JourneyToMe

Purdue University Research Project... Thank You... Adoptive Parents!

2010-11-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Adoptive Parents:
Thank You! We are very excited with the information provided on our web based survey. Many of you who adopted a child in the past 12 months generously responded, and we are grateful.

Unfortunately, there was a software problem that only logged participants' names -- not addresses. However, we can cross check your name against our original roster and send you a gift card once we have your address. Remember, there is no link to your original survey responses.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Karen Foli (kfoli@purdue.edu or Dr. Susan South ssouth@psych.purdue.edu
Thank you for your patience.
Please click on the link below to provide us with your contact information.

https://purdue.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_8wW9wloaeeKXuXW

National Adoption Month... Adoption Ornament

2010-10-30T11:21:00.001-06:00

November is National Adoption Month... Donate $15 and receive this beautiful ornament and starfish card with poem.

This beautiful starfish ornament has the saying" It Matter's to This One" based on this starfish poem...

The Starfish

Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed

a little girl picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the little girl, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The girl replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.

The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

The man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?

You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the little girl bent down, picked up another starfish,

and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, she said…”

I made a difference for that one.”

Donate Now! www.journeytome.com/help.cfm

Angel in Adoption Award

2010-10-10T19:22:00.000-06:00

For Immediate Release Contact: Bren Wolfe

September 13, 2010 Phone: 720.933.9182

Email: brenwolfe01@msn.com

Congressman Michael Coffman Honors Bren Wolfe as an Angel in Adoption™ To Be Recognized at National Event in Washington, DC

Denver, CO – Congressman Michael Coffman has selected Bren Wolfe as a 2010 Angel in AdoptionTM for her outstanding advocacy of adoption issues. The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), which orchestrates the Angels in Adoption™ program, will honor Bren Wolfe, along with more than 190 Angels, at an awards ceremony and gala event in Washington, DC, October 6, 2010.

Bren Wolfe is being honored as the Founder of the non-profit organization, Journey to Me [www.JourneytoMe.com]. Inspired by her own journey as an adoptive parent of Zoe, whom she and her husband Tim adopted from a poor orphanage in China, Bren decided to leave her corporate job and volunteer 100% of her time developing the Journey to Me organization. For the past four years, Bren’s passion has lead her to build a comprehensive network of resources, therapists and professionals from around the country for families with adopted children in handling a myriad of issues associated with trauma, attachment and bonding, sensory, multi-cultural integration and all the unique and individualistic characteristics and challenges that these adoptive families face each day. By providing quality post-adoption education, Journey to Me has become a safe and supportive network, committed to strengthening families and helping adopted children thrive, impacting over 50,000 families per month.

The Angels in Adoption™ program is CCAI’s signature public awareness campaign and provides an opportunity for all members of the U.S. Congress to honor the good work of their constituents who have enriched the lives of foster children and orphans in the United States and abroad.

“The Angels in Adoption program is unlike any other program in the Nation’s Capitol. Because of it, over 1600 “Angels’ have come to share with Washington their adoption experience and left with a renewed excitement of all that adoption makes possible,” said Kathleen Strottman. “I learned one simple lesson from my time on the hill, knowledge is power. Angels in Adoption is meant to give Members of Congress the knowledge they need to use the power they have toward making the dream of a family a reality for every child.”

In addition to the more than 190 local angels from around the country, several National Angels will also be recognized at the ceremony and gala for their dedication and commitment nationally and internationally to child welfare on a grand scale. Former “National Angels” include First Lady Laura Bush, Patti LaBelle, Jane Seymour, Muhammad Ali, the late Dave Thomas, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bruce Willis, Alonzo Mourning, and Marcus Samuelsson.

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) is a 501(c)3 nonpartisan organization dedicated to raising awareness about the tens of thousands of orphans and foster children in the United States and the millions of orphans around the world in need of permanent, safe, and loving homes through adoption. CCAI’s goal is the elimination of the barriers that hinder these children from realizing their basic right of a family.

CCAI was created in 2001 by the active co-chairs of the bicameral, bipartisan Congressional Coalition on Adoption (CCA) to more effectively raise Congressional and public awareness about the issue of adoption.

The Angels in Adoption™ program was established in 1999 as a Congressional press conference to honor outstanding individuals. Since then, the program has developed into a yearlong public awareness campaign culminating in an extraordinary awards Gala and celebration in Washington, D.C.

CCAI does not receive any government funding and they rely on the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals to accomplish their mission. For more information visit http://www.ccainstitute.org/

Journey to Me is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization committed to strengthening families and helping adopted children thrive by providing quality post-adoption education and comprehensive resources through a safe and supportive network.

www.journeytome.org

Talking to Your Adopted Child About Their Birthmother...

2010-10-03T08:09:00.000-06:00

Recently, I received an email from my daughter's teacher announcing she is pregnant with twins. You could tell by the way she wrote this email announcement she was over joyed with excitement. Ahhh... what joy and happiness! (Children are a True Blessing)

I sat at my desk at work and my heart sank for my daughter... I think it will be very obvious her teacher has a baby in her belly... or should I say, babies :) My husband and I discussed thi,s and realized what a great opportunity this is to talk to Zoe about her birthmother and birth family.

We have talked many times about her birth-family and how her adoption story began... Telling our children the truth in a sensitive way is freeing for them as they walk their journey of adoption. Recently, while chatting with a friend of mine at work who is adopted... He told me how wonderful his parents were with his adoption and how special he felt that he was adopted and still does :)

In my daughter's book library... She has many great adoption books that will help understand the beautiful journey of adoption. I feel forever blessed that Zoe is apart of our family, and we have been choosen from above to have an opportunity to parent, love, laugh, cry and experience this journey with our daughter.

Resources you may want to add to your child's book library:
Forever Fingerprints - Sherrie Eldridge
I Don't Have Your Eyes - Carrie Kitze
Tell Me Again the Day I Was Born - Jamie Lee Curtis
Mother's Bridge
http://www.journeytome.com/resources.cfm?content=Adoption Books

Back to School Basics...

