2006 Press Releases

2006 Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Adoption Awareness Day “A Calling Out of Children Who Wait for Families”

Thursday, November 16, 2006 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM California State Capitol – North Steps, Sacramento

Sacramento, CA – November 6, 2006 - Sierra Adoption Services, Aspria Foster & Family Services and Sacramento Department of Health and Human Services – Children's Protective Services have joined together to raise adoption awareness by hosting a public event at the State Capitol Building on Thursday, November 16, 2006 - National Adoption Awareness Day 2006.

During the public awareness event, a Calling Out will take place, where community leaders, adoptive families, and adoption advocates will read from a list of names representing the over 3,000 children in Sacramento's foster care system who are currently waiting to be adopted. Each name that is read will represent 24 children who await adoption. This powerful realization will let the waiting children know that they are not forgotten.

“The event is focused on bringing awareness to the fact that tens of thousands of California foster children are growing up in the system with little hope of achieving permanence…” explains Gail Johnson, Executive Director of Sierra Adoption Services.

In addition to the Calling Out, there will be a special viewing of the Heart Gallery of Sacramento – a moving collection of portraits taken by renowned photographers focusing on local children living in long-term foster care while awaiting adoption. Each photograph features an actual child who is hoping for a permanent adoptive family. The Heart Gallery of Sacramento will be shown in its entirety at California State University of Sacramento – Sacramento State Library Gallery, until November 19.

To build a strong collaboration among local organizations, many foster family agencies, adoption agencies, and children organizations will have information booths at the event, allowing the community to discover more about the programs and opportunities available to prospective adoptive families in the Sacramento area. In addition to the booths, there will be many fun-filled family activities for children, such as: face-painting, balloon artists, games, prizes and more.

57,000 California children wait in foster care without hope of reuniting with their birth parents. Since 1987, the number of children in foster care has nearly doubled, and the average time a child remains in foster care has lengthened to nearly five years. Each year, approximately 20,000 children in foster care will age out of the system without ever being placed with a permanent family.

Four in ten American adults have considered adoption, according to the National Adoption Attitudes Survey funded by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. That translates into more than 80 million Americans. If only one out of 500 Americans who have considered adoption would adopt a child living in long-term foster care, the children in the foster care system would have families.

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Sponsors

Sierra Adoption Services is a nationally-recognized, private, non-profit adoption agency dedicated to the mission of transforming the lives of children in foster care by building and nurturing permanent families. Services include recruitment, training, and support of families adopting children from the foster care system and extensive Post Adoption Services to all adoptive families.

Aspira is the largest non-profit, foster care and adoption-through-foster-care program in California . Serving over 3000 foster children each year, in over 830 foster homes in California , Aspira's vision is to take collective action to support communities and families as they love and care for children. Through its 25 offices throughout California , Aspira provides temporary and permanent placement services to children in foster care, as well as specialized programs for children with developmental disabilities, therapeutic and crisis intervention services and mental health services to local communities.

Sacramento Department of Health and Human Services – Children's Protective Services

Child Protective Services is responsible for investigating reports of child abuse in Sacramento County as well as providing services to strengthen families, licensing foster homes, and finding adoptive and guardianship homes when children cannot be returned home safely. CPS partnered with Sierra Adoption Services on its ground breaking "Destination Family" project, which found adoptive homes fro 40 teen foster youth. CPS is also a key partner in Sacramento 's first "Heart Gallery" project featuring professional photos of children awaiting adoption.

Additional Information

Many people considering adoption are inhibited by fears linked to untrue stereotypes about adopting children, according to the National Adoption Attitudes Survey. Quite often, perspective adoptive parents do not know that to adopt a child from foster care is virtually free . A growing number of companies and government agencies offer adoption assistance as part of their employee benefit packages, including time off for maternity/paternity leave, financial incentives, and other benefits.

