Fall 2011 Newsletter

You Asked, We Delivered: More Events On Our Calendar In 2011–2012

Whew! Last year truly blew our minds. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Celebrate Adoption Steering Committee—and to passionate and devoted members like you—we added 30 new families to our group, and continued to raise awareness in the community with a variety of top-notch educational, social, support and networking events.

And yet, that just wasn’t enough.

How do we know? You told us. When filling out surveys at the end of every event, you asked for more. More support and discussion group dates. More workshops. More information, pictures and stories on www.CelebrateAdoptionCincinnati.com.

Fair enough. (We want more too, actually.) So, here you go: The new year brings three new evening discussion groups, a planned August 2012 morning discussion group, a new November adult adoptee panel discussion, and nationally-renowned author Rhonda Roorda presenting at our annual February Transracial/Transcultural workshop.

You knocked us out with your enthusiasm and support last year. We can’t wait to see what our member families do next. Don’t just renew your membership, attend at least one new event this year that you’ve never been to before—and bring a friend! Know someone else who might benefit from membership? Please share this newsletter and encourage them to join. A new member form is on the last page of the newsletter.

—Nada H. & Shannon A., Celebrate Adoption Co-Chairs

P.S. Speaking of more, we’re excited to welcome three new Steering Committee members! Meet Jennie C., Kristen G. and MaryAnne M. on page 3 of the newsletter, or here.

Fall 2010 Newsletter

Welcome to another exciting year for our Network of Families Touched by Adoption.

Last year brought many changes and new members for Celebrate Adoption. We were thrilled to have a 60% increase in new memberships over the preceding year, as well as many renewals. We unveiled
www.CelebrateAdoptionCincinnati.com, to share events, resources, members’ stories and photos. The site continues to be expanded and enhanced, and has proven to be a popular destination for both current members and people seeking adoption information both locally and around the world.

A tremendous push from the Steering Committee yielded unprecedented publicity for the group. Members were featured in the Cincinnati Enquirer, on WCPO Channel 9 Good Morning Tri-State Weekend Edition, and NPR’s The Diane Rehm Show. The media exposure, plus aggressive networking and promotions by the Committee drew record attendance at several events, including February’s Transcultural/Transracial Adoption seminar featuring expert Norma Ginther, May’s annual Celebration of Women Touched by Adoption, and June’s Summer Picnic Social.

The new year brings new events and workshops, a new location for our monthly support and discussion group at The Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati’s Mayerson Jewish Community Center in Amberley Village, and new members to our Committee (read more about these dedicated volunteers on page 3). We not only encourage you to renew your membership, but also challenge you to attend at least one new event this year that you’ve never been to before. And please bring a friend—guests are always welcome.

Know someone who might benefit from membership in our group? Please feel free to share this newsletter with them. We’re eager to add to our network. A new member form has been included on the last page of this newsletter as well.

—Nada H. & Shannon A., Celebrate Adoption Co-Chairs