2010-08-27T08:12:00.000-06:00

Are you concerned about your adopted child startting the new school year? Preparing your child is critical for a smooth trsansition. Recently, my daughter started the 1st grade... Leading up to the new school year we talked about what 1st grade might look like and the many positives regarding 1st grade.

I think what she liked best was the (2) recesses she will now have during the day :) Preparing our children and having them open up about their feelings is important to their success.

For more info regarding back to school information for your adopted child visit http://www.journeytome.org/
Click on our article database: http://www.journeytome.com/article.cfm?adoption_article=1007

Brothers and Sisters of Adoption

2010-08-05T07:40:00.000-06:00

Siblings and Adoption... Our daughter, Zoe, loves her big brother Troy.

When we were getting ready to adopt Zoe I was a little concerned that the age difference between Troy and Zoe would be too much. (10) years to be exact. Well... I was wrong! I think the age difference is a blessing :) Troy and Zoe are very close... In fact, I need to remind Troy NOT to spoil Zoe so much.

In the beginning, Zoe did not much take to Troy... She would often look at him and cry and push him away.
I know this hurt Troy's feelings but he kept trying to connect with her, and built the trust in their relationship.

Recently, Troy went away to high school camp... Zoe would often go into his bedroom and tell us how much she missed her big brother. Zoe often follows her big brother around and looks up to him. She has a strong bond with him and wants to be with all the time.

The day finally came when we could drive up to camp and pick up Troy. Zoe was so excited that morning... It was so cute! When we arrived she saw him hanging out with other high school kids; girls and boys. I told her wait... let's all walk up to Troy. (knowing how sensitive teenager's can be at times)
Zoe looked at me and said; "Mom, I know my big brother missed me".

Zoe was glued to her big brother the entire time we were at camp... holding his hand, sitting on his lap. It was so cute and made me smile to see the attachment she has to her big brother.

We have came along way in 5 years... Attachment is a journey and siblings need time to connect with each other. A great resource for siblings and adoption is;

Brothers and Sister's of Adoption - By Arleta James
This book gives you insight into sibling and adoption... This is a must read!
http://www.journeytome.com/resources.cfm?content=Adoption Books

Does Race Matter...

2010-07-23T08:48:00.002-06:00

Recently, while shopping with my daughter we stopped to get a bite to eat at the "food court" which is not my favorite place to eat... but it is Zoe's. Panda Express is her favorite place to eat:)

After we finished eating, I asked Zoe if she would like to clear the table and throw out the trash.She eagerly jumped up and started clearing the table. Watching her skip off to the trash container happily made me smile... All the sudden on her way back to our table... she stopped and stared at a Asian family eating lunch together. I was wondering what she was doing... I walked up to her and she had a sad look on her face.
This made my heart sad for her... I know she was thinking of her birth-family and what that would feel like living with them. I asked Zoe if she was thinking of her birth-family in China and she said yes...

I asked Zoe if she wanted to talk about it and she said no... Later that night while tucking her into bed I asked her about our time shopping together. Zoe opened up about being Chinese and how she wonders about her special family in China. We had a great conversation about our differences and her strengthens and how much we are blessed to have her in our family.

I know it is important to have these conversations for her healing and her confidence. This is her journey and I am here to help her along the way.

This would not be possible without the help from my dear friend, Rhonda Roorda. Rhonda is an adoptee who was trans racially adopted. She is an amazing author and a huge heart for adoptees. Rhonda's books are a must read.... Take the time to understand your child and get educated.

In Their Own Voices

Understanding your Adopted Child's Needs...

2010-07-21T08:24:00.005-06:00

20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed!

Summer time can be very busy for most families...

While vacationing with my kids I noticed a change in my daughter.

Zoe was not her happy self and was acting out quite a bit most days.

The constant coming and going was difficult for her

I had to take a step back and realize how out of sync this must have felt for her... Zoe was missing her Dad, her daily schedule and the quiet time she gets on a daily basis...

As an adoptive parent, I needed to look within my daughter and know what comforts her. What may be normal for my son is not for my daughter. Learning to take a step back and learning Zoe's normal has made a big difference in her comfort and stability.

This has allowed me to create a safe place for her and a deeper connection in our relationship and all her relationships.

Understanding our adopted children is a gift... I now have a deeper understanding on what it may feel like to have been adopted and the journey of adoption.

This has been possible through reading 2 important books...

These are both a must read! Written by: Adoptee and Adoption Coach, Sherrie Eldridge

Visit our Adoption Books

Does your Child think about their Birthmother??

2010-07-12T10:19:00.001-06:00

Recently while snuggling with my daughter, Zoe... we had an interesting conversation. We were watching one of my favorite programs... Joel Olsteen. Joel was talking about how God created us to be great and have a purpose in life. He also talked about how we "Came Threw" our mothers at birth.

Zoe heard this and said" is he talking about my birthmother"? Startled and feeling a wave of emotion come over me I said, YES! She looked at me with her beautiful brown eyes and said... " I miss her". I asked her what do you miss about her? She said... "I just miss her"... She then asked me if we were going to go to China someday and meet her... I said " We will go to China someday and we will look for her and we will try very hard to find her".

After putting my daughter to bed... I wept thinking of her loss. Hoping God makes this encounter possible some day.

You see...our children think of their birth mother's and birth family... We need to allow an openness with our children so they feel it is okay to talk about it. This is our children's journey not ours... Creating the openness will allow for healing and understanding.

Here is a great audio on starting these conversations;
http://www.journeytome.com/resources.cfm

My Journey to adoption... It's a family thing!

2010-07-02T14:26:00.003-06:00

Many of you may not know that my journey began many years ago in 1942... When a little blond haired boy holding his older brother's hand...was walked into an orphanage in Minneapolis and left their to live. That little boy was my Dad!

While getting ready to adopt Zoe, I asked my Dad if he would like to travel to China with us... The phone became silent and he said... no. I asked why and he replied, I will never forget the sound and smell of an orphanage. This brings back to many bad memories for me. I just can't go with you to China...

You see, my Dad, was in his late 60's when he told me this. The trauma, grief and loss were still seared in his memory. This shocked me, and made think of my daughter Zoe... How long will she carry her losses with her? Today, she still has triggers from the orphanage. I am blessed that God has showed me them... Meeting our children where they are at... is critical for their healing. This is not my journey but my daughters.