In addition, Congress has made federal tax credits available for foster care adoptions to help offset required fees, court costs, legal and travel expenses. A federal adoption tax credit increased the amount of credit to $10,000 for all adoptive families. Benefits such as these are enabling more people to adopt foster care children into their families. With ample assistance available to adoptive families, a child's hope of a forever family can now be a reality, not just a dream.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Celebrate Adoption with the Sacramento River Cats, Sierra Adoption Services and Placer Kids.

Date: Sunday, August 6, 2006

Event Contact:

Sierra Adoption Services: Sara Hanson – Public Relations Coordinator – 916-368-5114 x.237

River Cats: Tony Asario – Community Relations – 916-376-4729

Time: 4:40pm: Pre-game adoption celebration featuring over 100 adoptive families/children, a family of six (2 sib sets and 2 individual children) adopted children will be out on the field and an adoptive child will throw the first pitch. All of the attending families will be asked to rise and be recognized. Sierra Adoption Services will be presented a donation/check prior to the start of the game.

Game begins: 5:05 pm

Competition: River Cats vs. Nashville Sounds.

All through the night there will be announcements about adoption, the need for local families to act, facts about adoption, and quotes from former foster children will be projected onto the jumbo-tron screen. Sierra Adoption Services and Placer Kids are an established collaboration and will each have informational booths for prospective families, donors or volunteers to get more information on how they can help.

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Outward Magazine - June 8, 2006

The LGBT Community Helps Foster Children by Creating Families Through Adoption

By: Sara Hanson

With nearly 2,500 children currently living in long-term foster care in the Sacramento, Placer and Nevada counties, more adoptive families are needed.

Most of these children will not return to their birth families. Many of them wait, often for years, hoping to be adopted by someone who is able to commit to loving a child not born to them.

In California , it is legal for LGBT couples and individuals to adopt. Every year more members of the Californian LGBT community are creating families through adoption.

“In the beginning we had so many questions,” recalls Reanne Peterson, LGBT adoptive mother. “My partner and I were discussing the adoption options - Can gays and lesbians adopt? What if we choose the wrong agency, and can't get the help we need? What if we go through the process and nothing happens?”

These uncertainties are in the forefront of the minds of many prospective LGBT adoptive parents. Without information and guidance, many individuals become frustrated, not knowing what their options are or where to go to learn more.

“Six years ago we took our first tentative steps towards adoption,” explains Reanne. “We had heard from various sources that SAS was one of the best.” SAS has worked for many years to establish itself as an informed adoption destination for the LGBT community. She continues, “So with a little more confidence we decided to take the plunge. Our two now-teenage daughters were adopted almost four years ago. It hasn't always been easy but SAS has been there with us all the way.”

To help LGBT families even further, SAS offers unique opportunities for families to network, share common experiences, and introduce children to other children adopted by same sex families. “One of the best things about SAS is that they recognized that building “forever” families is more than paperwork, homestudies and matching. It takes a mix of ingredients ranging from a gay/lesbian parent support group, child counseling, post-adoption support, advocating regulatory changes, and just plain fun times – costume parties, picnics, snow sledding, and events that include babysitting so parents can have a much-needed night out.”

As the adoption process evolves and the accessibility for LGBT adoption increases, more agencies are developing programs and trainings for their staff to properly communicate and work with the LGBT community.

“As an active member of the gay community, it is thrilling to see an increase in LBGT families entering into the adoption process. This is a great success for all but especially for the children who deserve a home where they can thrive,” said Bob Herne, program director for SAS. “I am proud to work for SAS because of its openness to all types of caring, responsible families.”

“As a gay couple we thought we would face many negative attitudes and criticism, but we haven't,” begins Brett Bailey. “My partner and I have been together for sixteen years. We were at a place where we wanted to expand our family and adopt a child.” In 2004 they researched adoption possibilities on the internet and chose a local adoption agency that was open to same sex adoptions. Within months they were matched with an eight-year-old boy. The adoption was successfully finalized several months later, and their desire to create a growing family was realized.

