Newsletters

It has been a pleasure to speak with many of you over the past month since I’ve returned from maternity leave. My daughter, Olivia Grace, was born on August 13th and is doing wonderfully – thank you for all your lovely congratulatory wishes. Olivia is adored by her two big brothers and is truly the little princess of the family!

Life at A.S.A. has been busy and filled with exciting challenges. We continue to receive intakes on a consistent basis and prioritize following up with each prospective client in hopes of having the opportunity to present new cases to you. We are cognizant of how frustrating and hopeless it may feel at times to be waiting to be chosen by a prospective birth parent, especially when the weeks and months seem to go by without “the call” from the agency. Please be assured that each staff member is whole-heartedly dedicated to supporting you during this time and to helping you realize your dream of parenthood, as soon as possible.

This dream has been realized by several A.S.A. families in recent months, and we’re thrilled to share their news with the entire A.S.A. family…

CONGRATULATIONS!
What did my fingers do before they held him? What did my
heart do with its love? I have never seen a thing so clear. His lids are like the lilac-flower,
And soft as a moth, his breath.
I shall not let go.
-- Sylvia Plath

Brian and Vicki welcomed their first child, a son they’ve named John Steven, and whom they call “Jack”

Bryant and Rebecca welcomed their first child, a daughter they’ve named Grace Jennifer, and whom they call “Gracie”

Karen and Allen welcomed their third child, daughter Nikki Lynn

Lena joined her parents, Carl and Sabine, and big sister, Kira, in Germany – they were thrilled to have her join the family!

Claire and Victor welcomed their first child, a precious daughter they’ve named Maria Clara

Michael and Michelle welcomed their first child, a sweet little girl named Emily Laura

Frank and Barbara welcomed their first daughter,
Jordan Nicole

Sean and Erika are the happy parents of their new daughter, Alexandra Beth

Marc and Petra welcomed their first child, a daughter they’ve named Marlene Janice

Michael and Frances welcomed their first child, a son they’ve named John Michael

John and Mary welcomed their second daughter, a precious baby girl they named Ellena Rose

Henry and Deirdre welcomed their second son, a sweet little boy named Charles Edward

Kim and Mike welcomed their first child, a son they’ve named Asa William

John and Wendy welcomed their first child, a daughter they’ve named Liza Marie

Elisabeth welcomed her eighth child, a daughter she’s named Brianna Flynn

MEET OUR STAFF
If you’ve telephoned the agency recently, you may have spoken with our newest staff member, Alexandria. She is in the co-op (work-study) program at a local high school, and spends afternoons (1:30-5PM) at the agency answering phones, making copies, and filing. I’d like to introduce you to Alex…in her own words…

Hello,
My name is Alexandria and I go by Alex. I am in 11th grade and I am 16 years old. In my family I have a total of 6 people, my dad, my stepmom, my mom, my one and only brother, Lain who is eight years old and my two sisters Mia, who is two years old and Daniella, who is seven months. In my free time I like to be with my brother and sisters because they mean a lot to me. I also like to work on my scrapbook. If I had to pick my favorite person in the office it would be everyone because they are all so nice, that’s why I like/enjoy my job.
Sincerely,
Alexandria

NEWS & UPDATES
We recently discovered an exciting educational opportunity that we wanted to be sure to share with you right away. ADOPTION LEARNING PARTNERS, an “Online Adoption Community” offers courses via the internet which have been developed in partnership with adoption and child welfare experts and adoptive families. Beginning in 2006, A.S.A. will include these courses as part of newly-implemented mandatory adoption preparation and training requirements for all families entering the Parents-in-Partnership program. Though not mandatory for those already active in the program, I strongly encourage you to explore these courses and consider enrolling in a few as a way to further expand your knowledge base and prepare yourself for the exciting journey of adoptive parenthood. The organization’s website is www.AdoptionLearningPartners.org. “With Eyes Wide Open”, “The Journey of Attachment”, and “Conspicuous Families” are just a few of the interesting courses that are offered. I look forward to hearing your impressions of this opportunity and receiving feedback from you after you’ve engaged in the training.

As always, please feel free to contact me anytime by telephone or via e-mail at dgaribay2000@yahoo.com. I look forward to talking with you soon.

Warmly,
Denise Garibay
Director of Social Services

Children thirst to hear where they came from…they need to know that they were desired, that their birth was a wonder, and that they were always the object of love and care.
--Marcelle Clements