Today, my Dad and Zoe share a special bond together... I think they understand each other's wounds.
What a gift from God, and to think he planned this way back in 1942.

Understanding our child's grief and loss is critical for their success.

If you want to learn more about trauma, grief and loss... listen to our latest audio with Juli Alvarado. Listen Here

Getting Full On Parents, Instead of Food

2010-06-29T11:44:00.002-06:00

This article by Arleta James is priceless for families! As an adoptive parent, their have been times that I feel overwhelmed and patient-less. This article makes sense... This is a must read!

Getting Full On Parents, Instead of Food

By Arleta James, PCC

The traumatized adoptee’s preoccupation with food starts in infancy. The child in residence in an orphanage sucks on a propped bottle, or holds a bottle of her own within a few months of being born. The same is true of American adoptees who—pre-adoption—resided in neglectful birth homes. Food was the companion, rather than a nurturing parent who held the bottle, and simultaneously soothed the baby with kind, loving words or a lullaby.

Certainly, the background histories of many children adopted from the foster care system are replete with statements about the lack of food available in the birth home at the time the child was removed. Older children can recall having to seek their own food,

Paul and Michael, now 12 and 14, respectively, resided in a birth home (until the ages of 4 and 6) in which both birth parents abused drugs and alcohol. Michael clearly remembers going to a neighbor’s home and asking for food. Kindly, this woman would provide sandwiches, milk, and cookies. Ultimately, her reports to children services helped these children enter foster care. Michael recently stated, “I would like to go back and thank her sometime. I don’t know what we would have eaten if it weren’t for her.”

Children who enter foreign institutions, at older ages, offer stories about foraging through garbage for food remains. International and domestic adoptees share many of the same traumas.

Read More:

We are getting closer...

2010-06-29T11:31:00.001-06:00

We are almost there... We are ranked 393 and we need to be in the top 200 to win 20k...

Help us get on the leader board this week... A simple vote is all it takes!

It takes only minutes to vote and make a difference.

Here is what I need you to do:
Journey to Me has joined the Chase Giving Challenge on facebook.

This is a challenge that requires votes to win... a simple click. I need your help in spreading the word and voting for JTM. http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/205638645-journey-to-me
Step 1: Click on above link

Step 2: Click likes Chase Giving

Step 3: Support Journey to Me Cause

Step 4: Click "green" vote button
(200) charities will win the following:
One charity will receive 250K

4 runners up will receive 100K

195 charities will receive 20K
Join us today and help us make a difference for adoptive families around the world!!

WE NEED YOUR HELP....

2010-06-27T10:38:00.000-06:00

Hope you are enjoying your summer! Journey to Me has joined the Chase Giving Challenge on facebook.

This is a challenge that requires votes to win... a simple click. I need your help in spreading the word and voting for JTM. It takes 2 seconds to vote... http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/205638645-journey-to-me

Step 1: Click on above link

Step 2: Click likes Chase Giving

Step 3: Support Journey to Me Cause

Step 4: Clcik "green" vote buton

On July 13, 2010 (200) charities will win the following:

One charity will receive 250K

4 runners up will receive 100K

195 charities will receive 20K

Our organization wants to continue offering free services to adoptive families... all it takes is one vote at a time! a simple click can make a difference for so many families... Just think what we could do with this money!

Please send this out to your email list and post this link on your facebook wall.

Thank you for supporting JTM!

Help Strengthen an Adoptive Family

2010-06-04T15:01:00.000-06:00

Thank You For Supporting Our Cause...

2010-05-27T09:32:00.000-06:00

On behalf of Journey to Me we would like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters for the amazing event we had here in Denver. We raised quite a bit of money which will go to help adoptive parents around the world.

Thank You Sponsors!!

Beverage Sponsors:
Republic National Distributing
Cocetti Wines
Colorado Pure Distilling
Alaskan Brewery

Corporate Sponsors:
Northwestern Mutual
Schumacher Accounting
Stacy@logos your way
J&S Audio Visual
Sheraton Denver West
Bethany Christian
Post Institute
Parker Adventist Hospital

Only seven days until our annual fundraiser, Under the Sea Gala!

2010-05-16T10:25:00.000-06:00

Full Details and Registration

Join us in strengthening adoptive families around the world. Thank you for your support!

Mother's Day...

2010-05-07T17:47:00.000-06:00

Mother’s Day….

As this Mother’s day approaches I can’t stop thinking about the gift Zoe’s birthmother/family gave us. Our precious daughter who is full giggles and smiles, and likes to live her life “out loud”.

The strength and courage it must of taken Zoe’s birthmother to plan an adoption plan for her daughter. Even though she may be miles away… I know my daughter thinks of her, wonders about her and see’s a piece of her every day when she looks in the mirror.

Honoring my daughter’s birthmother on this special day is important to me. By honoring her, I honor my daughter. This Mother’s day we will be planting flower’s together… Zoe and I will be planting special flowers for her birthmother.

Giving my daughter the permission to ask questions and express herself is important for her healing… This is her adoption journey and I want to beside her along the way.

Thank you… Zoe’s birthmother, for your beautiful gift… I will be forever grateful!

Happy Mother’s Day to all ...Mother’s, Birthmothers, Step- Mother's and Grandmothers.

Journey to Me - Founder, President - Bren Wolfe

New Website May 2nd!

2010-04-30T07:56:00.000-06:00

We are so excited to announce our new website! Watch for a new look, easier to use features, additional audios and so much more. With this in mind, the website will be down 1 PM - 7 PM MDT on Sunday, May 2, 2010. The changes to the site will not effect the journals. All of the journal content our subscribers have entered will remain the same. However, journal users will not be able to access their journals during this time. We appreciate your understanding as we incorporate features to serve you better. Thank you!

Star Light, Star Bright the First Starfish I See Tonight...

