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Adoption and Depression

This blog post was written by Helaine Sanders, along with Adoption STAR. Since I have a depressive illness, doctors made sure I understood that if I chose to give birth to a baby, I would be a candidate for postpartum depression (PPD). 

Read more..

 

Calender of Events

MAY


PRIVATE TRACK GROUP TRAINING CLASS
May 22, Wednesday,6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, PRIVATE TRACK GROUP TRAINING CLASS

The Agency Assisted Private Adoption, coined Private Track, is facilitated by an experienced adoptive parent who is an Adoptive Parent Mentor and Coach, Susan Reardon. The class will take place at the Buffalo office (131 John Muir Dr. Amherst, NY 14228). Register today by calling 716.639.3900 or emailing apmentor@adoptionstar.com.

ORIENTATION SESSION (NYC Area)
May 23, Thursday,6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (NYC Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. Woolworth Building, 233 Broadway (downtown New York) on the 5th floor, New York, NY 10007. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

CPR FOR THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY (Buffalo Area)
May 28, Tuesday,2013, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm, CPR FOR THE ADOPTIVE FAMILY (Buffalo Area)

This 3-hour class will teach you Adult/Child/Infant CPR. It is designed to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency situation with skills that can save a life. This class is presented by an adoptive parent who is a CPR and First Aid certified trainer. Pre and post adoptive families welcomed. $20 fee to attend. You do not need to be a client to attend. The class will be held at the main office: 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.


JUNE


ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
June 11, Tuesday,2013, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held 131 at John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.


JULY


WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Buffalo Area)
July 12, Friday,6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Buffalo Area)

and July 13, Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. This is an opportunity to fulfill your five-week home study class requirement in one weekend. The classes are open to all registered Adoption STAR clients, and clients living in Western New York are required to complete home study classes before becoming home study ready. The class will take place at the Buffalo office (131 John Muir Dr. Amherst, NY 14228). Register today by calling 716.639.3900 or emailing info@adoptionstar.com.

ADOPTEE CIRCLE OF EXPERIENCE
July 16, Tuesday,2013, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, ADOPTEE CIRCLE OF EXPERIENCE

A.C.E.: Adoptee Circle of Experience is a support group for adult adoptees 18 and up. The meeting is held at the Adoption STAR office at 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228 or at another location as per announcement. Contact ace@adoptionstar.com for more information or to RSVP.

ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
July 18, Thursday,2013, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held 131 at John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

ORIENTATION SESSION (Albany Area)
July 23, Tuesday,2013, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Albany Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at Colonie Community Center, 1653 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 122058. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com


AUGUST


ORIENTATION SESSION (Rochester Area)
August 01, Thursday,2013, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Rochester Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at The JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
August 04, Sunday,2013, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

39TH ANNUAL NACAC CONFERENCE, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
August 08, Thursday,2013 though August 10, Saturday 2013, 39TH ANNUAL NACAC CONFERENCE, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

A comprehensive adoption conference featuring over 80 workshops by expert professionals and parents addressing a wide variety of topics, including race, culture & diversity in adoption, open adoption, post adoption services, parenting children with special needs, issues in adoption, adoption therapy and support. Open to adoptive families and professionals. For more information: http://www.nacac.org/conference/conference.html

ANNUAL ADOPTIVE FAMILY SUMMER PICNIC
August 11, Sunday,2013, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, ANNUAL ADOPTIVE FAMILY SUMMER PICNIC

This ANNUAL picnic is the highlight of the year with families traveling from near and far to attend. Ellicott Creek Park, Tonawanda, NY, Shelters 10A and 10B.

Open to all adoptive families and waiting adoptive families of Adoption STAR and their family and friends. No cost. Bring a side dish or dessert to pass. Hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages provided. There will be entertainment and crafts for children.


