Winter 2014 - Agape of Central Alabama

Finding permanency for vulnerable and orphaned children.
CONNECTING
HEARTS WITH
MICHAEL OHER
Page 2
INVEST TODAY
IN A CHILD'S
TOMORROW
page 3
FAMILIES
TOGETHER FOR
CHRISTMAS
Page 5
www.agapeforchildren.org
WINTER 2014
You are invited to Agape's...
Behind “The Blind Side” with
Michael Oher
February 24, 2015
Montgomery, AL
A
gape is thrilled to invite you to hear directly from Michael Oher on how he overcame a troubled childhood and how a
loving family changed the course of his life. Please make plans to attend this event on Febuary 24.
"As someone who was adopted in 1980, my story is merely one example of how an adoption can turn a bad beginning into
a happy ending. But few adoption stories rival Michael Oher’s. It’s not every day that a kid makes it out of the mean streets
of Memphis. Nor do many people get the chance to earn a Super Bowl ring. Oher did them both. But neither would have
happened without a loving family who adopted him and, more importantly, provided him with a safe, nurturing, permanent
home. This event isn’t just about seeing a major sports star or talking about the motion picture that told his life’s story. By
bringing Michael to Montgomery, Agape will be able to showcase a once-vulnerable child and his heartwarming, real life,
rags-to-riches adoption story."
Jason Isbell, adopted child, Agape Board of Directors
"Real, life-altering power can come from a simple story, especially a true story. I think that's why our Lord often taught using
them. I'm pumped to see how the Lord uses the details of Michael's story to inspire the hundreds of vulnerable children and
other community members in attendance."
Ben Blanchard, sibling to four adopted children, Agape Board of Directors
"Being an adoptive mom is one of the most amazing blessings in my life. My twin girls have an amazing birth mom who
chose my husband, William, and me to parent these beautiful girls. The joy this has brought to us is something I've seen in
other families all around us. That's why Michael Oher's story is important to me. I think of Michael when he was a young man
and am so glad the Toughys were there to offer a loving home to him. That's what's special about Agape's families - they care
for children like Michael EVERY DAY!"
Shana Phillips, Agape Board of Directors and adoptive mom
The Toughy
Family
Purchase your ticket today at
connectinghearts.org.
Would you like to meet Michael Oher?
If so, then check out our sponsor
packages ranging from $500 to $15,000 on
connectinghearts.org or call Emily at
334-272-9466. All sponsors will be invited to a
reception with Michael Oher prior to the event.
2
THEN
NOW
INVEST TODAY FOR A CHILD'S TOMORROW.
PLEASE GIVE TO AGAPE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
Visit www.agapeforchildren.org/giving or send your gift to PO Box 230472, Montgomery, Ala. 36123.
By Jimmy Dobbs, Executive Director
n the 40 years I've worked as a social worker, the evidence of how compassion and love changes a person's life grows every
day. Agape is about equipping Christians to build compassionate and loving relationships with as many women, children
and families as possible. The stories you see below are REAL people who made one loving decision that changed the course
of another person's life forever. Agape is blessed to be a part of the "then" and the "now" of each of these amazing people.
I
ADOPTION
Hayley Todd was born in 1986. Four
weeks later, Agape placed her in the
arms of her parents, Howard and Donna
Todd. Hayley instantly completed their
family and was fully embraced into the
Todds' home. Now as a 26-year-old
young woman, Hayley says, "From the
beginning of my life, my parents shared
with me and celebrated the fact that I
was adopted and what a special blessing
Donna and Howard hold Hayley for the
Donna and Howard with their daughter
I was in their life. I have never felt like
first
time.
Hayley, her husband and their new baby.
I did not belong in my adoptive family
because they did everything they could to share their lives with me and shower me with love and affection."
NOW
THEN
UNPLANNED PREGNANCY ASSISTANCE
In 1996 Carol Esco was the person who
answered the phone when Leslie contacted
Agape to make an adoption plan for her
unborn child, Kimber. An amazing family,
the Murrays fell in love with Kimber from
day one and gratefully welcomed her into
their home. A few months ago, Carol had the
honor of being a part of Leslie's reunification
with Kimber. Leslie's decision to place
Kimber in the loving arms of the Murrays
was confirmed as Kimber told her how
▲Bob and Jan with their new baby, Kimber.
happy she's been and how thankful she is for ►Kimber and her birth mom, Leslie, meet
Leslie's choice.
for the first time in 18 years.