2010-04-01T09:01:00.000-06:00

Journey to Me Presents... "Under the Sea Gala"
Saturday May 22, 2010 at 6:30 p.m to 10:00 p.m. Cocktail Attire
Sheraton Denver West: 360 Union Blvd Lakewood CO 80228
“Under the Sea” will include an exquisite array of food; uniquely paired with wine, champagne, beer and martinis. Silent Auction 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m
Tickets: $85.00 pp - Click to Register
http://www.journeytome.com/events.cfm?event=1007

Webinar - Parenting Adopted Adolescents... Gregory Keck & Janelle Athen

2010-02-09T08:49:00.000-07:00

Gregory Keck, PhD and Janelle Althen, LCSW bring their expertise on attachment and early trauma as they discuss Parenting Adopted Adolescents. Both Gregory and Janelle have experience assisting families with their adopted adolescent children and draw from their knowledge of both domestic and international adoptions. Join us for insight and gain the support that is available for your family.

Register Now: Click on the Link Below.

http://www.journeytome.com/events.cfm?event=1006

Gregory recently released his new book... Parenting Adopted Adolescents.
Now available on Amazon...

When Parents Struggle with Post Adoption Depression

2010-02-02T16:52:00.000-07:00

Read our latest article... When Parents Struggle with Post Adoption Depression by, Expert, Karen J Foli, MSN, PHD, RN.http://www.journeytome.com/ebook.cfm

Happy Holidays from Journey to Me...

2009-12-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We would like to thank everyone for helping continue our momentum in helping adoptive families thrive...

Journey To Me has made great strides in providing educational resources the adoption community this year. Adoptive families, therapists and social workers around the world are utilizing the support we offer.

The difference we are making:

Welcome Home CD's - 4000+ have been given to adoptive parents and professionals around the world.
Released our On-Line Audio Library - Families can click and listen to the top adoption experts.
Webinars - Over 2400 people have registered for our educational workshops conducted by adoption experts.
Adoption Story Journals - Today we have hosted over 2700 on-line adoption stories.
Our website has over 50,000 visitors per month... Families accessing pour resources around the world.

As successful as 2009 has been, our goal is to offer more educational resources. With your support we will be able to continue providing post adoption resources to families and expand our programs. These resources are touching hearts and changing dynamics in families... helping children thrive. This holiday season, help us help adopted children thrive, bloom, blossom and succeed within their families.

Journey To Me is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization making your contribution tax deductible (Tax ID: 20-5638645). Donations may be made on-line by vi sting www. JourneyToMe.com or by mail to Journey To Me.

Your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Blessings,

Bren Wolfe, President and Founder - Journey To Me

2009-11-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays....

Give the Gift that Helps Others! Journey to Me Adoption Ornament is now Available...

Ornament Saying: " We Create Our Tomorrows By What We Dream Today"

All proceeds go to the JTM educational programs to help adopted children around the world.

October Webinar

2009-10-07T11:11:00.000-06:00

October Webinar... Sherrie Eldridge

Please join us for an amazing discussion with bestselling author and adoptee, Sherrie Eldridge. Sherrie's well-known book, 20 Things Adoptive Children Wished Their Parent's Knew, has influenced and helped transform adoptive families worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity to hear her speak on the topic of her newest book, 20 Things Adoptive Parents Need to Succeed.

Click to Register Now! https://cc.readytalk.com/r/xjoghespp8zm

Post Adoption Blues Webinar

2009-09-07T08:48:00.000-06:00

Join us for our next webinar... September 22nd @ 6:30pm (mountain)

Author, Karen Foli and Parenting Expert, Bryan Post discuss post adoption depression and how this effects your attachment with your child.

I Need a Time Out!---Free Webinar

2009-05-02T16:35:00.001-06:00

Journey To Me
Free Webinar with Heather T. Forbes, LCSW
May 12, 2009 at 6:30 PM MT

I'm the One Who Needs a Time-Out! Click Here to Register

Do you ever find yourself overreacting to your child's behavior? Do you sometimes find yourself at your brink, not understanding how you could have moved from a place of pure love and joy to absolute frustration and intolerance?

Parenting is the hardest job--ever! Our children can move us to a whole new level within ourselves, especially children with traumatic histories. They have a way of challenging us like no one else on this planet could ever do.

Listen in on this webinar with Heather T. Forbes, LCSW to discover why these dynamics are happening within you. You aren't going crazy! There is a reason for these intense feelings and she will bring to you a new understanding to settle your heart and mind. As an adoptive mother herself, she knows first hand how it feels to be the one who needs a time-out more than your child! Heather will also share some of her own personal story of healing that will inspire you and help you embrace each moment with your child.

In Their Siblings Voices: New Book Release

2009-04-14T09:31:00.000-06:00

Author Rhonda Roorda is part of Journey to Me's Advisory Board. We are thrilled to announce her newest book. Stay in touch with Journey to Me to learn more about an upcoming free Webinar with this amazing author/expert.

Available On Amazon: May 2009

IN THEIR SIBLINGS’ VOICES: WHITE NON-ADOPTED SIBLINGS TALK ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES LIVING WITH BLACK AND BIRACIAL BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Description

In Their Siblings' Voices shares the stories of twenty white non-adopted siblings who grew up with black or biracial brothers and sisters in the late 1960s and 1970s. Belonging to the same families profiled in Rita J. Simon and Rhonda M. Roorda's In Their Own Voices: Transracial Adoptees Tell Their Stories and In Their Parents' Voices: Reflections on Raising Transracial Adoptees, these siblings offer their perspectives on the multiracial adoption experience, which, for them, played out against the backdrop of two tumultuous, politically charged decades. Simon and Roorda question whether professionals and adoption agencies adequately trained these children in the challenges presented by blended families, and they ask if, after more than thirty years, race still matters. Few books cover both the academic and the human dimensions of this issue. In Their Siblings' Voices helps readers fully grasp the dynamic of living in a multiracial household and its effect on friends, school, and community.

