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waiting children have been placedby the adoption
services of diakon lutheran social
Ministries...so far!
3855From the Executive Director.....2
Post-Permanency Services .......3
Thanks ....................................4
Finalizations ............................6
Placements ............................10
InsIde
Children & Youth agencies. Diakon Adoption & Foster Care
was able to secure partnership from 12 counties. Allegheny, Bucks, Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northumberland, Washington, Erie, and York counties and the Philadelphia DHS have all agreed to refer children to the program at no cost to their county agencies.
Each child-focused recruiter will carry a caseload of 16 children so potentially each year of the grant term, 64 children will be served. Other dynamics of the grant include working closely with the Pennsylvania Adoption Exchange to examine some of the more than 500 families waiting to adopt who have indicated that they will adopt children between the ages of 10 and 18.
“Our goal is to match 64 youths within the next two years with permanent families. We recognize that our youths are not at a disadvantage merely because of their ages, but also because they will age out of the foster-care system to an uncertain future if we cannot locate resources for them,” says Elisa Esh of Diakon Adoption & Foster Care.
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care is in the midst of an exciting new project designed to help older children achieve permanency.
In April, the program, along with collaborating partners Bethanna and Project STAR, submitted a proposal to Pennsylvania’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network for a two-year, $300,000 grant to provide services for children over 10 waiting in foster care and in great need of adoptive families.
The three organizations were awarded the grant in May and have been working since then to get the program running by July 1.
The grant proposal is unique in that it provides a very child-focused recruitment service that not only empowers the youths involved in trying to locate a family, but also views former foster parents and the child’s relatives as potential resources for young people who have waited for extended periods in the child-welfare system and have had many residential treatment placements.
The grant provides for four child-focused recruiters to be stationed across Pennsylvania to offer services to children from multiple counties’
diakon Adoption & Foster Care awarded older-child matching grant
summber 2008 Vol. 7 | No. 2 www.diakon.org
D I A K O ND I A K O N
If you are interested in learning more about the children the grant will serve or about how to become a permanent resource, please contact any of the child-focused recruiters at the following: n Karen Knodel, Bethanna, SE Region,
[email protected] (215) 355-6500.
n Angie Gillen, Diakon Adoption & Foster Care, NE Region, [email protected] (610) 682-1504.
n Elizabeth White, Diakon Adoption & Foster Care, SC Region [email protected] (717) 795-0479.
n Bethany Leas, Project STAR, Western Region, [email protected] (412) 244-3066.
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A few months ago I had the pleasure of meeting an amazing individual who happens to be a resident of Cumberland Crossings, a Diakon Lutheran Senior Living Community in Carlisle, Pa. Dorothy Mueller presented Diakon Adoption & Foster Care with a generous contribution earlier this year, as a special memorial to her husband.
Dorothy Mueller, who met her husband, Bill, in the sixth grade, remembers their life together as a blissful time. “We had a wonderful life, lived all over the world, and experienced a great number of things,” she says, fondly
recollecting her husband’s distinguished military career and later years serving Amherst College. “I had to do something special for him.”
Deciding to make a monetary donation in his name, Mueller thought of the Lutheran church as a possible recipient because of the important role it played in her husband’s life. “I wanted something that really bespoke what Bill’s background and family represented,” she says.
After considering that her father-in-law served as a Lutheran minister and was instrumental in beginning a Lutheran orphanage in New York, and that she has two adopted grandchildren, Mueller turned her focus to Diakon Adoption & Foster Care.
I found myself amazed at the history and experiences of Mrs. Mueller. If it weren’t for such a generous gift to support our programs in her husband’s name, I would have never had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful woman. Finding out that one of our residents was so personally affected by the same children we serve daily through our programs makes me realize just how many lives are touched by adoption.
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries provides approximately $1 million a month in benevolent care and without the support of donors such as Mrs. Mueller, our programs would not be able to serve as many.
