While we give thanks for our many blessings, its also a time for thinking about those who are suffering. As many of you know, we are donating 50% of the profits of the calendar sales to charity benefiting children from Guatemala. But this year, Hurricane Stan prompted us to find a way to direct funds to those affected by the Hurricane. We had many emails from adoptive parents and adoption professionals looking for a way to help. So, Guatadopt.com has joined forces with The Johnson Foundation and Hands of Hope creating a fund ESPECIALLY for the children orphaned by the mudslides. While we recognize and even praise the way other organizations have addressed the crisis, this was our way to earmark funds for these children. We have already identified some of the children in need and will be sending assistance shortly. I will also be periodically updating you with general progress of our project in the months to come.
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Posted by Kelly at November 23, 2005 12:55 PMI am glad you decided to send the proceeds to the Hurricane victims. What better way to help the families and orphans. Do you know what provisions have been made to adopt the orphans of the Hurricane? If any?
Thanks so much for all your hard work.
Audra
I cannot say if anything has been done to enable adoption of these children.
In my personal opinion, it is not the immediate priority. Many of the children are traumatized and need counseling. Since neither of the parents made adoption plans, I think its important to evaluate their situation carefully. With the confusion and desperation of the situation, its quite possible that there are a few cases where family members are displaced.
Our goal for this fund is to treat each child as an individual, with a unique set of needs and a unique set of experiences. In summary the needs of the child may vary quite a bit and whether adoption is in their future is not an immediate issue....
At some point, I hope that the professionals in Guatemala will assess whether adoption is in the child's best interest (based on the above statement) and proceed with the legal procedure so that they may join a family.
In lieu of Christmas presents with friends, we make contributions in someone's name. I sent a donation to this group for a friend. Can you tell me if the small calendar will be sent before Christmas? I'd like to send this with the acknowledgment.
Thanks,
Janet