THEN
NOW
FOSTER CARE
Charles and Noreta Willis of Opp, Ala.,
joyfully approach foster care as an
opportunity to show God's love to as many
children as possible.
Mandy's two young boys were removed from her home during a really rough time
in her life. Mandy knew it was for the best, but she was determined to get to a place
so she could care for her children. Fortunately, her boys were placed in the home of
someone who would help - Charles and Noreta Willis. After 16 months, the judge
ruled that Mandy was finally at a place to provide for her children. Noreta offered
to let Mandy move in with them for a while first. This time together solidified a
relationship that had started months ago. Noreta and Mandy began doing almost
everything together; like going to church, cooking, cleaning and bargain shopping.
Mandy learned so much from Noreta, and Noreta learned that "love is really all
these children (and their birth families!) need." Today, Charles and Noreta spend
a lot of time chatting on the phone with Mandy and the boys. In many ways, they
serve as adopted grandparents. But mainly, they are all just a big family sharing
God's lasting love with each other.
Be part of a child's tomorrow by giving to Agape today. www.agapeforchildren.org/giving.
3
AGAPE STAFF
CONTINUE TO LEARN
L
ast month, Agape’s Program
Manager for Out-of-Home Care,
Jenny Cummings, joined 100+ social
workers, counselors and educators in
Ft. Worth, Texas, for the Trust-Based
Relational Intervention Educator
Training hosted by Dr. Karyn Purvis
and the Child Development Institute
of Texas Christian University. It
was the second year in a row that
Agape has received a scholarship
for training through Show Hope, an
adoption foundation, that partners
with the Child Development Institute
to share TBRI with families and
professionals.
Jenny returned with tons of new
resources to share with Agape staff,
families and hopefully even other
agencies that touch the lives of
vulnerable children. Tools include
DVDs, workbooks, exercises and
group activities. Agape is excited
to share all that has been learned
about how trauma affects growth,
development, sensory systems, and
relationships.
“
Bottom line, relationships have
the power to heal children from
hard places.”
When a child is able to feel safe
and precious, amazing things
can happen! Jenny completes the
remainder of the training online with
TCU this summer. Be on the lookout
for training opportunities.
For more information visit
empoweredtoconnect.org.
ANNOUNCEMENT
For Birmingham Area
Foster Parents:
W
e will have a training event in
Birmingham in January on the
topic of Sexual Safety.
Contact Jenny Cummings at
jcummings@agapeforchildren.org
for more information.
4
ADOPTION CELEBRATION 2014
By Donna Chapman, adoptive mom
his year’s Adoption Celebration was a complete success! DeSoto Caverns was
a great setting for a family day bursting with fun. The sight of happy children
running everywhere was amazing.
George and I adopted both of our children through Agape. So Agape is naturally
very near to our hearts. This event in particular is very important to us as a family.
We feel it is essential for our children to know they are special, and adoption is
truly something to be celebrated!
We look forward to this event every year because it gives us a chance to connect
with other adoptive parents and share ideas and feelings that only adoptive or
foster families fully understand. Through this event we have connected with other
families on a level that is awe-inspiring to us and our children.
Our adoptions are open and we share great times with our birth families. But
this Adoption Celebration was incredible in particular because our oldest child’s
birthmother, her children and husband were able to attend with us. We are truly
blessed! The Chapman family - built by God through Agape!
T
"I Care I Do" was the theme for this
year's Agape Sunday. Everyone was
encouraged to find a way to show
they care for vulnerable children and
women. Ten churches from around the
state participated and raised more than
$78,000 for Agape. We are so thankful for the generosity and outpouring of love
and support for Agape.
HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN A CHILD'S LIFE
F
or the month of November Agape has partnered
with the students at Faulkner University to help
make Agape's mission a reality. Our goal is for each
student participating to raise $127, based on the verse
James 1:27 which describes a partnership between God
and Christians caring for vulnerable children together.