The services of Diakon Adoption & Foster Care within Pennsylvania and Maryland are subsidized by more than half a million dollars annually. This figure continues to rise as resources decrease, the economy remains unstable, funding does not keep up with inflation, and reimbursement rates are not increased.
We appreciate your support in helping us to make a difference in the lives of so many children.
By: LAuren ConzAmAn, msW, LsW exeCutIve dIreCtor, dIAkon AdoptIon & Foster CAre
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Family connection leads to adoption and foster care gift
Lauren Conzaman with donor and resident Dorothy Mueller.
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Are you an adoptive parent or permanent legal custodian? Are you feeling alone and unsure what to do as a result of your child’s behavioral or emotional problems? Would it be helpful to have the support and understanding of other parents who have adopted?
Or, would you benefit from services within the community and are unsure how to obtain them for your family? Are you uncertain how to answer your child’s questions about their adoption?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, Diakon Adoption & Foster Care can assist you through our post-permanency services. Diakon is committed to providing continued support, advocacy, and resources to families after their adoption has finalized or if you are a permanent legal custodian.
Post-permanency services are available to all Pennsylvania adoptive families, whether you adopted via SWAN, privately, internationally or out of state, if you are a kinship family or permanent legal custodian, and if you adopted years ago or recently.
Adoptive families, legal guardians, and their children can benefit from post-permanency services at various points throughout their family life. Although these services are offered and funded by Pennsylvania’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network, all families are eligible.
What services can families access? Diakon offers the following: n Case assessmentn Case management/advocacy
n Support group (Reading area only)
n Respite services.The first step in accessing services
is to contact the Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network at 1-800-585-SWAN and request post-permanency services from Diakon or contact one of our staff members at any of our three Pennsylvania offices.
After you request services, and a referral is received, an initial interview with our case manager will be scheduled so that you can explain your current situation and a
determination can be made, by you with the assistance of our staff, as to what services your family needs. This part of the process is called the case assessment.
After the assessment is completed, you may request such additional services as case management/advocacy, support group, or respite.
Case management is defined as additional support and advocacy from our staff in identifying resources within the community and collaboration with other service providers to meet your family’s needs and maintain continuity of services.
pennsylvania post-permanencyservices explained
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D I A K O ND I A K O N
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care has been approved by Pennsylvania to provide respite service to post-permanency families.
This service can be of assistance to any families who have adopted—either through Diakon, any other agency, or privately—as well as kinship and permanent legal-custodial families.
Respite services are intended to give families a brief “break” during times of stress or difficulty. The new services round out the Diakon array of post-permanency services offered to all families formed through kinship, adoption, or legal custodianship. Other post-permanency services, offered the last few years, include case
management, advocacy, and support groups.
To access any of these services, families can refer themselves through Pennsylvania’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network by calling 1-800-585-SWAN.
Following the family’s request for post-permanency services, they will be asked simple background information. A referral will then be made to Diakon or an agency of the family’s choosing. If families have any questions about post-permanency services and are not ready to call SWAN, they may contact Joyce Riche, Diakon supervisor of Permanency Services, at (610) 682-1552 for more information.
Additional post-permanency service offered: respite
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Please turn to Page 11
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THANKS TO THOSE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE!
Diakon honors resource families in York, Pa.
Foster families received special honors during May, Foster Parent Appreciation Month.
Many children have stable, loving homes because of foster parents’ hard work, love for children, and commitment to those in need, say Diakon Adoption & Foster Care staff members.
Foster parent Appreciation monthdiakon honors families during appreciation dinner
There is no greater service that has as far-reaching an impact than to providing a loving home for a child or a teenager. Many of these beautiful children would face uncertain and challenging futures were it not for the families willing to offer their home and love.
The countless lives forever changed through their service and love cannot be measured nor can a month in their honor truly represent our appreciation and gratitude. We hope touching the lives you do brings its own reward and you experience the joy of childhood through the joy you help rekindle in these children in need.
