Note: Events with an * are not sponsored by F.F.I.C., but are
cultural or adoption-related events of interest to our F.F.I.C. members. If you would like to suggest an event
to be posted, please e-mail the webmaster.
January 17, 2005: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*January 25, 2005: ADOPTIVE FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK ANNUAL MEETING
For more information
contact Adoptive Family Support Network at adoptive@afsn.org or visit our website at www.afsn.org.
January 29, 2005: HOMELAND TOUR INFORMATIONAL
SESSION
Saturday, 6:30 p.m.
Becca Piper of The Ties Program will be in Grand Rapids to talk about their homeland tours.
The Ties Program is a heritage travel program created especially for adoptive families who would like to see the sites, experience
the culture, and visit people and places of significance related to their child's adoption. Ties currently operates
tours to Korea, China, India, Vietnam, Romania, Guatemala, Peru, Paraguay, Chile and Russia. The Phillippines and Honduras
are being considered. Even if you don't plan to travel to your child's birth country for years, we encourage you to
attend. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! This event is being sponsored by F.F.I.C.
If you have any questions about the tours, you may contact The Ties Program at
800-398-3676 or their website at www.adoptivefamilytravel.com or email at TiesProgram@aol.com
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 E. Fulton SE (E. of the East Beltline)
*February 5, 2005: LIFEBOOK WORKSHOP
Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Childcare is available for children 12 and under. Space is limited. Cost is
$10 per person and includes supplies needed. For more information contact Adoptive Family Support Network at
adoptive@afsn.org or visit their website at www.afsn.org.
Location: Knapp Charter Academy, 1759 Leffingwell, NE, Grand Rapids, MI.
*February 12, 2005: TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION FAIR--CELEBRATING AFRICAN-AMERICAN
CULTURE
Saturday, 10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.
The fair features ethnic food, African-American historical artifacts, hands-on activites
for kids, booths commemorating African-American culture, education opportunities for parents, and live entertainment.
The cost is $6 (in advance)/$10 (at the door) for adults, and children are free. For reservations or more information
contact (616)667-0921. Sponsored by Adoption Associates, Inc.
Location: Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, MI.
February 13, 2005: F.F.I.C. ICE SKATING PARTY
Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $4.00 per person--includes admission, skate rental, pizza, pop and ice cream
in our own private party room.
For more information and to RSVP: Contact Cheryl Wyma by February 7.
Location: Walker Ice and Fitness Center, 4151 Rememberance Rd NW, Grand Rapids.
(South of 3 Mile, North of Leonard and Richmond, just east of Wilson). Phone: (616) 735-6286
*February 17,
2005: AFSN EDUCATIONAL FORUM
"Opening Pandora’s Box: Understanding The Attachment Disordered
Child." Presented by Leah Brouwers, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Registered
Attachment Therapist.
For more information contact Adoptive Family Support Network at adoptive@afsn.org or visit their website at www.afsn.org.
*March 5, 2005: PANEL DISCUSSION: ADOPTING CHILDREN FROM CHINA
Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
The Chinese Culture Group of Greater Grand Rapids is holding this discussion panel for those
who are still in the process of assembling their paperwork or preparing to travel and those who are already facing the challenges
of raising adopted children. Free babysitting and cultural activities will be provided, as will free snacks and beverages.
An optional pizza party for parents and children will immediately follow the discussion (suggested donation of $5 per family).
For more information and to RSVP (by March 1) contact Debbie at (616)897-6404 or EditorDAS@aol.com.
Location: St. Luke Lutheran Church, 3215 Four Mile Rd. NE (at the Beltline),
Grand Rapids, MI.
*March 17, 2005:
AFSN EDUCATIONAL FORUM
"The Challenges of Relinquishment in the Life of the
Adopted". Presented
by Ronald Nydam, PhD
For more information contact Adoptive Family Support Network at adoptive@afsn.org or visit their website at www.afsn.org.