Reviews

"In Their Siblings' Voices provides a gateway to understanding the emotional and social adjustments that siblings of transracially adopted children make in blended families. An indispensible resource for parents who are considering or have adopted transracially, for professionals who advise adoptive parents, and for teachers of children in families formed through transracial adoption." — Richard Fischer, publisher of Adoption TODAY and Fostering Families TODAY

"This volume is the capstone in a landmark trilogy. There is no other work like it. It is historic, important, and provocative, with many findings that will be the primary source for scholars, as well as anyone interested in this complex subject, for generations to come." — Frank Wu, former dean, Wayne State University Law School

"Simon and Roorda have done it again! They have captured the sly fox of adoption, exposing the many facets of an experience that so many have experienced yet so few understand. In Their Siblings' Voices is yet another superb presentation of adoption that so few have rarely considered, much less examined in depth. As an adoptee and an adoption professional, I believe this entire trilogy should become a part of the adoption home-study requirement. I have never read a series that so eloquently and compassionately lifts the veil on a subject that many find difficult to broach." — B. Bryan Post, founder of the POST Institute for Family-Centered Therapy

About the Authors

Rita J. Simon is a University Professor in the School of Public Affairs and the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C. She has published forty-three books, edited nineteen, and is currently the editor of Gender Issues.

Rhonda M. Roorda was adopted into a white family and raised in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. The author of a chapter in the Handbook of Adoption: Implications for Researchers, Practitioners, and Families, she currently works at an educational advocacy organization in Lansing, Michigan. Contact: 517/449-4168.

http://cup.columbia.edu/book/978-0-231-14850-4/in-their-siblings-voices/tableOfContents

Knowing Your Adopted Child's Heart...FREE Webinar

2009-04-14T08:08:00.000-06:00

Journey To Me Educational Webinar... "Knowing your Adopted Child's Heart"

Tuesday Evening, April 21, 2009

Join us for a "free" webinar with parenting expert Bryan Post of The Post Institute. This webinar will open your eyes to your adopted child's heart and why it is so important...

Learn new ways to connect with your child and understand their heart.

Click HERE Register Now!

Donate Your Latte to Journey to Me!

2009-04-01T08:39:00.000-06:00

Beginning April 20, 2009 and ending May 1, 2009 join us in giving up your latte (or espresso, frappuccino, cappuccino, decaf skinny chai, etc.) for one day. Donations received during this time will help support Journey To Me and our mission to Help Adopted Children Thrive.
Journey to Me is Fundraising for our Educational Programs. This includes free webinars, our free online audio library and free articles about issues related to adoption. Donations can be made through Facebook or at Journey to Me. We appreciate your thoughtful support!

Join Us on Facebook!

2009-04-01T08:34:00.001-06:00

Journey to Me is now on Facebook.

Join our Group by clicking here!

Join our Cause by clicking here!

We appreciate your support!

HELPING ADOPTED CHILDREN THRIVE

2009-01-20T08:29:00.001-07:00

Thrive: verb---Do Well

advance
arrive
bloom
blossom
flourish
grow
radiate
rise
shine
SUCCEED

*We are compassionate and committed to the unique journey of each adopted child.
*We believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.
*We believe every child deserves a family.
*We believe every adopted child experiences grief, loss and fear of attachment.
*We are dedicated to providing a safe network of support for adoptive families.
*We provide educational resources to those impacted by adoption.
*We are the premier, comprehensive resource for issues facing the adopted child.

2008-12-24T08:25:00.000-07:00

From our family to yours, may the magic of the season stay with you all year long.

Starfish

2008-11-30T11:00:00.000-07:00

We believe the Starfish represents adoption:

A rough storm came up one night and left a sandy beach strewn with starfish.
The next morning, a child walked along the shore stopping every few feet to pick up a starfish and flinging it out into the sea.
An old man watched the child and finally shouted at him, why bother, son. "There's too many starfish to make a difference".
With that, the boy picked up another starfish and looked at it intently before heaving it out into the sea, then turning to the old man he said...
"It Makes A Difference To This One"...

2008-11-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

2008 Fundraiser Holiday Ornament

2008-11-23T20:52:00.000-07:00

Beautiful glass etched ornament reads:
"Our adoption journeys take us around the world, but they all begin in the same place... our hearts"

The Journey to Me annual ornament is now available. Place your orders today at www.journeytome.com
Price: $12.00

All proceeds from the sale of this ornament fund educational resources for adoptive families.

Celebrate National Adoption Month!

2008-11-02T08:17:00.000-07:00

Think Adoption!

This precious boy, adopted from Haiti just over 1 year ago, is wearing the adoption awareness bracelet from Journey to Me. THINK ADOPTION! Together, we can all make a difference.

This month you and your family can:

Focus on Foster and Adopted Children
National Adoption Month was originally created to bring awareness to the over 140,000 children in North America who are waiting in the foster care system for permanent homes. As the celebrations evolved it became a time for everyone whose lives have been touched by adoption to reflect, celebrate and connect.
Ideas for Celebrating National Adoption Month at Home
Appropriate for foster, adoptive and birth families, these activities are family centred and can easily become special traditions each November.

Go to Wendy’s for dinner – Dave Thomas, the founder of both Wendy’s and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, was himself adopted as a young child. Proceeds from Wendy’s restaurants support the Dave Thomas Foundation to bring the thousands of children in foster care waiting for permanent families into the public eye.
Read adoption books to a class – take pride in being an adoptive family by talking to a child's class about adoption. Begin adoption talks by reading age appropriate books such as Todd Parr’s We Belong Together [Little, Brown & Company, 2007] and I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis [Little, Brown Young Readers, 2000].
Watch a movie with an adoption theme - Look for movies that portray adoption in a positive way such as Tarzan (1999), Babe (1995), Snow Dogs (2002), Anne of Green Gables (1985), Stuart Little (1999) and Elf (2003).
Send a letter or gift to birth parents – If a relationship already exists with the child’s birth family, set time aside in November to connect with them. For children who do not know their birth parents, this may be good time to talk about birth families and have discussions about being adopted.
Send cards or letters to people touched by adoption – show connections to others through adoption. Send a note to a child’s teacher who is traveling to meet his child from Russia.
Write a letter of support to a friend who is meeting her birth mom for the first time.
Congratulate a grandparent whose first grandchild is joining the family at six years of age.
Read lifebooks and add to them – Bring out the lifebooks and share each child’s adoption story. Add to the lifebook each year by including items such as newspaper clippings of personal achievements, meaningful poetry and special photos.
Donate to Family and Children’s Services – seek out organizations in the community that help meet the needs of foster children.
Make donations of toys, clothing, books and personal care products. Volunteer as a family or help co-ordinate community events to support the organization.
The slogan for National Adoption Day - Celebrating a family for every child - sums up the purpose of bringing adoptive families and foster children into the limelight each November. Whether it is through national media events or small family activities, any celebration of adoption brings awareness to this wonderful way of forming a family.
Resources

National Council for Adoption website
Adoption Council of Canada website

Journey To Me Upcoming Events...