Diakon honors resource families in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
John Tesh, known worldwide as a television host, recording artist, music director, and syndicated radio show host, performed at the Diakon 20th Anniversary Benefactors Dinner held on May 15 at the Sovereign Performing Arts Center, Reading, Pa. Tesh has three gold albums and a career that includes six Emmy awards, two Grammy award nominations, three hit PBS specials, and two tours as an Olympic announcer/composter.
Nearly 60 parents from the Diakon Adoption & Foster Care program were in attendance at Diakon’s Benefactors Dinner. The event raised approximately $225,000 for Diakon Adoption & Foster Care and charitable care for residents of The Lutheran Home at Topton, a Diakon Senior Living Community.
Concert benefits diakon Adoption & Foster Care
THANKS TO THOSE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE!
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In May, Diakon Adoption & Foster Care’s Topton office held its first annual Resource Family Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon was Diakon’s way of taking time to show gratitude to our families for partnering with us to provide loving, stable homes for many wonderful children. Thanks to all who participated!
THANKS TO THOSE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE!
Earlier this year, a call for help to support a family went out to staff at Diakon’s Administrative Services building on Century Drive in Mechanicsburg, Pa. A family working with Diakon Adoption & Foster Care had accepted the placement of three young children and was in need of various items to care for them properly.
Many thanks to the caring employees who pitched in to help.
employees help family in need
resource family appreciationevent held
teens Helping teensThanks to the students and teachers at William Penn High
School in York, Pa., for choosing Diakon Adoption & Foster Care to be the recipient of their school’s fund-raiser. One hundred percent of funds raised will go directly to provide special gifts to foster children and teens awaiting adoption during Diakon’s Annual Williams Grove Speedway event Aug. 1.
Karen King and Cheryl Drake of Diakon Adoption & Foster Care with student officers from William Penn High School.
Kaitlyn Eckenroth of Lenhartsville, Pa., celebrated her 10th birthday in May. Instead of asking her guests to buy her gifts, she asked them to purchase gifts for foster children being served by Diakon Adoption & Foster Care’s Topton office. In total, more than $500 worth of children’s summer clothing, baby clothes, bath supplies, and scrap booking items were donated.
Birthday girl donates gifts to foster children
Kaitlyn with generous donations.
THANKS TO THOSE WHO MAKE IT POSSIBLE!
Lynn adopted Fred on Dec. 7, 2007. Fred comes from York County.
Mark and Beth adopted Aaron who comes from Dauphin County.
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Colin was adopted by Mona and Marlin on April 2.
Ian was adopted on March 26 by David and Karen through Berks County.
Amanda was adopted by John and Marian on April 9.
December 28, 2007Alura
Douglas & KristineLewisberry, Pa.
JaNuary 4, 2008Julia
Joe & JulieTowson, Md.
JaNuary 7, 2008Jaylett
Bradley & MichelleHanover, Pa.
JaNuary 25, 2008Chymyra
Steven & AndreaMohrsville, Pa.
February 5, 2008Darrian
Michael & ChristineEaston, Pa.
February 11, 2008Kennon and Kavon
Clifford & LisaWaynesboro, Pa.
march 6, 2008Kory and TeshawnTrevor & CandraHarrisburg, Pa.
march 21, 2008Nadira
John & DeniseHunt Valley, Md.
march 26, 2008Ian
David & KarenBirdsboro, Pa.
april 10, 2008Ward
Glen & MindySevern, Md.
april 2, 2008Colin
Marlin & MonaMohrsville, Pa.
finalizationsapril 9, 2008
AmandaJohn & MarianReiglesville, Pa.
april 18, 2008Nicholas
Robert & CherieAllentown, Pa.
april 22, 2008Arista
Enrico & SandraBath, Pa.
april 24, 2008Justin
Micacio & SusanneShippensburg, Pa.
april 29, 2008Autumn
John & LaurieEaston, Pa.
april 30, 2008Brianna
Shawn & ColleenEaston, Pa.
may 2, 2008Michael
Barry & ReginaMillmont, Pa.
may 8, 2008Zoe
Leon, Jr. & DeniseAllentown, Pa.
may 30, 2008Claire and Tammy
Ed & MarcieNew Tripoli, Pa.
may 30, 2008Oscar
Darren & TheresaNorthampton, Pa.
may 30, 2008Benjamin
Andrew & LisaAllentown, Pa.