March 21, 2005: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*April 12, 2005: "RAISING HEALTHY FAMILIES" ADOPTIVE FAMILY SUPPORT
GROUP
An 8-week support group meeting Tuesday evenings. Facilitated by Susan McFarland.
Child care is available and registration is required.
For more information contact Adoptive Family Support Network at adoptive@afsn.org or visit their website at www.afsn.org.
*April 14, 2005: "UNDERSTANDING TRANS-RACIAL ADOPTION FROM THE ADOPTEES
PERSPECTIVE"
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Presented by a panel of domestic and international adoptees, who will talk about their experiences
of growing up with a family of a different race. Registration is required and child care is available.
For more information contact Adoptive Family Support Network at adoptive@afsn.org or visit their website at www.afsn.org.
*April 15, 2005: "HURRY UP AND RELAX" ADOPTIVE MOM'S SUPPORT GROUP
An 8-week support group meeting Wednesday mornings. Facilitated by Susan McFarland.
For more information contact Adoptive Family Support Network at adoptive@afsn.org or visit their website at www.afsn.org.
*May 14, 2005: CELEBRATING GUATEMALAN CULTURE
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Download flyer here.
Cost: $10.00 for adults in advance, $15.00 at the door, Children under 12 free
Hosted by Adoption Associates, Inc. Call 616.667.0921 to RSVP by April 29, 2005
Location: Sunshine Community Church, 3300 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids, MI
May 16, 2005: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
June 21-24, 2005:
HERITAGE CAMP
Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Registration information will be mailed to members and will also be available on this site. Please
check back soon for more information.
Location: Northern Trails Middle School, 3775 Leonard NE, Grand Rapids.
June 25, 2005: INTERNATIONAL
ADOPTION NIGHT AT THE WHITECAPS
Saturday, 7:00 p.m.
Attend a West Michigan Whitecaps baseball game with your F.F.I.C. friends, which corresponds with Adoption
Associates, Inc. International Adoption Night. Stay for a spectacular fireworks show after the game! Tickets are
$7.00 (children under 2 do not need a ticket). Contact Carrie Soltisiak to order tickets. Reservations must be received by May 25.
July 25,
2005: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
September 9, 2005: ADOPTIVE MOM'S SUPPORT GROUP
Fridays, 10:00-1:30 a.m.
A 10-week support group for adoptive moms hosted by AFSN. Cost to participate is $20/mom
and $20 per child. The group is limited to 10 women, so register early!
Childcare is available, reservations are required. Contact Adoptive Family Support
Network to register at adoptive@afsn.org or (616)458-7945.
Location: Sunshine Community Church, 3300 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids.
*September 15, 2005: ADOPTIVE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL FORUM
Book Discussion: "Parenting the Hurt Child" by Dr. Gregory Keck
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Childcare is available, reservations are required. Location to be announced.
Contact Adoptive Family Support Network to register at adoptive@afsn.org or (616)458-7945.
September 20, 2005: "RAISING HEALTHY FAMILIES" PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30-8:00 p.m., begins Sept. 20.
This group will provide parents with an opportunity to share about the challenges they face
and offer ideas on raising healthy and happy adopted children. Childcare available, registration required. Cost
is $20 per parent/couple and $20 per child. Contact Adoptive Family Support Network to register at adoptive@afsn.org
or (616)458-7945.
*September 22, 2005: PARENTING DIFFERENTLY WORKSHOP
September 22 and 29, October 6 and 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
AFSN and Spectrum Health are sponsoring an opportunity to learn about the many ways your
child's brain has been altered by pre-natal alcohol exposure. Parents will learn parenting strategies and about working
with schools. You are encouraged to bring anyone who spends time with your child. Workshop presenter: Barbara
Wybrecht, BSN, PSN.
Childcare is available, reservations are required. Location to be announced.
Contact Adoptive Family Support Network to register by September 12 at adoptive@afsn.org or (616)458-7945.