Campaign 1:27 is a way to reach out and help those
in need. We urge you to get involved this holiday season and do what you can to
help make a difference in a child's life.
Give to Agape's 1:27 Campaign by visiting www.agapeforchildren.org
(click on Campaign 1:27 on the right side of the page) or mail in a check to PO
Box 230472, Montgomery, AL 36123.
Campaign
1:27
Together for the Holidays
By Alyssa Long, Administrative Assistant
e have a lot to celebrate! Four families have finalized their adoptions
in the past three months! We rejoice with these families as they have
opened their homes and hearts to these precious children.
The Bridges were ecstatic to welcome their daughter into their home in June.
She is a joy to her parents and big brothers. She is growing and thriving. The
entire family feels incredibly blessed! Congratulations, Bridges family!
Wesley and Cindy Pitts were overjoyed to have Aiden placed in their arms
on their wedding anniversary in April! Aiden is eight months old and a
delight to his parents. Wesley recently said that nothing can compare to the
joy and happiness that Aiden has brought to their lives. Agape was happy
to celebrate Aiden's adoption finalization in August. Congratulations,
Pittslfamily!
Andrew and Megan Welborn welcomed Maddie Drew to their home in
March. Maddie Drew is eight months old and is absolutely adored by her
parents. Her adoption was finalized in September. Megan says it has become
difficult for her and Andrew to remember a time when Maddie Drew was not in
their lives. Congratulations, Welborn family!
Andy and Amanda Simon welcomed Jasmine to their home in March.
Jasmine is loved and adored by her parents and big brother, Zoli. She is
eight months old and has brought so much joy to the Simons' home. Agape
was thrilled to celebrate Jasmine's adoption finalization in October.
Congratulations, Simon family!
"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is
to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs."
Luke 18:16
W
Bridges
Family
Pitts
Family
Welborn
Family
CHRISTMAS COMPASSION PROJECT
T
hanks to so many of you for volunteering to sponsor a child
this Christmas! Wish lists are rolling in for the 54 children
that Agape is serving through the foster care ministry. Christmas
provides us with an extra-special opportunity to show Christ’s love not
only to children, but also to the foster families that serve with us. It is an
opportunity to show them that there is a community of supporters and believers
that care!
Simon
Family
VOLUNTEER Spotlight
AGAPE POINSETTIAS ON SALE NOW!
Y
ou don't want to miss our Agape Poinsettias this year! These plants are HUGE
and so beautiful. It'll instantly make your house feel like Christmas. And what
a great gift it would be!
You may order your poinsettias by contacting Nancy Land, nrland@knology.net
or 334-277-9331. You may choose your colors:
red, white, marble, or pink.
Pickup day will be Friday, December 6,
from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the
Grace Pointe Church on Ray Thorington Rd.
The contact on this day will be Nancy Land at
334-315-0552. Payment is required upon
pickup. The poinsettias are $25.00 each.
K
atie Johnston spent a day at
Agape's office sorting pecans,
loading boxes and serving our Agape
pecan representatives. What a help!
Representatives like Rayla Black,
pictured above left, sell pecans each
year to help raise money to support
Agape's kids. Thank you!
5
MICHELLE AND MARK'S JOURNEY AS FOSTER PARENTS
By Michelle and Mark Young
arly in our marriage our attempts to start a family were hindered by infertility, and we were
considering adoption. Mitch Temple (who at the time was the family minister at Vaughn
Park Church of Christ) introduced us to Carol Esco at Agape. Carol was very supportive and
did a wonderful job of helping us to navigate through the rigors of the adoption process. Shortly
after we were placed on an adoption waiting list God chose to bless us with two wonderful
biological children of our own, but the work that Agape does to heal the lives of hurting people
never left our minds. We believe the purpose of working with the children and families is
simple: to show the love of Christ by offering support and encouragement to the foster children, birth families and adoptive
families with whom Agape works.