“If asked would we do it again, our answer would be ‘yes' and WE ARE,” Brett continues with enthusiasm. Brett and his family were referred to Sierra Adoption Services by their son's social worker to assist in finding a therapist for him – through the Adoptive Family Resource Center , SAS offers therapeutic services for adoptive families. “When we decided to start the adoption process again we contacted SAS in January 2006. SAS has always been there to support us, they offer gay/lesbian parent support groups, and the staff throughout the entire process have been wonderful. Our social worker is always supportive, helpful and able to answer our questions and concerns.”

With much courage and strength, LGBT families are asserting their voice and inspiring others to take the needed steps to become successful adoptive parents.

“We decided to adopt a child from foster care after seeing an article in SAS' newsletter. From the first contact by phone with SAS, we were warmly welcomed,” recall Jean Gifford and Jodi Barkley. “Through their assistance and advocacy, we have adopted two wonderful daughters, and we have been completely supported by everyone we have worked with at SAS, before, during, and after the adoptions. The staff is unfailingly enthusiastic and highly professional and made us feel welcomed in every way.”

For more information about local adoption, please contact: Sierra Adoption Services at 916-368-5114, go to www.sierraadoption.org or visit the SAS booth at the PRIDE Festival.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sierra Adoption Services and Wendy's of Northern California Tee Off for 2nd Annual Sierra Adoption Services' Golf Classic for Kids

Sacramento – May 2, 2006 - Sierra Adoption Services to host 2nd Annual Golf Classic on May 15, 2006. This fun-filled event will take place at Serrano Country Club in beautiful El Dorado Hills. Registration begins at 9:00am with shotgun beginning at 11:00am.

Golfers will receive VIP treatment throughout the day, beginning with coffee and pastries provided by Starbuck's of Sacramento , complimentary golfing tips from former LPGA Tour player Charlotte Montgomery, and while waiting to tee off at the tenth hole, golfers will benefit from a light massage by professional masseuse, Rob Nunes.

In addition to the beautiful surroundings and VIP treatment, golfers can further test their luck by participating in the putting contest, chipping contest as well as the par three contests. The par three contests give individual golfers five opportunities to win; the golfer closest to the pin at each par three hole wins a fabulous prize.

To complete the day, a lovely dinner will be served at the awards banquet, which will highlight the top golfers. And, to offer one final chance to win, guests can buy raffle tickets to win great prizes or participate in the silent auction, which has something to tantalize all tastes and budgets.

“We couldn't be more excited to be a part of Sierra Adoption Services' 2nd Annual Golf Classic for Kids,” said Dan Vought, Director of Operations for Wendy's of Northern California . “As the title sponsor since its inception, Wendy's of Northern California couldn't be more proud of this event and how much it has grown.”

The event last year was a huge success and brought in nearly $120,000, which enabled Sierra Adoption Services place 24 local foster children with permanent adoptive families.

“It is extraordinary to see so many children placed into loving homes through Sierra Adoption Services. It has been a remarkable process raising money for the cause we hold so close to our hearts here at Wendy's and look forward to the future of the tournament,” continued Dan.

Sierra Adoption Services is a private nonprofit adoption agency with a unique mission. Unlike traditional private adoption agencies, SAS serves those children least likely to be adopted, children with tragic histories of abuse and neglect. The agency is built on the firm belief that no child is "un-adoptable."

For more information regarding the Sierra Adoption Services' Golf Classic, please call 916-368-5114 or visit www.sierraadoption.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Families For Children 3 rd Annual Buon Appetitio Italian Pasta Dinner To Benefit Local Adoption Agency

Sacramento - April 3, 2006 – Frank & Delma Carson Foundation for Others will host its Families for Children 3 rd Annual Buon Appetito Italian Pasta Dinner, a festive evening celebrating the wonderful world of Italian cuisine to benefit Sierra Adoption Services. The event takes place on Saturday, April 29, 2006, and will be held at St. Ignatius Loyola Parish, located at 3235 Arden Way in Sacramento . Festivities begin at 6:00pm. Tickets can be purchased for $75.00 each, a table (8 seats) can be purchased for $500.00, or interested parties can become an event sponsor for $1,500.00.

