Great Resources from AFSN

Below are some great events and workshops covering a variety of topics.  Many of them are FREE!!! but do require preregistration.  More info is available at www.afsn.org Adoptive Family Support Network

http://www.afsn.org

Mark Your Calendar Upcoming AFSN Events, Workshops & Support Groups

FAMILY FUN EVENTS & WORKSHOPS Preregistration is required Wednesday, January 25: ADOPTION TAX CREDIT Tax training regarding the adoption tax credit.  Presented by H&R Block tax preparers for foster and adoptive families (both domestic and international).  Topics will include: filing for special needs adoptions finalized 2003-2010, what can be claimed, changes for 2010, and other information specific to foster and adoptive families as it relates to claiming adoption expenses.  2011 is the last year the adoption credit is refundable. Time: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm. Where: 233 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, 49503 (corner of Fulton & Lafayette, Masonic Temple Building). Cost: No cost to attend, no child care provided. REGISTER HERE! Saturday, February 4: "ADOPTED" MOVIE DOCUMENTARY Back by popular demand.  In partnership with Families For International Children.  Join other adoptive parents to watch the documentary, Adopted.  This movie reveals the grit rather than the glamor of transracial, international, or domestic adoption.  Time: 9:30 am-Noon. Where: 233 East Fulton, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids (corner of Fulton & Lafayette, Masonic Temple Building). Cost: No cost to attend, no child care provided.REGISTER HERE! This documentary will lay the foundation for upcoming trainings related to the topics presented.  Mark the following dates on your calendar: Saturday, February 25* (morning, at the Masonic Temple Building). Saturday, March 24* (morning, at the Masonic Temple Building). * Exact times have not been determined.  Details to follow soon. Saturday, February 4: TRANSRACIAL SKATING PARTY This is a family friendly event for adults and children of all ages. Time: 2:00 pm-4:00 pm. Where: Tarry Hall Skating Rink, 3330 Fairlanes Ave SW, Grandville, 49418. Cost: $5 per person; includes regular skate rental.  Inline skate rental is an additional $3.  You may bring your own skates.  NOTE: when you buy one child's ticket, you get one adult ticketFREE!  You may do this as many times as you like!!  They also allow strollers on the rink to push around smaller kiddos! RSVP REQUIRED to Carrie Burrows at cburrows@afsn.org or 616-558-4717.   Tuesdays, February 7 - March 27: ADVANCED PARENTING FOR CHALLENGING CHILDREN (APCC) APCC is a unique mixture of support and education.  The sessions are designed to encourage networking, laughter, and fun while developing the power tools to help children and families heal their hearts, have fun, bond, and grow. Time: 6-6:30 pm light dinner/6:30-8:30 pm workshop. Where: Central Reformed Church, 10 College NE, Grand Rapids, 49503. THERE IS NO COST FOR THESE WORKSHOPS.  Childcare is available with our trained AFSN staff for $5 per child, per session with advanced registration.  To register for childcare, please include child(ren)'s name(s) with age(s). Facilitator: Betsy Boggs, Certified Advanced Parenting for Challenging Children trainer. Space is limited and fills quickly.  REGISTER HERE! SUPPORT GROUPS A place to share the challenges and celebrations of adoptive parenting without the fear of being misunderstood.  Come and relax with others "who get it." Preregistration is required.  Limited childcare provided by trained AFSN staff with  preregistration. Advanced Parenting for Challenging Children (APCC): For families who have completed the eight week APCC classes.  Meets fourth Monday of each month; 6:00 - 8:00 pm. Contact Pam at 616-558-3770 or pbrandow@afsn.org. POP (Parents of Podrostkovs): For families with Russian born teenagers who were adopted as infants or toddlers.  Contact Judy at 616-558-4641 or jmcnaughton@afsn.org.  Childcare is NOT available for this group. Raising Healthy Families: For all adoptive families whether adopted domestically or internationally.  Contact Judy at 616-558-4641 or jmcnaughton@afsn.org. Singles in Support: For single adoptive parents.  Meets second Saturday of each month; 10:00 am - noon.  Contact Michelle at 616-558-7293 or mmartin@afsn.org. Transracial Families:  For families who have adopted transracially.  Contact Carrie at 616-558-4717 or cburrows@afsn.org. D.A. Blodgett - St. John's; SNAP (Special Needs Adoptive Parents): Parent led group, for families who have adopted through DA Blodgett - St. John's.  Meets the third Wednesday of each month; 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  Contact Deidra at 616-558-4263 ordartecki@afsn.org. Catholic Charities West Michigan:  For families who have adopted through Catholic Charities West MI.  Meets third Thursday of each month; 6:30 - 8:30 pm.  Contact Carrie at 616-558-4717 or cburrows@afsn.org. REGISTRATION INFORMATION Preregistration is required for all programs.  To register contact AFSN at 616-458-7945 or REGISTER HERE!  Please put the name of the event in the subject line. Also put the names of adult attendees, contact number, and names and ages of children for child care, type of adoption, and adoption agency through which you adopted in the body of your email message.

616-458-7945 | http://www.afsn.org

Ministry Launch!

Today was the official LAUNCH of the Not Forgotten ministry!!  We are so excited to bring awareness of the plight of orphans to Corinth.  Click this link -----> Not Forgotten Ministry Launch Video to view the video featuring just a few of the adoptive families at Corinth.

Check back soon for updates on upcoming events!  You can also check out the Not Forgotten board in the hallway to the Merge/Gym next to MOPS.