We are really excited about how God is moving in the lives of the fatherless and the widow. C.A.R.E is also moving outward and upward. In light of these changes C.A.R.E. is doing some reorganization as well as getting a new name, we will keep you informed as these changes unfold. We want to thank everyone who has cared for C.A.R.E. and let you know we are still all about caring for the widow and the orphan, that will never change!

Please excuse our mess and limited functionality at this time as we are working to make this transition as quick as possible.

CARE is once again partnering with River Run for Orphans (RRFO), but this year we’re having our own race right here in Pagosa! We would love to have you join us Saturday, September 29, 2012 at Yamaguchi Park. This is a great community event in which churches area wide can join in a fun day of activity and raising awareness and support for orphans worldwide.
Does your church already support an orphanage, missionaries that serve the fatherless, or another ministry that works toward ending the worldwide orphan epidemic? River Run is a great way for you to raise more financial support as well as community awareness and education about your project.

Here’s how it works.
• Find some friends, tell them about CARE, build a team, raise money and run.
• Your church or organization serving the fatherless can have a booth in our “Orphans Around the World” area to educate and inform the race participants about the projects on your heart.
•Volunteer at River Run for Orphans on race day, we have a variety of places to serve. 
• Come and enjoy the day with us!

We are so excited about this opportunity to bring our community together in “looking after orphans and widows in their distress”. We hope you will join us!
CARE, founded in the four-corners area, has been instrumental in supporting families for over 10 years through adoption scholarships, adoption resources and support groups, and most recently international Hope DIGGS, Discipleship & Income Generating Grows Sustainability, works with widowed mamas enabling them to raise their children.
Half of funds raised for CARE through RRFO will continue to provide scholarships to reduce the financial burden for adoptive families in our community.The remaining proceeds will support the efforts of Hope DIGGS.
Come and join us in serving the fatherless!  

Register Here!

FROM THE ADOPTION EXCHANGE FOR YOUR FAMILY'S BENEFIT!  THE MORE YOU KNOW, THE MORE YOU GROW TOGETHER, CREATING HEALTHY ATTACHMENTS. The Adoption Exchange is pleased to announce that we are changing the name of the Adoptive Families Program (AFP) to: Adoptive Family Resources (AFR) for Domestic & International Adoptions This name change will provide a greater understanding of the services offered and will allow us more opportunities to provide resources to families who adopted internationally or domestically outside the child welfare system.  In addition we would like to announce that Michelle Betsch will be taking over the role as program coordinator for the AFR program. She can be reached at 1-800-451-5246 ext 204 or atmbetsch@adoptex.org.   Upcoming Class!  Raising International Adoptees This 3 hour class presented by Dan Mills, MA, Senior Director of the Education Center at The Adoption Exchange, will provide an overview of issues faced by children who were adopted internationally. Dan brings experience both as an adoptive parent as well as from his 21 years of working in child welfare and adoption. September 8, 2012 9:00 am to 12:00 pm The Adoption Exchange - 14232 E Evans Ave, Aurora, CO 80014 This is a FREE class offered to all adoptive families. Contact Michelle Betsch at 303-755-4756 ext 204 Or Click Here to Register.