2008-08-06T10:53:00.000-06:00

Journey To Me Presents... "Adoption is a Journey"

Save the Date:
November 1, 2008 - Columbus, Ohio (Location TBD)
November 8, 2008 - Denver, CO (Sheraton, Denver West - Lakewood)

Featured Experts -
Dr. Bryan Post, http://www.postinstitute.com/ (attachment specialist)

Heather Forbes, http://www.heatherforbes.net/ (parenting expert, attachment and healing expert)

Rhonda Rhooda, Author - In their own voices, In their parents voices (transracial adoption)

Kari Shanks Hall, MA, OTR http://www.sensorypathways4kids.com/ Sensory Intergration Specialist

Carrie Kitze, http://www.emkpress.com/, Author - I Don't Have Your Eyes and We See The Moon. Contributor and Publisher - Adoption Parenting; Building Connections and creating a toolbox.

Mark Anthony Garrett, http://www.markanthonygarret.net/ "Making a difference One Life at a Time"

Help Families Adopting from Vietnam...

2008-06-03T07:54:00.000-06:00

There is a campaign that we are fully supporting with the JCICS (joint Council on International Childrenʼs Issues). A new agreement needs to be signed before the old one expires in September which would allow for all adoptions in Vietnam to continue. Please take 5 minutes to cut and paste and email in support of this campaign. You can just cut and paste the below word document into and email and send to : Advocate@JCICS.org

To Whom It May Concern:

I completely support the Child's Right Campaign for Vietnam. I fully support ethical adoptions in Vietnam. At the same time, the practices of both Governments should adhere to the laws and have respect for each other and their cultures.

We are aware of the report issued by the US government about specific cases of abuse in the Vietnamese adoption system. However, a majority of the cases in Vietnam have been approved by the USCIS and found to be ethical adoptions. We fully support ethical standards of practice by every agency.

Therefore we are in full support of a Child’s Right Campaign. We are urging the US to sign a new agreement with Vietnam before September when the current agreement expires. We also support the standards of practice by all agencies working in Vietnam. We urge Congress to get involved so a new agreement can be reached in time. This is a very important issue affecting thousands of adoptive families.

Thank you so much for your support in A child’s Right Campaign and for the attention to this important matter.

With best regards,

If you would like to read about the entire Childʼs Right Campaign you can view it at http://www.jcics.org/Vietnam.htm

YOU CAN HELP TURN TOUCHDOWNS INTO SAVING LIVES: JOIN JD'S TOUCHDOWN CLUB

2008-05-06T18:59:00.000-06:00

While John Dutton is throwing touchdowns to win a game, you can choose to help his touchdowns save lives as well. By teaming our resources we CAN make a MAJOR difference in our world by bringing homeless, starving children in from off of the streets of Ethiopia and building a school in war torn Sudan. Please join our efforts to impact those less fortunate than us through JD's Touchdown Club. Choose a donation amount per touchdown for the 2008 season. At the end of the regular season you will be notified about how many total touchdowns he threw and your donation total. SIGN UP TO MAKE A PLEDGE...

http://www.duttonfoundation.org/

Thank you Sponsors!!!

2008-04-17T09:50:00.000-06:00

Journey To Me Would Like to Thank all of our Sponsors for a Successful Event...

Gold Sponsors:
Adoption Today
RDA Management – Sheraton Denver West
Dutton Foundation
The Chotin Foundation
Todd & Tracy Cole
Remax Professionals- Brad Whitehouse
Bethany Christian Services
Nancy & Mike Iiams

Silver Sponsors:
Land Title, Joe Hubert
Impact Telecom
Parker Adventist Hospital

A Special Thanks:
Alison Larkin
John & Terina Dutton
Adoption Today, Richard Fischer
Simon & Schuster
Steve Edmonds
Peggy Bunker, Fox News
Tapestry Books
JTM Event Committee:
Margie Hubert, Phronsie Stute, Becca Damiano and Susie Conner
Event Volunteers
In Kind Donors – Silent Auction

April 3rd Silent Auction Items...

2008-03-24T08:32:00.000-06:00

Silent Auction Items:

World Series Helmet - Signed by Colorado Rockies
Rockies Tickets
Signed John Dutton Jersey
Colorado Crush Tickets
Hotel Packages: -Sheraton, Denver West, Burnsley All Suite Hotel, Hyatt DTC, Beaver Run Hotel, Brown Palace Hotel.
Surface Art - Painted Mural for Children's Room - $2600 Value
Cookie Lee Jewelry
Adoption Video's - Life Cairn, Rusong Films, AK Portraits
Cover of Adoption Today
Divine Designs; by Kathleen
Restaurant Certificates - 240 Union, Tokyo Joes, The Egg I
USA Baby - Car Seat
Children's Jewelry
Chinese Jewelry: Red Thread Trading
Canvas Art - Wall Envy
Cherished Bond Jewelry
Many Hearts One Beat Merchandise

This is a small sample of our auction items that will be available at our event :) We will have over 70 items for bid.

Journey To Me Partner's with Tapestry Books...

2008-03-22T11:44:00.000-06:00

Journey To Me is excited to announce their new partnership with Tapestry Books.

Tapestry specializes in adoption. They understand the adoption process and are knowledgeable about the literature, and we are committed to making it easier for families to find appropriate resources. Tapestry is about organizing information, making it more accessible, because we believe that informed choices lead to successful family outcomes.

Journey To Me will be featuring a "Book of the Month" through our partnership with Tapestry...
Our Featured Book is the English American, By: Alison Larkin

Journey To Me partners with Adoption Today...

