Outreach : FSA meets with birth parents and families, church groups and community groups to share information and dispel myths about adoption.
Education and Support : FSA provides education and support to families involved in the adoption process. The Education Committee organizes training meetings to help adoptive parents to enhance their skills to become the best adoptive parents.
Activities : The Activities Committee plans activities for birth mothers and local FSA chapter for adoptive families, past and present, to promote socialization and support.
{The above information was provided by LDS Family Services Orange County California}
I recently spoke to a group of women who are leaders in the LDS church. I shared what FSA means to me and how it has impacted my life. Below is my presentation . . .
When
my hubby and I first learned about FSA the meetings were required to work
towards adoption. We planned on attending but did not think too much into it.
We felt if we did our part doing all we could Heavenly Father would bless us.
Over
time we began to get to know the other couples attending the meetings and
become more comfortable attending. We were thrilled when we were asked to be a
part of the committee! This meant we would be able to plan the meetings, the
topics, the direction and help get others excited to attend. We have had
incredible spiritual experiences in many of the meetings. Our hearts have
overflowed with love for those involved with FSA. Being able to plan the
meetings has been so helpful in many areas on the topic of adoption. I have
found that most people are not educated on adoption so it has been valuable to
cover topics such as: dealing with the heartbreak of failed placements,
listening first hand to birth mothers, fathers and grandparents share their
perspective, what to expect along the way, adoption and taxes, how to market
yourselves.
By
becoming involved with FSA and being active participating members our adoption
experience was much more pleasant. We found new friends who understand what we
were going through. I was not prepared for the many rude & hurtful comments
that I would receive over the years of us working towards adoption. With the
support and friendship of others who attended FSA I found the strength to
overcome the trials of adoption.
We were able to open up to them in ways I did not ever imagine. We have
gained life long friends. We have had the opportunity to be uplifted by them
and also uplift them during the darkest parts of adoption. I never planned on
making new friends through our adoption experience and I am in awe how Heavenly
Father knows exactly whom we need in our lives at an exact moment in time. I
have learned so much about myself and more importantly I have truly come to
know for myself that our Father in Heaven really does know each of us. His plan
is so much better than any thing I could ever dream up on my own. My heart has
come to love the other couples that are in a similar situation in life and with
out my involvement with FSA I would never have met these friends.
Here
at FSA we try to create an open loving environment, where everyone feels
comfortable and can participate. We want each person to feel that they can make
suggestions on topics to discuss, ask questions about anything from what its
like at the hospital, ideas on birth mother gifts, what to expect at court and
just in general network with the other couples. We want the couples to know
they can invite their friends and help educate them on the topics we discuss as
well.
I
have watched FSA transform over the years in which I have attended. In the beginning I noticed not many
couples came and those that did, did not speak with each other, they would
leave just after the meeting was over.
The couples did not consistently attend the meetings. Now the couples
come and everyone interacts wanting to chat after each meeting. The couples
actually know each other and when someone new comes everyone is excited to meet
them and hear all about them.
People ask questions and interact with the speakers. Couples who have adopted in the past
come and support the new couples.
We all rejoice over good news and our hearts break together over sad
news. We are truly friends here.
I
never ever imagined that I would have an opportunity to be so involved with
adoption. My husband and I have been blessed time and time again through our
involvement with FSA. I encourage all who are considering adoption weather it
be through LDS family services or another organization weather you are
interested in adopting an infant, toddler or older child to come to our
meetings. I can honestly say I have learned something at each meeting and more
importantly I leave filled with the spirit.