Judge Grim, Leon, Denise, Zoe, and Shelby (birth child). Zoe was adopted from Berks County on May 7.
Cherie and Robert adopted Nicholas on April 18 through Lehigh County.
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support group helps maryland familyNeed support in meeting the
challenges of changing the life of a child through adoption?
Diakon Adoption Services – Maryland has been hosting adoption support groups in 11 different Maryland counties (and the City of Baltimore) since being awarded grants in 2007.
These support groups are meant to help adoptive families maintain stability and lessen the stress of parenting children with special needs or those dealing with adoption-related issues. The groups provide families with a forum in which they can discuss issues and learn from others who have experienced similar situations. In addition, a group facilitator researches specific topics for various sessions.
Diakon has had more than 30 families attending the groups. One was the Charons, who adopted their six-year-old daughter nearly three years ago through the local Department of Social Service.
Following the example of other family members who had opened their homes to others, the Charons decided adoption would be the perfect avenue through which to enrich a child’s life as well as their own.
Anxious over the adoption process, they attended pre-service training, while experiencing a strong desire to follow through with what they felt was a calling for them. About a year ago, they received a flyer about Diakon’s adoption support groups.
“We found the process of taking a child into our house and taking the responsibility of raising another child
was harder then we had anticipated. So we decided we wanted to talk to other families in a similar situation to discuss issues, share ideas, and have a sounding board,” the family says.
A year later, the Charons continue to participate in our monthly meetings
“We’ve gained information on developmental stages of children, conflict resolution, training resources, and a sense we are not alone with our issues. We would definitely recommend support groups and whatever post-adoption services a prospective family can gain. You may second-guess your decision to adopt but stay strong in
The Charon family.
Coming soon – our own online community
Look for more information soon about an online bulletin-board community being developed by Diakon for use by adoptive parents.
Diakon’s Office of Corporate Communications recently held a discussion group with parents associated with the Topton office to begin development of the site; an additional group will be held with interested parents from other Diakon Adoption & Foster Care offices to review the developed site.
If you are interested in taking part in this group or are potentially interested in serving as a volunteer moderator, please contact William Swanger, vice president, Corporate Communications, at (717) 795-0308 or via e-mail at [email protected].
your convictions and realize there is a large network of support services and other families who are committed to help with the transitions,” the family offers.
To learn more about local support groups, please contact Kristy Caceres at (410) 261-2852 or 1-877-DIAKON-7, option 4, or [email protected].
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On Aug. 1, Diakon was again a part of Williams Grove Speedway’s adoption awareness night race. This was the fifth consecutive year the track has supported adoption by posting youths’ photos on racecar wings as well as hosting an adoption fair, matching events, and sharing information about adoption with racing fans.
This year’s race was bigger than ever with potentially 80 410 and 358 sprint cars displaying temporary vinyl coverings on each car’s top wing boards featuring individual photos of children available for adoption.
Adoption Night has enjoyed success finding families for youths. In 2004, the event’s first year, two children were matched as a result of the race. In the last three years, however, 15 youths have been united with forever families, thanks to this support from the racing community.
“This evening is one that our children and teenagers look forward
to all year long. Sadly, it is a rare opportunity for these youths to enjoy an evening out,” says Elisa Esh of Diakon Adoption & Foster Care.