Hello!!  Below is some information from our friend, Deborah Caves at Colorado Coalition of Adoptive Families.  Please review and see if it's something that can serve your family. We pray for all our families to experience God's amazing grace. Colorado Coalition of Adoptive Families Newsletter Newsletter Supplement February 2012 Quick Links... Our Website     It's not often that we send out two newsletters in such a short amount of time, but the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) is offering two free webinars that we really thought many of the adoptive families would be interested in attending.  Both deal with adoption assistance for those who have adopted from the foster care system; be sure to attend even if you think your current situation is fine:  You never know when your situation may change, and knowledge is power. Hope your January ends on a high note and February warms your heart, Deborah Cave, Executive Director Deborah.cave@cocaf.org   NACAC Adoption Assistance Benefits and Eligibility Webinar January 31, 2012 1:30 p.m. Josh Kroll will present information about adoption assistance benefits, including which children are eligible and the benefits available. The session will be of use to prospective adopters as well as parents who are seeking to make a change in the child's benefits due to changes in the child's needs or family's circumstances. Click here to register.     NACAC Adoption Assistance Advocacy Webinar February 7, 2012 1:30 p.m. With state budgets continuing to be tight, adoptive parents, adoption professionals, and other child advocates will need to be vigilant in case legislators seek to balance budgets by reducing adoption assistance benefits. In this webinar, Adoption Subsidy Resource Center project coordinator Josh Kroll will explore advocacy strategies to maintain and enhance adoption subsidy programs. Click here to register.   Research on Dual-Diagnosis Children Steve Harvey, Esq., JD, MA, with Colorado Legal Services, is researching obstacles that families of dual diagnosis children on Medicaid face when trying to access mental health services. For instance, children with behavioral problems that are consistent with a mental illness diagnosis who also have a Developmental Disability, Traumatic Brain Injury, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, are sometimes denied services by the Behavioral Health Organizations and Community Mental Health Centers on the basis that the behavioral problems are due to the non-Mental Illness diagnosis and therefore not the responsibility of the Medicaid mental health system. Mr. Harvey would like to talk with anyone who has encountered this problem and learn your story, in order to inform his research and advocacy effort. In addition, if anyone has had any experience with Intercept Center at Aurora Mental Health or Colorado West Regional Mental Health in Grand Junction, Mr. Harvey would appreciate your input about your experiences at those facilities. You can contact Steve Harvey by phone at 303-866-9346 or by email atsharvey@colegalserv.org.    Surviving & Thriving  Finally Home Foundation Presents Surviving & Thriving, A Free Marriage and Family Wellness Event Saturday, March 3, 2012 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (check-in at 8:30 a.m.) 3920 South Shields Street   Fort Collins, Colorado 80526 RSVP by February 27th   This course is designed for foster and adoptive families.  Lunch and refreshments provided.  Childcare and activities available for children 0-12 years.  For more information and registration, contact Kristin Orphan at Kristin@finallyhomefoundation.net.   NACAC Income Tax Links Below are links to a number of resources for adoptive families. NACAC's fact sheet on adoptions finalized in 2011 NACAC's fact sheet on adoptions finalized in 2010 NACAC's fact sheet on adoptions finalized from 2003 to 2009 IRS Form 8839 for the adoption tax credit and the form to amend previous years' tax returns The IRS's frequently asked questions on the adoption tax credit (see question 13 for documentation of special needs) NACAC's resources focus on adoptions of children with special needs from foster care, but may also be of use to other adoptive families. .

WAITING CHILDREN

What are you waiting for? A night out with your spouse? Your annual Christmas party with loved ones?  Shopping and celebrating with friends?  Presents?

Children in Colorado are WAITING for families.  
Could you pleasetake some time this Christmas season and pray for them?  

Can you ask God to give them the gift of family?

Update: As of 10/1/11

NAME  B-DATE STATUS

Andrew D  7/1996 Still waiting

Anthony H 9/2004 PLACED

Ariana B  6/2002 Still waiting

Aron C    5/1998   Still waiting

Asya R    Removed, registration expired

Austin R  Registration expired – no longer recruiting for him (he is in a stable placement)

Brady M   2/2002   Still waiting

Dame’a W (sib K.W.)   Still waiting

Darryl G  Still waiting

Delia V   PLACED w/Sophie

Dewayne L   Still waiting

Elijah L  NY  4/1996  No longer registered w/C.A.P.

Gabrialla R  PLACED

Jerald A (sib T.A.)   PLACED w/Terrell

Kevonda (sib D.W.)   Disrupted/Still waiting

LaShea M ADOPTIVE PLANS

Rasheema F   4/1992 Still waiting – doing well

Sophie R   PLACED w/Delia

Tanyel G   Removed, registration expired

Terrell A (sib J.A.)  8557 (SCO065399) PLACED w/Jerald

Wait No More!

Last November CARE shared this list of children in Colorado waiting for families to adopt them and welcome them home.  Many people committed to praying for these children.  Below is a update as to where these kids are in the adoption process. Has the child you're praying for found a family or still waiting?  God says He sets the lonely in families.  What's more lonely than a child without mom and dad?  Please, continue to ask the Father to find their homes...

WAITING CHILDREN

Update:  As of 9/1/11

NAME                           CASE #                          B-DATE          STATUS

Andrew D                      CO098791                      7/1996            Still waiting

Anthony D                     CO178776                      9/2004            ADOPTIVE PLANS

Ariana B                        CO228093 (0602)           6/2002            Still waiting

Aron C                            CO580480                      5/1998            Still waiting

Asya R                           CO9321                          2/1999            Still waiting       

Austin R                        CO58755 (0494)             4/1994            Registration expired – no longer

                                                                                                      recruiting for him (I do know that he is

                                                                                                      in a stable placement, though J)

Brady M                         CO099182                      2/2002            Registration Expired – no longer

                                                                                                      recruiting for him

Dame’a W (sib K.W.)  CO8423                                                  Recruitment on Hold

Darryl G                         CO035762                                              Still waiting

Delia V                          CO9301                                                  PLACED    

Dewayne L                    CO099183                                              Still waiting

Elijah L                          NY34011318                  4/1996            Still waiting–being registered with C.A.P.

