From the Desk of Lizzie: August 31, 2012
Happy Friday and Happy Labor Day Weekend!
I hope everyone has exciting plans for Labor Day Weekend. I know many of our GWCA/CAN staff will be spending time with family. If you are doing something fun, feel free to share your special moments with us!
This week, I have met with quite a few families, and there are a few key questions I ask as they begin their adoption journey. One question is, “Have you ever considered a child with special needs?” Some families know the answer to this question right away because they have been thinking about adoption for a while. Most families are truly at the beginning of their research, and they wonder what exactly ‘special needs’ means in the adoption world. Depending on what country you are interested in, special needs can vary…and so can the referral times (typically, special needs programs have shorter referral wait times).
GWCA/CAN has adoption consultants (me!) and case managers that would love to help you determine if a special needs kiddo could be a good fit for your family. We can even go through all the different types of special needs, resources, program specifics, and timelines. If you want start reviewing a medical glossary, you can also do so here.
Happy Labor Day,
Lizzie Kovach
Adoption Consultant
From the Desk of Lizzie: August 29, 2012
Hello GWCA/CAN Families,
This summer, our families sent pictures of their children enjoying summer! It was so cute to see little ones learning how to swim and run around on the beach! The families I chat with are just beginning their adoption journey, and I know they enjoyed their summer vacations as well. As September begins, they want to begin their adoption journey and realize how much of an investment it is.
Adoption is definitely an investment: time, emotion, and money. But well worth every bit of the investment! Part of my job is to help families find a way to begin this journey, financially. There are many ways families can get financial assistance with their adoption. Have you ever looked into your benefits at work to see what they offer? What about your local bank or place of worship for adoption grants and loans? Here is a link for financial assistance.
If you want to know more about adoption grants possibly available to your family, contact me today. I am always happy to assist your family.
Sincerely,
Lizzie Kovach
Adoption Consultant
From the Desk of Lizzie: August 27, 2012
Happy Monday Morning!
GWCA/CAN has over 18 adoption programs for families to consider. I am always motivated to continue to grow and develop our programs. Our agency is constantly working to unite our families with these children…finding the perfect match for each family and child.
When a family is just beginning their adoption journey, they usually do not even know all of their adoption options. Have you ever heard of Moldova? Many of our families have never even considered adopting from Moldova, but there are many kiddos waiting for their forever family. What about the Dominican Republic? Our adoption program in the DR has children of all ages (starting at 10 months old) available, and it has a special travel/bonding process. We even have a Domestic program! Children of All Nations works with Texas birth mothers to form a unique adoption plan and find the perfect family for their child. Check out all of our programs and countries here.
When I speak with families inquiring about adoption, I get excited to hear about their adoption desires. It is amazing that they have so many adoption options, and I love getting them started on their journey! Call me anytime to learn the best program for you!
Sincerely,
Lizzie Kovach
Adoption Consultant
From the Desk of Lizzie: August 15, 2012
Happy Wednesday!
The best part about my role at Great Wall China Adoption/Children of All Nations is learning the beginning of each family’s adoption story and helping them start their journey! I really wish I could follow all of them as they continue their adoption. I would love to hear how they feel as they get their referral and prepare for travel. Wait…I can!
GWCA/CAN has started a Family Tree! This is a place where our past and present families can blog all about their adoption journey. Your friends, family, potential adopting families, community members…can all follow your adoption story on Family Tree!
What is really great about Family Tree? When you start your blog, our agency donates $25 to one of our charities in your family’s name! This is such a positive way to stay connected with other families, learn about the adoption process, and become even closer to the GWCA/CAN family!
I hope to read about your family’s adoption journey soon! If you’re a Children of All Nations family, you can sign up for your FREE Family Tree here. If you’re a Great Wall China Adoption Family, you can request yours here!
Sincerely,
Lizzie Kovach
CAN/GWCA Adoption Consultant
Read More
Africa Referral News: August 14, 2012!
Great news from Africa! In the last two weeks, we received 2 referrals for baby girls from Ethiopia! One is 2 months old, the other is 3 months old. We’ve also received 2 referrals from the DRC for two 3 year old boys!
So excited for these families!
Read MoreFrom the Desk of Lizzie: August 13, 2012
Happy Monday Families!
I really love talking to all of my families about starting their adoption journey, but I only get to chat with them through phone or email (and occasionally when they pop in our office for a visit–best days)! I decided to start a blog, so I can always keep you informed about the exciting things happening at GWCA/CAN. I hope you all enjoy it!
So, what am I really excited about this week? CAN just launched our brand new Honduras program! I have already answered a ton of families asking for more details on children available (healthy kiddos beginning at 6 months of age, sibling groups, and special needs children). I have also answered families asking about program fees and eligibility. It is a great feeling to begin connecting families and children in Honduras. I can’t wait for our first family to sign up, but I really can’t wait for our first child to come home! One amazing thing about this program: the estimated wait time is only 1-2 years! We hope to unite families very soon.
If you ever want to learn more about Honduras (or any other country), you can also chat with me online…live! Our GWCA/CAN websites have a live chat feature, and it is really easy to connect with me and get your questions answered right away. I’m actually chatting with someone about China right now! 🙂
Some of you may not have my contact information. Feel free to reach out to me anytime:
512-323-9595 x3091 or Elizabeth@childrenofallnations.com
Sincerely,
Lizzie Kovach
CAN/GWCA Adoption Consultant
New Program Announcement: Honduras is Now Open!
The third adoption program opened this year, Children of All Nations is excited to begin working with families to adopt from Honduras!
Adoption in Honduras is handled by the Honduran Institute for Children and Family (IHNFA). Honduras is not currently a Hague Convention country, but adoptions must go through IHNFA. Due to political and economic instability, there is an estimated 150,000 Honduran children considered to be orphans, and we’re very eager to begin placing these children with their forever families! Here are a few key things to know about the Honduras program:
- Healthy boys and girls ages 6 months to 9 years old are available; older and special needs children, and sibling groups are also available.
- Married couples are eligible to adopt if they’ve been married at least 3 years; single women are eligible to adopt a child of either gender.
- Time to complete an adoption is 20 to 36 months, depending on adoption desires and time spent on paperwork.
- Two trips are required!