Adoption Night at Williams Grove Speedway is sponsored by Diakon Adoption & Foster Care in collaboration with Dauphin and Montgomery counties Children & Youth agencies, Bethanna, Jewish Family Services/Adoption Links, Northwestern Human Services, and Project STAR of Pittsburgh.
This year in Pennsylvania, more than 20,000 children will enter foster care; of those, 1,300 children need a “forever family” to call their own. Sadly, every year approximately 1,000 youths reach the age of 18 without ever finding a permanent family. Statistics show that these youths have
more difficulty finding employment and are at a higher risk for homelessness and incarceration.
Persons interested in learning more about adoption should contact Diakon Adoption & Foster Care or contact Pennsylvania’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network Helpline at 1-800-585-7926 (SWAN).
Foster kids and staff of Diakon pose with drivers.
race to promote adoption—drivers meet youths in need of a family
Calling for additional resource familiesWith gasoline prices at a record
high, food costs doubling, investments losing ground, and unemployment rates continuing to rise, the nation seems to be struggling financially.
As a result, the number of families inquiring about foster care or adoption has decreased significantly over the last six to eight months.
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care needs the help of our current and
former foster and adoptive families to spread the word about the current need for families across Pennsylvania and Maryland.
There are no costs associated with adopting older children with special needs who are being placed from the foster-care system. The state covers the cost of the home study/family profile, placement, and finalization services necessary to make an adoption happen.
There are more than 800 Pennsylvania children over the age of 10 available for adoption and without an identified permanent resource.
For more information or if you know anyone interested in the certification process, please call Diakon Adoption & Foster Care toll-free at 1-877-DIAKON-7 or visit us online at www.diakon.org/adoption.
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staff member teaches softball to girls in India
In July 2006, In Shil Lake, case manager for Diakon Adoption Services – Maryland, Baltimore, traveled to India to spend time at Pardada Pardadi Vocational School for underprivileged girls.
There, she worked with the girls, teaching them fast-pitch softball, English, self-defense, and how to use computers donated by the American Embassy.
This January, Lake was able to return to India as a volunteer, with assistance from Diakon’s Loving Our Neighbor policy. This time, she trained the softball team in preparation for a match with an American school in Delhi, India.,
later that month. Lake had the opportunity to teach English to the girls as well.
“More people should take the time to step into a difference world, as I have done,” she says.
Girls at Pardada Pardadi Vocational School.
In Shil Lake coaches softball to girls in India.
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January 7, 2008Marcus
Bob & MonicaSellersville, Pa.
January 12, 2008Michael
Dean & MichelleAspers, Pa.
February 6, 2008Yeung Ho TinScott & Amy Pittsville, Md.
February 16, 2008Dang Yu MeiDrew & Lisa
Havre De Grace, Md.
March 1, 2008Naasear
David & JodiePottstown, Pa.
March 10, 2008Luke
Ryan & TarindaReading, Pa.
March 10, 2008Aubrey
Jason & JenniferReading, Pa.
March 10, 2008Ian
Christopher & Dorothy
Fleetwood, Pa.
March 28, 2008Nicolas
Gary & CathyBethlehem, Pa.
April 11, 2008Leah
Val & TiffanyKempton, Pa.
April 12, 2008Emma
Benjamin & PatriciaShrewsbury, Pa.
April 18, 2008John
Keith & MicheleCarlisle, Pa.
April 30, 2008LaShawna
Kharton & SharonReading, Pa.
May 9, 2008Barry and HannahMarvin & Beverly
Macungie, Pa.
May 21, 2008Jashally and Wylliam
Juan & Nancy Tobyhanna, Pa.
Nicacio and Susanne adopted Justin from Lehigh County. Foster parents Ed and Marcie, their son, Jason, and their two girls, Tammy and Claire who were adopted on May 30th.
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Zach Lance Tyson
Wendy’s Wonderful kids: searching for a family
If you are interested in making any of these children a part of your family, please contact Elizabeth White, child-specific recruitment specialist, at (717) 795-0479.