Gabrialla R                  CO0178128                                            PLACED

Jerald A (sib T.A.)        CO 8556 (SCO065399)                           ADOPTIVE PLANS

Kevonda (sib D.W.)     CO8424                                                  PLACED

LaShea M                      CO9003                                                  ADOPTIVE PLANS

Rasheema F                 NY3401803                    4/1992            Still waiting – recent inquiries from

                                                                                                      certified families

Sophie R                       CO9302                                                  PLACED w/Delia

Tanyel G                       CO069042                                              Removed, adoption no longer goal

Terrell A (sib J.A.)        CO 8557 (SCO065399)                           ADOPTIVE PLANS - To be placed with

                                                                                                      Jerald

STATISTICS

20 children – 4 placed;  4 Adoptive Plans

If you have questions about any of these kids and how you might adopt, please contact

the Adoption Exchange at 1 800 681 1731.

Mom's Coffee!

CARE's Family Brigdes Project hosts a Mom's Coffee for women who are interested or involved with adoption and orphan care. Would you like to join us? Just send an e-mail to carefamilies@hotmail.com and ask to be notified of the next get-together. You'll enjoy a relaxing time of yummy refreshments, stimulating conversation and lots of laughter.
Hope to see you there!

Our Journey Begins

Weaving in and out of traffic along the rim of the Great Rift Valley, we begin our great adventure in Kenya. In reality, this journey started long ago and many prayers away.

In 2001 Africa was planted in our hearts. God watered it with tears for the poor. He fed it with intercession for orphaned children. As bible school graduates with mission majors, the idea of living in a foreign country had always been on our radar; but, it took our 4 year old son to fertilize the ground of the field the Lord was calling us to harvest. His nightly prayers, asking God to help orphans in Africa led us ask how we, as a family, could share our lives with a hurting world.

The vision to “go” sprouted into our first trip. In 2006 we travel to Kenya. It was not what we would call a good exp
erience. Surrounded by adversity that threatened our commitment, we returned to the states feeling lost, but with hope that God could restore the dream. After two more trips that produced amazingly sweet fruit, we then enduring the tests of time by waiting for God to push open the doors for long term ministry. Now, we are here.

I watch the road unfold before us, dotted with colorfully-clad bodies, small markets, zebras and baboons. Little ones play with sticks and wheels. We moved on through small villages and sprawling towns, carried down this artery of African life, carried to a destiny.

As we continue on this journey, we pray that God would keep revealing His heart for the fatherless and enabling us to work the ground He's given. We're believing Him for miracles of grace.

Please see tiltingbalance.blogspot.com for more stories from the journey...

IT'S COMING AGAIN!

IT's coming... again!

Watch out for: RIVER RUN FOR ORPHANS!

Save the date: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

You won't want to miss this AMAZINGLY FUN event that
HELPS CHANGE THE LIVES OF ORPHANS
AROUND THE WORLD!

Below is a list of upcoming classes for those involved or interested in adoption. Note that all classes are open to anyone wishing to attend. Please contact the Adoption Exchange and let them know you are connected with FAMILY BRIDGES - a CARE sponsored adoptive support group.

The Adoption Exchange Education Center
2011-2012 Classes
ALL classes are open to anyone wishing to attend.


Promoting Placement Stability: Using Home
Visits to Prevent Disruption
8/25/2011 (Thursday) 9am-12pm Colorado Springs, CO
9/29/2011 (Thursday) 9am-12am Fort Morgan, CO
11/2/2011 (Wednesday) 9am-12am Broomfield, CO

Helping Children Cope (For Parents): How Foster and Adoptive Parents can Reduce Child Trauma During Placement Moves
9/1/2011 (Thursday) 6pm-9pm Yuma, CO
3/21/2012 (Wednesday) 5pm-8pm Colorado Springs, CO

Transitioning from Foster to Adoptive Parenting: Helping Kinship and Foster Parents Prepare for the Changes that come with Adoption
9/14/2011 (Wednesday) 5pm-8pm Colorado Springs, CO
9/29/2011 (Thursday) 1pm-4pm Fort Morgan, CO

Effective Matching Practices: Matching Practices that Promote Permanency
10/26/2011 (Wednesday) 9am-12pm Colorado Springs, CO
4/18/2012 (Wednesday) 9am-12am Broomfield, CO
4/24/2012 (Tuesday) 1pm-4pm Greeley, CO

Helping Children Cope: Reducing Trauma During Placement Moves
4/21/2012 (Saturday) 9am-12pm Gunnison, CO

Guided by the Law: ICWA, ADA, & ASFA
4/21/2012 (Saturday) 2pm-5pm Gunnison, CO
5/8/2012 (Tuesday) 1pm-4pm Colorado Springs, C


Register online at www.cdhsacademy.com. If you do not have internet access or are having difficulty registering online, please contact
Denise Leffingwell at (303) 755-4756 ext 264 or
Central Registration at (303) 556-5205.