Foster care has been very fulfilling to our family. We have seen God at work in the lives of adoptive mothers and fathers
who have been longing for children to love and nurture; birth parents in need of encouragement and second chances; and
precious little babies in need of only love and protection. Our children have been able to see firsthand how He blesses those
who strive to be the hands and feet of Christ. We have met so many amazing and encouraging people through foster care that
our lives will never be the same!
We encourage people to learn more about foster care, then discuss and pray together as a family before making a decision.
Although foster care is a fulfilling way to serve, it does involve sacrifice that should be considered carefully by the whole
family before making a final decision. God will lead you in the direction He needs you to go.
E
AGAPE'S 9TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
T
his year's 9th Annual Golf Tournament was a great success. Agape would like
to give a huge thank you to our sponsors this year. Please make plans to be with
us next year at the Wynlakes Golf Course on October 5, 2015. We look forward to
seeing you there!
Double Eagle Sponsors
Adams Drugs
Ronnie Paulk and Associates
Warrior Roofing
Birdie Sponsors
Berney Office Solutions
Crosby Electric Company
Dale Gentry
Davis Direct
Eternal Networks
Max Credit Union
Norris and Company
That Sauce
WOW
Team Sponsors
Charles Ingram and Friends
Richard Kennamer and Friends
William Phillips & Trey Hayes
Turner Insurance & Bonding
6
Leader Board Sponsor
Copperwing
Beverage Sponsors
Carr, Riggs & Ingram
Centor Prescription Products
Hole Sponsors
AKD
Bank of Tuscaloosa
Centor
Edwards Plumbing & Heating
Gardner Carpet One
Mitch and Cindy Henry
Joe Hudson Collision Center
Kasarjian Insurance and Financial
Tucker Pecan
Wes Cook Tire and Auto
MEMORIALS August 2014-October 2014
In Loving Memory
Glenn Adams
Bobby and Patsy Owens
Raymond Arnett
Bobby and Patsy Owens
Judy Borland
Baptist South Neonatal Nursery
Joan Chew
Bill and Johnnie Clements
Landmark Church of Christ
Emma Jean Lantrip
Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Mills
Dan Schlangen
Linda and Milton Slauson
Tom Conner
Alton and Mable Long
Lou Davison
Vaughn Park Church of Chirst
Imogene DePriest
Wilson DePriest
Cora Jackson Duncan
Jim and Lorraine Russell
Chris Granger
Vaughn Park Church of Christ
Ronald Harlow
Friends, Army Declassification Agency
Merle Haynes
Virginia Hicks and family
Larry and Retta Phillips and family
Pete Helton
Carolyn Helton
Donnie Hilliard
Chuck and Corlene Shaffer
Robert Housch
Wilson and Joyce DePriest
John and Faith Gunn
Carl and Ramona Hopson
David and Martha Jackson
Mildred's Steel Magnolias
Arnold and Elaine McDaniel
Dwight and Deborah Pridgen
Rebecca Shirley
Don and Linda Torode
Paul Hubbert
Genie Springer
Lucy Jackson
Sally and James Thomas
Melba Jackson
Jody Barr
Beth Cline
Mary Gambardella
Annette and Jimmy Huett
Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Keeton
Paul and Debby Scott
Linda and Milton Slauson
Lynne Williams
Forrest Jenkins
Vaughn Park MDO Staff
Freda Jones
Steve and Denise Nelson
Virgil Johnston
Annette and Jimmy Huett
Jimmy Lindsey
Annette and Jimmy Huett
David Edward Lyons, Sr.
Landmark Church of Christ
Richard Man
Sally and James Thomas
Waurine McMillin
Bonnie and Walter Catching
Steven and Lynn Chromey
Judy Cleghorn
Chris and Kathy Craddock
Amber and Tommy Duke
Melodie Ellis
Lexie Emerson
Rob, Raquel, Anna Grace Hardin
David and Jane Horton
Marlea and David Johnson
Myrtice and Knute Johnson
S. Warner and Myrtice Johnson
Ken and Debbie Martin
Jerry and Dana Mayes
Max and Sue Ellen Miller
Bhavini Mody
Kelly and Arlene Morris
Laura Russell
Larry and Yvonne Smith
Mary George and Bud Smith
Donna Weeks
Mike and Cindy Williamson
Betty Jean Miller
Annette and Jimmy Huett
John Owens
Sally and James Thomas
Lillie Taunton Pemberton
Jimmy and Annette Huett
Ann Rickard
Genie Springer
Freida Riddle
Mac and Carol Otts
One of our adoption workers is need
of a laptop. If you are able to meet
this need, please contact Emily at
ewthames@agapeforchildren.org.
