 families in attendance (from all over Allen County). The Y has graciously allowed us to use the facility again next year! We also had an adoption luncheon and had 2 new families attend. It is neat to see families connect and support each other.

We were thrilled to meet Mathyos at the luncheon, the newest member of Ryan and Melissa G's family. We praise God that all went well in Ethiopia and they were able to be home for Christmas. He is a beautiful boy, full of smiles. Please pray for this family of 7, as they all adjust.

We are also thrilled that Christine N will be bringing their daughter home this weekend. Praying for safe travels and her adjustment, as she is a teenager:) Although they have declined meal assistance, feel free to send an email or card of encouragement.

Please note changes to events coming up over the next couple of months, including an adoption conference in Louisville. We also will be having our first social event to connect on a closer level on Feb 20 during service and childcare is provided!! Plan to come, 5:30-6:45 and get connected. Many of you have expressed interest, so here is your chance!!!!

Over the next couple of months, we will be preparing for the first annual garage sale, with 100% proceeds going to PCC families adopting, in the form of no interest loans and matching grants through Lifesong. It is April 30 and May 1. This is a HUGE undertaking and to be honest, a little intimidating. We have a great group of people helping plan this event, but we are going to need YOUR help for this to be successful. We need:

1. prayer for a smooth and successful event
2. volunteers for storage (to keep items prior to event)- barn, shed, storage unit.
3. your gently used items...please hang onto them until the event, as we will collect the week before
4. your willingness to volunteer time and help sort, price, organize the week before; as well as work the days of the garage sale (load, clean up)
*****PLEASE CONTACT saramicheleallen@hotmail.com if you can assist in these areas

Stay tuned to this blog, as I hope to bring Q&A with some of our PCC families...you know, questions you'd love to ask and a chance to get to know. We also will be expanding the library resources and I will provide more details in the next month regarding that.

Thank you for your support of this ministry.

Family Fun Night at the YMCA

Family Fun Night at the YMCA

Sponsored by Parkview YMCA and True Vine
Saturday, January 9, 2010 7-9 p.m.

For adoptive families and Foster Care families in Allen County

This will be a time to connect with one another and to have fun as a family. (Swimming, racquetball, rock wall, basketball, kids area, and game room will all be open)

**bring along other families that have adopted too!

Please contact Laura Williams lwilliams@pathwaycommunity.org if you have any questions.

Social Event

Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 5:30. True Vine Ministries is hosting a fun, light, and enjoyable evening for Pathway adoptive parents and those interested in adoption. Come and meet other adoptive parents while eating snacks and connecting. This will be a good time to get to know others who have, or are currently adopting. It will also be a time for those interested to ask ANY questions you might have for adoptive families. Your children will be well cared for in Kid City during the Saturday evening service from 5:30 - 6:45. When you drop your kids off in Kid City, let them know you will be in the youth room for the True Vine Ministries.

Meet the Teams

I wanted to introduce those who are serving on the teams within True Vine. I want to thank these people for devoting time for this group!

GARAGE SALE TEAM
Sara A
Amy N
Amy D
Kim F
Laura W
Lori B
Melanie P
JoAnne U
Tess O
Dave & Sheryl C

PRAYER TEAM
JoAnne and Mike U - Mondays
Tess O - Mondays
Angie D - Tuesdays
Holly B - Wednesdays
Michael and Holly A - Wednesdays
Tina B - Thursdays
Lydia G - Fridays
Kristen M - Sundays
Dave and Sheryl C - Saturdays