Families For International Children (FFIC) began in 1979 when a few families who had adopted internationally saw a need to share information, support one another, and keep their children in contact with others from their country of birth.  Group members have adopted from many different countries, including (but not limited to) Belarus, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, El Salvador, Georgia Republic, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Romania, Russia, South Korea, Ukraine, U.S.A. and Vietnam.  In all, FFIC serves over 300 families in West Michigan and beyond.

FFIC is a great place for parents and kids, adopted and biological, to make friends.  Our social events have included beach picnics, West Michigan Whitecaps games, hayrides, Christmas parties, ice skating, Eastern European celebrations and Asian New Year celebrations.

We are especially known for our Heritage Camp, which is held each June.  Day campers attend sessions to learn the language, arts, customs, clothing, games, and foods of their birth countries.  There are classes for Eastern European and other former Soviet countries, Chinese, Latin-American, and Korean children.  Other cultures will be added as the need and volunteers arise.  We also have multicultural preschool and teen camps.  All together nearly 200 volunteers make this camp possible for over 300 kids each year.

FFIC hopes to increase awareness of the fact that adoption builds families in a most special way.  In November 2003, FFIC held its first-ever International Adoption Fair for the public.  The successful event was attended by nearly 150 families, many of whom were just beginning to look into adoption or were in the process.  The Fair provided informational booths and seminars by 18 adoption-related agencies and organizations, as well as adoptive parents.    

At  general meetings each year we have guest speakers on issues such as schools and adoption, adopting from specific countries, making family trips to birth countries and other topics of interest to adoptive families.  Our goal is to provide information to prospective parents and adoptive families, as well as to educate the community at large. 

FFIC is a non-profit group and is not related to any religious, governmental or adoption placement organization.

We are a volunteer-driven organization!  Board meetings are open to everyone.  All input and suggestions of any kind are welcome.  If you would like to become more involved in FFIC, please Contact Us.