AGAPE Staff By Office
Donna Rohm
Joe and Edna Bradshaw
Billy Shirley
Rebecca Shirley
Leo Sloan
Daphne Dickinson
Jeanie Sullivan
Alan and Lynne Boyd
Webster Sullivan
Thomas and Wilkie Norman
Curly Turner
Rebecca Shirley
Louise Vines
Genie Springer
Bill Wallace
Charlena Freeman
Theodore and Betty Jackson
Tania Kimberly
Landmark Church of Christ
Kevin Lawlor
Emma McGuire and family
Joe & Sharon McGuire
Thomas and Wilkie Norman
Richard and Karen Popwell
Dorris, J.A. and Kathy Ransom
Daphie Sellers
Milton and Linda Slauson
Onie Wallace
Christopher Leon Willis
Friends, Versona Accessories
Don Westgate
Landmark Church of Christ
In Honor Of
Jon Harrison
The Warehouse Gang
Audrey Kearby
Mamie Hartley
Sophia Newman
Reggie and Val Brown
BOARD of Directors
Montgomery Office (Main Office)
P.O. Box 230472 | Montgomery, Ala., 36123 | 334.272.9466 | Fax 334.272.0378
Jimmy Dobbs, Executive Director | Amber Duke, Maternity Services Coordinator
Carol Esco, Adoption Specialist | Marlea Johnson, Business Manager
Julie Johnston, Community Outreach Coordinator | Alyssa Long, Office Assistant
Buddy Renahan, Supervisor of Traditional Foster Care | Emily Thames, Director of Operations
Birmingham Office
P.O. Box 36533 | Birmingham, Ala., 35236 | 205.733.9755 | Fax 205.733.9408
Natalie Chambers, Social Worker | Jenny Cummings, Program Manager for Out-of-Home Care
Megan Malinoski, Director of Permanency Planning
Enterprise Office
P.O. Box 311541 | Enterprise, Ala., 36331 | 334.393.1990 | Fax 334.393.0224
Linda Sanders, Social Worker
Ben Blanchard, Chair
Cathy Gerachis
Charles Ingram, Vice Chair
Jason Isbell, Secretary
Morgan Simpson
Mobile Office
P.O. Box 2602 | Daphne, Ala., 36526 | 251.625.1133 | Fax 251.625.1129
Patrice Kenney, Social Worker
Alliance: S.T.A.R. and Continuum Staff
Nancy Guilford, Alliance Social Worker, Montgomery | Emily Herring, Alliance Social Worker, Birmingham
Lea Hunt, Alliance Social Worker, Birmingham | Tamara Lee, Alliance Social Worker, Montgomery
Mark Sullivan, Treasurer
Shana Phillips
7
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Montgomery, AL
Permit #282
Agape of Central Alabama
P.O. Box 230472
Montgomery, AL 36123
334.272.9466
800.239.1020
www.agapeforchildren.org
Return Service Requested
As a ministry of Jesus Christ,
Agape’s mission is that
vulnerable and orphaned
children find permanency in
safe, nurturing families.
CONTACT US IF YOU WOULD LIKE A STACK OF
AGAPE NEWSLETTERS OR BROCHURES FOR YOUR OFFICE.
INFO@AGAPEFORCHILDREN.ORG ● 334-272-9466
Donations Rooted in Love
I would like to make a special contribution to Agape
In Memory of
In Living Honor of
Personal Donation
Name:
Please send notification to:
Name:
Street:
City, ST. Zip:
This gift is from:
Name:
Street:
City, ST. Zip:
Send this form with your donation to Agape: PO Box 230472, Montgomery, AL 36123
or give online at www.agapeforchildren.org.