The evening benefits Sierra Adoption Services, a private non-profit adoption agency whose mission is to transform the lives of foster children by finding and nurturing permanent adoptive families. With the last two events combined, Frank & Delma Carson Foundation for Others has effectively donated $55,000, which has enabled Sierra Adoption Services to successfully place eleven children with forever families.

“Frank and I are thrilled to host our 3 rd Annual Families for Children Buon Appetito Italian Pasta Dinner benefiting Sierra Adoption Services,” said Delma Carson. “Frank & Delma Carson Foundation for Others was established in 2004 with the intent of bettering our community through supporting worthwhile causes. When we discovered Sierra Adoption Services, we were truly touched by their passion for their mission – We transform the lives of foster children by finding and nurturing permanent adoptive families – and we, too, are inspired to help make a difference in the lives of local children. ”

The Italian-inspired evening includes hosted cocktails beginning at 6:00pm, 50/50raffle and silent auction from 6-9:00pm and homemade pasta dinner at 7:30pm. The dinner menu features an Antipasto, basket of breads, mixed medley of salad, asparagus, red table wine, and Frank Carson's secret recipe for pasta with meat sauce. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to hear how adoption truly transforms lives from an adoptive family.

“We deeply believe in helping children and Sierra's mission to place local children with forever families. Through hosting the Families for Children event, we hope to make a difference in the lives of children as well as raise community awareness to the immediate need for adoptive families.”

For additional event information or to purchase tickets, please contact: Delma Carson at 916-856-5400 ext. 600 or at dcarson@carson1975.com .

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3 rd Annual Have a Heart for Children Gala to benefit Local Adoption Agency

Sacramento - March 15, 2006 – Cohen ? Durrett, A Law Firm Dedicated to the Community, along with The Supper Club will host an evening of delectable edibles, wonderful wine tasting and awe-inspiring live and silent auctions to benefit Sierra Adoption Services. The Have a Heart for Children event will take place on Saturday, March 25, 2006, and will be held at the Scottish Rite Temple, located at 6151 H Street in Sacramento . Festivities begin at 6:30pm. Tickets can be purchased for $50.00.

The evening benefits Sierra Adoption Services, a private non-profit adoption agency whose mission is transform the lives of foster children by finding and nurturing permanent adoptive families. With the last two events combined, Cohen ? Durrett has effectively raised $50,000, which has enabled Sierra Adoption Services to successfully place ten children with forever families.

“We are excited to host the 3 rd Annual Have a Heart for Children Gala,” says David Cohen, partner with Cohen ? Durrett. “The event grew out of our commitment to the community. With nearly 2,500 local children living in long-term foster care and awaiting adoption, we believe strongly in supporting such a worthy cause – permanent homes for children.”

“Last year we were fortunate that Matt and Yvettte Woolston, owners of The Supper Club, also wanted to get involved with local charities,” adds David. “Having The Supper Club as a co-sponsor insured that we had a great cause (families for children), and a great evening of fantastic food and beverages for our supporters.”

Along with the hors d'oeuvres and wine there will be auction items for every taste and budget. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to hear how adoption truly transforms lives from an adoptive family.

“Fortunately, the event has grown in popularity and success each year and we look forward to a bigger and better event this year. One of the greatest benefits of past events is that several families have expressed interest in pursuing adoption. Now, that's what it is all about.”

For more information regarding the event or to purchase tickets, please contact: Sara Hanson at 916-368-5114 x.237 or shanson@sierraadoption.org .

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