SEPTEMBER


BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD\'S EDUCATION (Buffalo Area)
September 11, Wednesday,2013, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR YOUR CHILD\'S EDUCATION (Buffalo Area)

When you become a parent, you are also accepting the role as the primary advocate for your child. When an adoptee enters school, you need to be prepared to advocate for on their behalf just as you would in other social and home situations. The age of the child and level of education can have an impact on how involved you are in their school experience as well. Educating child-care providers and teachers about adoption and the needs of our children is important and necessary. This workshop will navigate with you how you can advocate for your adopted child in school and provide you with strategies to help your child have a positive school experience. he class will take place at the Buffalo main office: 131 John Muir Dr. Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
September 17, Tuesday,2013, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

Financial Planning Seminar for the Adoptive Family
September 17, Tuesday,6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Financial Planning Seminar for the Adoptive Family

New parents, especially new adoptive parents need to consider several things related to the financial security of their family. This class is facilitated by adoptive parents ~ a financial advisor, accountant, and an estate planning attorney. They will introduce why you need a will and how to draft and update your will, they will update you on estate planning changes, nominating a guardian, applying for the adoption tax credit, and overall financial planning for your family’s future. Don’t miss this popular class! The session will be held 131 at John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Buffalo Area)
September 20, Friday,6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Buffalo Area)

and September 21, Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. This is an opportunity to fulfill your five-week home study class requirement in one weekend. The classes are open to all registered Adoption STAR clients, and clients living in Western New York are required to complete home study classes before becoming home study ready. The class will take place at the Buffalo office (131 John Muir Dr. Amherst, NY 14228). Register today by calling 716.639.3900 or emailing info@adoptionstar.com.

FALL GATHERING (Albany Area)
September 22, Sunday,2013 - Time TBD, FALL GATHERING (Albany Area)

River Road Park in Niskayuna NY – Families invited for an afternoon of games, crafts, snacks and activities with goodie bags for children.

WAITING FAMILIES MEETING (Buffalo, NY Area)
September 25, Wednesday,2013, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm, WAITING FAMILIES MEETING (Buffalo, NY Area)

Adoption STAR office, 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228 – This group provides an opportunity for prospective adoptive families to receive support from one another during their wait to adopt. Families who have successfully adopted after “being in your shoes” will be invited to share their journey in adoption and to offer tips for surviving the wait. No fee.


OCTOBER


ORIENTATION SESSION (NYC Area)
October 03, Thursday,2013, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (NYC Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at 437 Madison Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10022-7021. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
October 05, Saturday,2013, 10:00 am - 11:30 am, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

ORIENTATION SESSION (Albany Area)
October 08, Tuesday,2013, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Albany Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at Colonie Community Center, 1653 Central Avenue, Albany, NY 122058. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

ORIENTATION SESSION (Rochester Area)
October 10, Thursday,2013, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Rochester Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at The JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
October 13, Sunday,2013, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

HAIR AND SKIN CARE (Buffalo Area)
October 24, Thursday,2013, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, HAIR AND SKIN CARE (Buffalo Area)

This popular class will assist and educate you in the special hair and skin care necessary for Black and Biracial children. For families who have adopted transracially or who are considering doing so. Facilitated by hair and skin care professionals. Open to clients and non-clients. No fee. Hands-on demonstrations and products will be available. The class will take place at the Buffalo office (131 John Muir Dr. Amherst, NY 14228). Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

HALLOWEEN PARTY, GroMoore Farms, Henrietta, NY
October 26, Saturday,2013, 10:30 am, HALLOWEEN PARTY, GroMoore Farms, Henrietta, NY

Families invited for an afternoon of games, crafts, snacks and activities with goodie bags for children.


NOVEMBER


WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Albany Area)
November 01, Friday,6:00 pm - 8:30 pm and November 2, Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm., WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Albany Area)

This is an opportunity to fulfill your five-week home study class requirement in one weekend. The classes are open to all registered Adoption STAR clients, and clients living in Western New York are required to complete home study classes before becoming home study ready. The class will take place at the Carondelet Hospitality Center, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Register today by calling 716.639.3900 or emailing info@adoptionstar.com.