2008-01-07T14:03:00.000-07:00

Journey To Me fundraiser event… Journey To Me partners with Adoption Today Magazine to bring ... Adoptee, Alison Larkin. Alison will be performing on April 3rd, 2008...

Special Guest: Colorado Crush, Quarterback, John Dutton & Terina Dutton will be sharing their adoption journey to Miki from Ethiopia...

Location: Sheraton - 360 Union Blvd, Lakewood Co

Cocktail Hour and Silent Auction begins at 6:00pm

Dinner will be served 6:50pm

Cost $100 per person

THE ENGLISH AMERICAN, A NOVEL Anglo-American comedienne Alison Larkin’s semi-autobiographical one-woman show was a wildly popular, sold-out hit in England and played to high critical acclaim as a highlight of the London Comedy Festival. In her hilarious, poignant first novel, she draws further from her experiences as an adopted English woman who finds her birth parents and a new homeland—in the United States—and weaves them into a brilliantly entertaining, compulsively readable work of fiction.

To learn more about Alison go to http://www.alisonlarkin.com/

Chinese New Year... February 7th, 2008... (Year of the Rat)

2008-01-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

A child born in the year of the rat will be sweet and loving.

He may be shy, but inwardly he is fiercely competitive. Often, he resorts to crying to get more attention and usually clings to one or two people with whom he identifies. Although he has a charming disposition, he is possessive of parents and friends and jealous of attention given to others.

He will talk early. He likes to eat (mention of his favorite foods always makes him light up) and he takes an early interest in cooking and other household chores. Being affectionate and demonstrative, he will not like being left alone. He will enjoy group play, can concentrate on detailed work and make friends easily. You can depend on him to keep things tidy or at least know where they are.

The Rat child will start to show his calculating nature very early in life. He will insist that he get the bigger half of the apple, exactly the same number of cookies as his older brother (preferably more, but under no circumstances less). It will be hard to cheat him on anything. He learns fast and never misses a trick. He takes regular stock of his possessions--so don't try to give away any of his old toys thinking he won't miss it. Then again, if you consult him, be prepared for a struggle as the selfish little Rat won't part with anything easily.

With younger children, the Rat child will tend to be motherly; at his worst, he will boss them around mercilessly. Given the proper encouragement, he will be ambitious in school. He will be most eager to participate in anything that stimulates his sharp mental powers.

The vivacious Rat will be an avid reader. He will learn the importance of the written word early and be able to express himself well. Many of the world's greatest writers and historians were born in the year of the Rat.

Must Have Adoption Book... Forever Fingerprints

2007-12-04T11:41:00.000-07:00

Speaker and author, Sherrie Eldridge is passionate about helping those touched by adoption understand, embrace, and enjoy the big picture of adoption. She is the author of the highly-acclaimed books Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew, Twenty Life-Transforming Choices Adoptees Need to Make and Forever Fingerprints…An Amazing Discovery for Adopted Children . She is currently under contract with Bantam/Dell Publishing for a fourth book, to be released November 2009, which will target the needs of parents of adopted kids. For updates:http://www.sherrieeldridge.com

Journey to Me adoptive mother, Bren Wolfe interviews Sherrie Eldridge about her new book "Forever Fingerprints". Visit http://www.journeytome.com/ and listen to this fun interview.

Every family should have this book in their family library... This is a great way to share with your adopted child.

Journey To Me Founder, Bren Wolfe

Fundraiser Ornaments Now Available....

2007-11-22T15:42:00.000-07:00

Journey To Me Fundraiser Ornaments are now available for purchase...

Back by popular demand... Our beautiful etched glass ornament;

" Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take... But the number of moments that take our breath away".

Donate $40.00 and above, and receive our beautiful "Make a Difference Ornament" for free.

Available at http://www.journeytome.com/ "Shop to Help" store.

All proceeds go to fund our educational resources for adoptive families.

Special Day... Attachment & Bonding Seminar...

2007-11-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

WOW! Our attachment & bonding seminar was a HUGE success!

We had over 200 people join us for our attachment & bonding seminar with Dr. Bryan Post, Heather Forbes and Rhonda Rhooda.
Parents learned about changing paradigms, the stress model and regulation and dysregulation.

Here is what a few parents had to say about our event...

" This seminar was life changing"

" We have tried many parenting techniques that have been short term fixes. We found the information shared in this workshop refreshing and encouraging. Uncovering the root causes of behavior makes sense."

" I enjoyed the entire day and found all the speakers to be encouraging "

Journey To Me and The Denver Post...

2007-10-30T12:12:00.000-06:00

Journey to adoption begins at website
By Joanne DavidsonDenver Post Columnist
Article Last Updated: 10/29/2007 08:58:55 PM MDT

Journey to adoption begins at website

With the founding of Journey To Me, a "next generation" website, Denver-area resident Bren Wolfe is helping adoptive parents from around the world connect in ways never before possible.
Access to the site- JourneyToMe.com - is free. Visitors will find educational programs; advice from experts on such topics as attachment and bonding, sensory integration and parenting; a virtual library containing both audio and printed materials and journals.

"Our site is unique in that it addresses the full spectrum of adoption needs," Wolfe says. "We will continue to be a destination site where families create online adoption journals to share personal stories and chronicle the many milestones of their adoption."

The website has more than 1,700 adoption stories posted from families around the world and receives an average of 130,000 hits per day.

On Nov. 10, Journey To Me is having its first fundraiser, an attachment and bonding workshop featuring Dr. Bryan Post and Heather Forbes. It begins at 8:30 a.m. at Cherry Hills Community Church and the fee is $50. Register on the website, or call 720-933-9182.

Journey To Me Seminar... Attachment & Bonding Workshop

2007-10-11T17:31:00.000-06:00

Journey To Me and Adoption Options are partnering to bring you an exciting attachment & bonding workshop... Spend the day learning about creating strong attachments for your adopted child.

This workshop is for adoptive parents, waiting parents, social workers and anyone in the adoption community.

Featuring

Dr. Bryan Post, of the Post Institiute

And

Heather Forbes, Beyond Consequences

Saturday, November 10, 2007

8:30am - 4:30pm

Cherry Hills Community Church

3900 Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch Co

Registration Available - October 1, 2007

http://www.journeytome.com/

Guatemala Adoption...