The Adoption Exchange
14232 East Evans Avenue
Aurora, CO 80014
1-800-451-5246

State Office Locations
Colorado, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah

So many children waiting for moms, dads, for families to embrace them. 163 million world-wide. 120,000 in the USA. Below is a list of children waiting... Please pray.

WAITING CHILDREN

Update: As of 6/1/11

NAME CASE # B-DATE STATUS

Andrew D CO098791 7/1996 Still waiting

Anthony D CO178776 9/2004 Recruitment on Hold – Potential Match

Ariana B CO228093 (0602) 6/2002 Still waiting

Aron C CO580480 5/1998 Still waiting

Asya R CO9321 2/1999 Still waiting

Austin R CO58755 (0494) 4/1994 Registration expired – no longer

recruiting for him (I do know that he is

in a stable placement, though J)

Brady M CO099182 2/2002 Still waiting

Dame’a W (sib K.W.) CO8423 Still waiting

Darryl G CO035762 Still waiting

Delia V CO9301 PLANS

Dewayne L CO099183 Still waiting

Elijah L NY34011318 4/1996 Still waiting–being registered with C.A.P.

Gabrialla R CO0178128 PLACED

Jerald A (sib T.A.) CO 8556 (SCO065399) Still Waiting

Kevonda (sib D.W.) CO8424 PLACED

LaShea M CO9003 Registration expired, but presenting to a

family

Rasheema F NY3401803 4/1992 Still waiting – recent inquiries from

certified families

Sophie R CO9302 PLANS - See above, to be placed w/Delia

Tanyel G CO069042 Registration expired, no other info.

Terrell A (sib J.A.) CO 8557 (SCO065399) See above, to be placed with Jerald

STATISTICS

20 children – 2 placed; 6 on hold

So many children waiting for moms, dads, for families to embrace them. Please pray.

Waiting children

Waiting Children.

Waiting for what?
For mom to pick them up from basketball practice?
For friends to come over to play or spend the night eating junk food and watching movies?
For holiday or birthday celebrations?

No.
They are waiting for families.
There are now 162 million orphans worldwide. Unfathomable number to imagine, but the short video clip will give you an idea... (143,000,000 was the number a couple years back)

Overwhelming, huh?
But if you care for just one... if we each care about one... we can make a difference.

How can you care?

We've designed a program that helps you pray for a waiting child who lives right here in the USA.
Yes, the USA has waiting children. 127,000 of them waiting for a hug from mom, waiting for someone to call dad, waiting for holiday and birthday celebrations with family.

You can help waiting children by simply committing to pray for one. Pray for that child to have what your children have.

We're in contact with the agency that tracks where these waiting children are. They've agreed to contact us with updates on which children receive plans for placement with families for adoption.

Let's pray. Let's watch and see what the Lord will do. His Word says He sets the lonely in families. He's the God of His Word.

Come on! Let's not keep these kids waiting!

WAITING CHILDREN

Update: As of 3/6/11

NAME CASE # B-DATE STATUS

Andrew D CO098791 7/1996 still waiting

Anthony D CO178776 9/2004 Recruitment on Hold – Potential Match

Ariana B CO228093 (0602) 6/2002 still waiting (prepared plate for A Day on Wed Child on 4/6/11 hoping the TV exposure will get her placed)

Aron C CO580480 5/1998 still waiting

Asya R CO9321 2/1999 still waiting

Austin R CO58755 (0494) 4/1994 Registration expired – no longer recruiting for him (I do know that he is in a stable placement, though J)

Brady M CO099182 2/2002 still waiting

Dame’a W (sib K.W.) CO8423 PLACED

Darryl G CO035762 still waiting

Delia V CO9301 recruitment on hold while caseworker reviews homestudies

Dewayne L CO099183 still waiting

Elijah L NY34011318 4/1996 still waiting

Gabrialla R CO0178128 removed due to expired registration

Jerald A (sib T.A.) CO 8556 (SCO065399) still waiting

Kevonda (sib D.W.) CO8424 still waiting

LaShea M CO9003 Registration Expired

Rasheema F NY3401803 4/1992 still waiting – Friday’s Child w/o 1/17-21

Sophie R CO9302 recruitment on hold while caseworker reviews homestudies

Tanyel G CO069042 still waiting

Terrell A (sib J.A.) CO 8557 (SCO065399) still waiting

STATISTICS: 20 children – 1 placed; 3 on hold