Hope for the vulnerable & homes for orphans - throughout Maryland and beyond.
Join us for the largest Orphan Sunday event in Maryland at Grace Community Church on Nov. 6th at 5pm.
© Maryland Orphan Sunday 2012
The event will be amazing, and impact so many lives – REGISTER TODAY!
Here’s the latest information below about the breakout sessions to be held at the event. Some fantastic presenters, so be sure to check them out!
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Maryland Orphan Sunday, November 6, 2011: Breakout Session Summary
The main session will be from 5-6pm, and the breakout sessions will all run from @6:15-6:45pm Each breakout session offers a unique opportunity to dig deeper into a specific area of ministry to the fatherless.
Breakout Session #1: Overview of the Adoption Process
Overview of the adoption process—the home study and the placement, and the key questions that need to be asked before getting started. Determine the next steps to further explore the possibility of growing your family through adoption. Ask your questions of licensed social workers who are experts in domestic and international adoptions.
Presenters:
Melissa Blauvelt, America World Adoption Association (international focus), www.awaa.org
Sally Balch, Bethany Christian Services (domestic focus), www.bethany.org
Breakout Session #2: Foster Care, Foster-to-Adopt, and Serving Foster Youth
Overview of the qualifications for becoming a foster parent or foster-to-adopt parent, along with a discussion of how to get started. Learn the basics of the Maryland foster care system. Understand the role of the CASA, and how they protect the interests of a hurting child during a critical time of transition.
Presenters:
Tara Omotosho, Former DSS Social Worker, http://www.dhr.state.md.us/ssa/index.php
Chris McCabe, Chairman, Fostering Futures, http://fosteringfutureshoco.org
Lisa Anderson, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), www.marylandcasa.org
Breakout Session #3: Advocacy 101—Orphan Welfare and Anti-Trafficking
How can you advocate for a child’s basic right to a safe, loving family? How can you help ensure that federal and state laws create the proper strategic infrastructure to deter and prosecute the scourge of human trafficking? Learn the basics of advocacy in the public policy arena, and hear a recent example of how Americans and Haitians worked together to shut down an orphanage that trafficked its children.
Presenters:
Tom Difilipo, President, Joint Council on International Children’s Services (JCICS), www.jointcouncil.org
James Dold, JD: Policy Counsel, Polaris Project, www.polarisproject.org
Breakout Session #4: Orphan Hosting
Hear about the amazing “Summer Miracles” program, which gives orphans age 8-13 who have little to no hope in their own country for a family, the chance to experience a family and meet people who might be interested in adopting them 1999, more than 1,600 children have traveled to the US as part of our Summer Miracles program, and 80% have found families who have adopted them or are pursuing adoption. Could you share your home—and God’s love—with an older orphan for a few weeks?
Presenter:
Terry Baugh, Founder and Executive Director of KidSave, www.kidsave.org
Please visit the America World Adoption Association (AWAA) table for info on Ethiopian orphan hosting..
ORPHAN SUNDAY (Nov. 6th): Organizations Represented
Please note that this multi-church, community outreach event is NOT a fundraiser. The goal is to raise awareness, along with offering practical, personal ways to engage in God’s heart for the fatherless other than giving money. Ministry tables will be open from 4:30-5, and from 6-7pm. The general categories below are meant to provide a summary overview of the opportunities available
Foster Care & Local Maryland Empowerment Focus
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Fostering Futures (part of Voices for Children)
Kids Peace
Birth Right (of Glen Burnie, MD)
Laurel Pregnancy Center
Prayer Table: Partnering with local Adoptive and Foster Parents
Reaching Orphans for Christ’s Kingdom (ROCK): Maryland teen Initiative
Orphan Advocacy, Anti-Trafficking and/or Public Policy Focus
The Polaris Project
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI)
Joint Council on International Children’s Services
The Samaritan Women
Licensed Adoption Agencies
America World Adoption Association—also does Orphan Hosting
Bethany Christian Services
Children’s Home Society & Family Services (CHSFS)—focus on older, waiting children
Global Orphan & Vulnerable Children Focus
East Africa “Beyond” Team: Reaching Jinga, Uganda (AOET) and Nairobi, Kenya (We Are Kenya)
KidSave— also does Orphan Hosting
NCFA
Registration is now online – So, REGISTER TODAY!
Thank you for stopping by to find out more about the Orphan Sunday event in Maryland. Here you can find out about our Mission & Values, and the information about our big Event in November.
In addition, from the larger Orphan Sunday initiative, put on by The Christian Alliance for Orphans, here are some common Frequently Asked Questions, that may help you navigate the questions about what this day is all about.
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