2007-10-03T16:30:00.000-06:00

Dear Families,

The president of Guatemala has just recently announced plans to suspend all intercountry adoption with American families on 1/1/2008. Our hearts go out to the families in process waiting for their children...

Joint Council recommendations, www.jcics.org

What can you do? Make five simple phone calls and send one email.

1. Call your U.S. Senator>>You can find your Senators' phone numbers at www.senate.gov>>Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff

2. Call your second U.S. Senator

3. Call your representative to the U.S. House of Representative>>You can find your representative at www.house.gov>> Ask to speak with the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff

4. Call or fax UNICEF Headquarters>>Ask to speak with Ann Veneman, Executive Director>>Telephone: 212-326-7000>>Fax: 212-326-7758

5. Call or fax UNICEF Guatemala>>Ask to speak with Manuel Manrique>>Telephone: 011-502-2327-6373>>Fax: 011-502-2327.6366Please note that calls and faxes to Guatemala are international calls.

6. Send an email supporting Intercountry Adoption to guatemala5000@jcics.org

Journey To Me is NOW a Non Profit Organization...

2007-09-24T13:47:00.000-06:00

Journey To Me is excited to announce non profit status
We are now a non profit 501(c)3 organization!

Our goal is to provide adoption resources to help adopted children and their families.
Journey To Me will be offering “free” on- line journals for 12 months.

Visit our Adoption Library… Search our database of adoption articles, download our adoption resource e- book or listen to the latest audio presentation from an adoption expert.

We would like to thank all the families, friends, and agencies that have supported us through out the years :)

We have created a thank you video located in the "video" links section... Enjoy!

JTM Board of Directors

National Adoption Month.... Coming Soon!!

2007-09-03T07:42:00.001-06:00

November is National Adoption Month...

Show your support this November buy purchasing
an adoption awareness product...

Back by popular demand... Our adoption awareness ornament

is now available... Perfect gift for the newly adoptive parent, birthmother, waiting parent and the adopted child.

Exculsive "ADOPT" shirt for children available in short and long sleeve. Designed by adoptive mother, Vickie Black.

Children's Hope Sponsorship Program

2007-09-03T07:20:00.000-06:00

Sponsor an Orphan...
We realize not everyone is in a position to adopt a child. However, we believe the next best thing to adoption is to sponsor an orphan.
Right now, 143 MILLION children are living without adequate parental care. We cannot find adoptive homes for every child, but there is another way to help: sponsor an orphan through this website, and YOU CAN bring hope and love back into the heart of a child who has lost both.
To learn more about this program visit: www.HelpAnOrphan.org

9 Critical Tips For Adoptive Parents

2007-09-02T17:58:00.000-06:00

There are some things I have found to be critical for parents caring for adopted children at any age.

1. Be aware of your own issues. Both you and your husband should seriously consider a bit of counseling pre-child just to be more in touch with any early stuff that has not been sufficiently integrated into your awareness. Generally adopted children are very stressed by nature of their early experience, regardless of how young you get them, and this stress can easily cause a deeper triggering of stress in the parents. So it will be very important to be in touch with your old stuff, because it is bound to surface at some point anyway. Okay that's the toughest one! smile
2. Give the baby lots and lots of skin on skin contact. In other words, as soon as you get that little tyke home, strip him or her down minus everything but a diaper, bare your upper body and have your husband wrap the two of you in a sheet in a manner that will allow you to continue to be mobile. Carry the baby all day long, as much as possible. Forget about that craziness of spoiling a child, it's not possible to spoil a child internally, only externally by buying it too much stuff! When you are not holding or carrying the baby, have your husband do it. This is very very important.
3. Get a king size bed, and practice the family bed for as long as possible, preferably til the baby is ready to transition into his own bed around toddler age. This can also be a very important thing, all of these things parents have some resistances too and this is generally why the early counseling is beneficial.
4. Let all of the extended family know up front that though you realize they all want to hold the baby and be cuddly, that he is very sensitive and frightened very easily, so only those who will be close by should hold the baby. Preferably grandparents and siblings that live close by and will have continual contact. Otherwise, no strangers and remember to the baby everybody is a stranger unless he sees them at least once or twice a week!
5. Have a support system. Babies are challenge anyway they come into your life, you'll need someone to talk to and support you even outside of your husband. Usually local pediatricians can be very good at feeling you find other new mothers. Don't be afraid to join groups.
6. I probably should have mentioned this first, your adopted child will be very sensitive and frightened easily. Be aware of this intimately. You might even consider getting my Raising Trauma video series just to be more educated about basic brain development and effects for these children. www.postinstitute.com
7. The less stimulation for the first year the better. Keep the lights down low, lots of soothing music, and minimal television. The greatest stimulation will be contact with you and your husband.
8. Dr. William Sears has the best stuff out on parenting young children through all of the stages, I suggest anything by him especially when others start giving you a hard time about carrying your baby and letting him sleep with you, just say "Dr.s Post and Sears say it's just fine!" smile
9. Know more than anything that you can be and will be a great parent. You will make mistakes but everyone does. When in doubt, ask. And don't ever ever be afraid to ask for help! I think you'll be great!
Many Warm Blessings, Dr. Post
"For free downloads, newsletters and other great opportunities for parents, visit www.postinstitute.com"

Journey To Me Partners with Dr. Bryan Post...

2007-09-02T15:31:00.000-06:00

Journey to Me and the Post Institute are excited to bring you this opportunity for new understandings and insights into the inner workings of your child’s development.
Dr. B. Bryan Post, expert in attachment, bonding, and early life trauma, brings to you life-changing, paradigm shifting information that will offer you insights for creating secure attachment and healing for your child.
Children who have experienced early life trauma, also experience unique needs for parenting and education. Dr. Post has developed a proven effective parenting approach based on research from the fields of neuroscience, affect regulation, child development, and multi-systemic family therapy.

Journey to Me adoptive mother, Bren Wolfe asks Dr. B. Bryan Post the questions that all adoptive parents are wanting answered. Access our “free” download on our homepage at www.JourneyToMe.com