In this issue...

Celebrating Family: The Role of Holiday Rituals

My Child is Home: What Do We Do Now?

Seeking Family Stories & Photos

The Adoption Journal: Ethical Adoption Work

Regional Events

Humanitarian Aid

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Did you know...

The Adoption Community of New England's (ACONE) annual conference will be held April 5 in Westborough, MA?

In Celebration of the Winter Solstice

December 2007

Dear Families,

On December 21, all around the world people will celebrate the Winter Solstice, a time of reflection. The term "solstice" is derived from an ancient Latin word meaning "stop," or "to stand still."

The Winter Solstice speaks of family and community. It is a time to reflect on the mystery of life. After adopting, many parents sense the unraveling of the mystery. Many newly adoptive parents have a deep feeling that they were "meant to be" parents of this child. In Yiddish this is called Bashert or "to be fated or predestined". To others, this may be the hand of God or a piece of the thread that unites all people.

Take time this holiday season so contemplate the mystery in your life.

Wishing you peace and joy and the love of your family.

Sincerely,

Pat Hoopes
Clinical Director
Wide Horizons For Children

CELEBRATING FAMILY: The Role of Holiday Rituals

The holidays are opportunities to foster attachment and build family cohesiveness and this is especially important for adoptive families. Something as simple as planning a holiday dinner menu together can pull family members into a ritual that becomes a full sensory experience.
Read more of Barb Drotos' article on this important facet of celebrating your family.

Share your family rituals with us! Email pase@whfc.org.

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MY CHILD IS HOME: What Do We Do Now?

Making the most of your post placement period
Whether you adopt domestically or internationally, the state where you reside requires continued follow-up and assessment by your social worker. This period is not just to meet the requirements of the state or your child’s birth country but also to help you in your new role as a parent.
Read more of Deb Shrier's article with suggestions for ways in which your social worker can be of help during this period.

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SEEKING FAMILY STORIES & PHOTOS

This fall, Wide Horizons For Children celebrated placing 10,000 children with loving families. Join us in celebrating a very important milestone in our agency's history by submitting your personal family story and special photos of your children. Read current family submissions...

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ADOPTION JOURNAL: Ethical Adoption Work

Risks and problems are greatly minimized when an agency is committed to doing the best work possible for all parties involved in an adoption. This high level of dedication makes the work of adoption complicated and requires expertise in many areas. Read more...

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REGIONAL EVENTS

Register today for upcoming activities and see photos of recent family get-togethers!

Annual Culture Camps (MA)

• Eastern Europe (Fall 2007)
• Latin America (Fall 2007)
• China (Spring 2008)
• Korea (Spring 2008)

Multicultural Fairs & Festivals

• Parade of Nations (Western MA, Fall 2007)
• Family Cultural Festival (NY, Spring 2008)

Family Receptions (MA)

• Ethiopia (Summer 2007)
• Philippines (Fall 2007)

Upcoming Workshops & Family Events

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HUMANITARIAN AID

This year, Wide Horizons has brought hope and assistance to thousands of orphaned, abandoned and at-risk children around the world. Add your support to our programs and learn more about our work:

Contribute to our projects
WHFC has funded a number of projects around the world that provide children with the basic necessities to which they are entitled — food, clothing, housing, education, and medical care.

Sponsor a child
Our child sponsorship programs in Ethiopia, Guatemala, India and the Philippines provide children with their basic needs and the tools they need in hope of breaking the cycle of poverty.

Support subsidies
A permanent, loving family is the thing every child needs most. Subsidies can help ease the cost of adoption for a family who would otherwise be able to provide a loving home to a child.

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