Moments of loss, pain, and suffering have a way of putting everything else into perspective. Over the past week, as Hurricane Dorian has caused chaos, destruction and loss across the Carribean Islands and the southern United States, many of us have held our breath, praying and hoping for safety for all those in harm’s way.
The aftermath has been particularly painful for the Bahamas, where more than 43 people have lost their lives and over 70,000 are now homeless. For many of us, seeing these stats on the news is particularly heartbreaking, because it seems like there’s so little we can do. As painful as reality can be, here at Choice, we’re seeking to find new and innovative ways to empower and provide life for the most vulnerable.
Many people are shocked to find out that “On any given day, there are nearly 443,000 children in foster care in the United States.” Families who are unable to parent their children suffer the risk of losing their child to a system that is outside of their control. And sadly, many parents don’t realize that they have another choice: Private Open Adoption.
"Many of these vulnerable parents have been in the system themselves as children and would do anything to keep their child out of foster care, but they simply do not know that there is another option the state allows: Private Open Adoption. " (3/4) — Choice Adoptions (@ChoiceAdoptions) September 10, 2019
"If families in the child welfare assessment stage can be systematically informed that Private Open Adoption is an alternative to relinquishing their child (voluntarily or involuntarily) to foster care, I think we can make a huge difference in our culture." (4/4) — Choice Adoptions (@ChoiceAdoptions) September 10, 2019
We want to help parents who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy or are unable to parent to know that they have options. The choice is theirs. One of the most painful things thrown at families who suffer from natural disasters, like Hurricane Dorian, is that they had no choice in the matter. They can’t change or control the weather, and sometimes they are unable to even safely flee or evacuate their home.
It is our desire to help provide a choice for as many people as we possibly can. That is why we will continue to support pregnant moms. We will continue to support kids in foster care. We will not give up. And we’ll find new and innovative ways to support those in need, which is why we’re standing behind Mercy Corps, another Portland-based organization, who is doing tremendous work supporting those most affected by Hurricane Dorian.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families effected by Hurricane Dorian 💙 Mercy Corps, based out of Portland, OR, are doing some amazing relief work. Learn more about how you can help here 👇 https://t.co/laNijeusrF — Choice Adoptions (@ChoiceAdoptions) September 6, 2019
If you have questions about how to support women experiencing crisis pregnancies or children in foster care, please connect with us on our website. And if you’re looking for ways to support those experiencing great loss in the Bahamas, the greater Carribean and the southern United States, you can connect with them here.