PLACEMENTS
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In June, staff members from Diakon Adoption & Foster Care’s Mechanicsburg office attended Dirt Trackin’ Night at the Commerce Bank Park, Senators Baseball Field on City Island.
Recruiters were stationed at a display table answering questions about the adoption and foster care process and providing awareness of the great need for families willing to
open their hearts and homes to a child from the foster-care system.
Meanwhile, staff members proudly displayed information about Diakon’s Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program and the children being served through child-specific recruitment services at Jubilee Day, a street fair in Mechanicsburg, Pa.
The Diakon Adoption & Foster Care office is seeking single- or two-
staff provide community awareness during dirt trackin’ night and Jubilee day
Diakon Adoption & Foster Care display at the Harrisburg Senators field along with the #30 sprint car promoting Adoption Night at Williams Grove Speedway, courtesy of Leach’s Automotive and Pancho’s Racing Products.
Elisa Esh and Stephanie McCarl of Diakon Adoption & Foster Care work to bring in more families to open their hearts and home to children with special needs in the foster-care system.
parent families, regardless of race or age, to serve children; families don’t have to own their own home to adopt or foster. Families with moderate means and families who have grown children who have left their homes make great parents for our children.
If you are interested in adoption or foster care, please contact Stephanie McCarl at (717) 795-0320 or by e-mail at [email protected].
If support group services are necessary, Diakon has an active support group that meets monthly in Wyomissing, Berks County, Pa. and can offer you a network of support from other parents, education, training, and social activities for your entire family. Child care is also provided while you attend support group meetings.
Respite care is explained in a separate article in this edition of Family Connections. how much does all this cost you?
Post-permanency services are free and funded by Pennsylvania’s Statewide Adoption & Permanency Network. Because of recently approved state funding for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, more
families will be able to access these services and receive the help they need.
If you need services following your adoption or if you are a permanent legal custodian and need help, please contact Diakon or the SWAN Network to learn the ways your family can benefit from these services.
pennsylvania post-permanency services explained Continued from Page 3
Family Connections is published by Diakon Adoption & Foster Care, in cooperation with the Office of Corporate Communications of
Diakon lutheran social ministries 960 Century Drive Mechanicsburg, PA 17055-0707Phone 717-795-0307
Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries offers a range of specialized programs for children, individuals, families, and senior adults.
lauren conzaman, Executive Directorramona hoyle, Director, Maryland officeKathy roach, Director, Topton officecraig Gehosky, Director, Mechanicsburg and York officeselisa esh, Director, resource family recruitmentJennifer leonard, Editor
Visit our website at www.diakon.org
Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage
PAIDHarrisburg, PAPermit No. 208Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries
One South Home Avenue
Topton, PA 19562-1399
610-682-1504
Address Service Requested
D I A K O ND I A K O N
Diakon’s 12th Annual Golf TournamentSept. 8, 2008 • Felicita Garden Resort
All funds raised from the Diakon Golf Tournament benefit Diakon Adoption & Foster Care and help waiting children find permanence with families in central Pennsylvania.
Mark your calendar!Sunday, Dec. 14th • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Youth group and leaders from Faith Alive UMC, Palmerton, will be sponsoring a babysitting day for resource parents so they have some free time to prepare for the holiday.
This is for the Topton office of Diakon Adoption & Foster Care.
Transracial/Transcultural Adoption TrainingThursday, Nov. 13 • 6 - 9 p.m.
The Topton office of Diakon Adoption & Foster Care, along with Catholic charities, is sponsoring a training on transracial/transcultural adoption presented by Dr. Joseph Crumbley. More details to follow.
Dining With DiakonApril 22, 2009 • Harrisburg Hilton
Proceeds will benefit the Diakon Wilderness Center.
SAve The DATeS:
November isNational Adoption Month