AFCR ADOPTION FAIR (ALBANY, NY)
November 04, Monday,2013, AFCR ADOPTION FAIR (ALBANY, NY)

Monday, November 4, 2013, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Look for Adoption STAR at The Adoptive Families of the Capital Region (AFCR) Annual Adoption Fair. Prospective adoptive parents can meet with adoption professionals to learn about the many ways to build a family by adoption. For more information: http://www.adoptivefamiliesny.org/

ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
November 07, Thursday,2013, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com

ADOPTEE CIRCLE OF EXPERIENCE
November 12, Tuesday,2013, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm, ADOPTEE CIRCLE OF EXPERIENCE

A.C.E.: Adoptee Circle of Experience is a support group for adult adoptees 18 and up. The meeting is held at the Adoption STAR office at 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228 or at another location as per announcement. Contact ace@adoptionstar.com for more information or to RSVP.

ADOPTION FORUM: GETTING YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED IN YOUR ADOPTION JOURNEY (Buffalo Area)
November 13, Wednesday,2013, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, ADOPTION FORUM: GETTING YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED IN YOUR ADOPTION JOURNEY (Buffalo Area)

This class is for our clients who have finished the home study classes. You are invited to bring one or more family member and/or friends with you to learn more about adoption. Now the important people in your life will be introduced to many of the subjects you have already learned about! A panel of adoption professionals will introduce the process that you have gone through to receive a home study, including the classes. The panel will address questions from your family members and friends. The class will be held at the Buffalo main office: 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com.

FALL GATHERING (Brooklyn area, NYC)
November 16, Saturday,2013, 10:00 am, FALL GATHERING (Brooklyn area, NYC)

An informal and fun adoptive family get-together! Adoption STAR Founder and CEO will be in attendance. Prospective adoptive parents and children are welcomed.

APC ADOPTION CONFERENCE, NYC
November 17, Sunday,2013, APC ADOPTION CONFERENCE, NYC

St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY. Please join Adoption STAR at each Annual Adoption Conference presented by the Adoptive Parents Committee (APC). This daylong conference is perfect for those just thinking about the adoption process as well as those who already adopted. More than 80 workshops to choose from and many adoption professionals will be present. For more information: http://adoptiveparents.org/APC/Welcome.html

ORIENTATION SESSION (Rochester Area)
November 18, Monday,2013, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Rochester Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at The JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com


DECEMBER


HOLIDAY PARTY (Albany Area)
December 01, Sunday,2013, Time and venue TBA, HOLIDAY PARTY (Albany Area)

Gift sharing, crafts, good food and other treats. For adoptive families and prospective adoptive families.

WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Buffalo Area)
December 13, Friday,6:00 pm - 8:30 pm, WEEKEND HOME STUDY EDUCATIONAL CLASS (Buffalo Area)

and December 14, Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. This is an opportunity to fulfill your five-week home study class requirement in one weekend. The classes are open to all registered Adoption STAR clients, and clients living in Western New York are required to complete home study classes before becoming home study ready. The class will take place at the Buffalo office (131 John Muir Dr. Amherst, NY 14228). Register today by calling 716.639.3900 or emailing info@adoptionstar.com.

HOLIDAY PARTY, Venue TBA, Rochester, NY
December 14, Saturday,2013, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, HOLIDAY PARTY, Venue TBA, Rochester, NY

Gift sharing, crafts, good food and other treats. For adoptive families and prospective adoptive families.

ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)
December 19, Thursday,2013, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, ORIENTATION SESSION (Buffalo Area)

Join us for this free orientation session, Adoption STAR -- Building Families Through Adoption: Introduces the Adoption STAR agency and the agency’s policies and procedures. The many services and programs of the agency are explored. Adoption STAR staff and clients of the agency will be present. The session will be held at 131 John Muir Drive, Amherst, NY 14228. Please call (716) 639-3900 to RSVP or email info@adoptionstar.com