September 26, 2005: F.F.I.C. BOARD
MEETING
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
*September 26, 2005: LIFEBOOK WORKSHOP
Monday, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Reservations required. Call Sunshine Church (616)364-4242 to register after September
1. Fee.
Location: Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids.
*October 1, 2005: "IF YOU WERE MINE" ADOPTION WORKSHOP
Family Life is sponsoring this one-day "If You Were Mine" workshop at Kentwood Community
Church, devoted to answering questions about adoption from a Christian perspective. $20 per person includes lunch. Register
NOW or obtain more information online at www.familylife.com/hopefororphans or by calling 1-800-FL-TODAY.
October 8, 2005: F.F.I.C. FALL HAYRIDE
Saturday, 5:00 p.m.
We will begin with a 30 minute hayride, after which we will roast hot dogs over a roaring
bonfire. There will also be marshmallows and hot chocolate. A straw bale maze, kids' play area and animal barns
will also be available for our entertainment. Cost: Ages 8 and Up: $5.00, Ages 2-7: $3.00, FREE for children under
age 2. RSVP with full payment by October 1. Contact Amy Bronkema to RSVP and arrange for payment.
Location: Post Family Farm, 5081 Bauer Road, Hudsonville, MI
*October 20, 2005: ADOPTIVE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL FORUM
Adult adoptee panel and discussion based on "Adoptees Come of Age by Dr. Ron Nydham.
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Childcare is available, reservations are required. Location to be announced.
Contact Adoptive Family Support Network to register at adoptive@afsn.org or (616)458-7945.
*October 24, 2005: LIFEBOOK WORKSHOP
Monday, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Reservations required. Call Sunshine Church (616)364-4242 to register after October
1. Fee.
Location: Sunshine Community Church in Grand Rapids.
*October 29, 2005: KALAMAZOO RUSSIAN FESTIVAL
Saturday
Obtain more information at www.russianfestival.org
Location: Fetzer Center on the Western Michigan University campus.
*November 10, 2005: ADOPTIVE FAMILY EDUCATIONAL FORUM
Topic: "Are you thinking about adopting?" An open community forum to discuss
the issues to consider.
Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Childcare is available, reservations are required. Location to be announced.
Contact Adoptive Family Support Network to register at adoptive@afsn.org or (616)458-7945.
*November 15, 2005: LOVE AND LOGIC SOLUTIONS FOR DIFFICULT KIDS
Tuesday, 8:30-2:30
Educators and parents, spend a day with the legendary Jim Fay and learn time-tested, research-based
techniques to remove the stress of arguing, teasing and back talk, stop struggles and defiance over schoolwork, chores, etc.,
maintain healthy relationships with really tough kids, teach character, responsibility and self-discipline while raising test
scores, and help you take good care of yourself while doing all these easy steps.
Cost is $99. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Volunteer opportunities
are available. For more information call 800-338-4065 or visit www.loveandlogic.com.
Location: Sunshine Community Church, 3300 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids.
*November 18, 2005: ADOPTION CELEBRATION, 2005
Friday, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Join fellow adoptive and foster families for an evening of celebration, fun and food.
Location: Grand Rapids Children's Museum
Contact Adoptive Family Support Network for more information at adoptive@afsn.org or (616-458-7945.
*November, 2005: THE MICHIGAN HEART GALLERY
A traveling photographic exhibit featuring some of the Michigan children waiting for adoption.
The exhibit will also feature photographs of families who have adopted children from the foster care system. The main
exhibit will open at the Michigan State Capitol in November and travel throughout Michigan until mid-2006. It is a cooperative
effort of the Adoptive Family Support Network and the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange with the support of the Michigan
Department of Human Services.
For more information about the Heart Gallery, contact AFSN at www.afsn.org or (616)458-7945.
November ,
2005: F.F.I.C. BOARD MEETING
Monday, 7:30 p.m.
Everyone welcome to attend. Please contact Amy Bronkema for directions.
December 10, 2005: F.F.I.C. HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Please check back for more details, or contact Amy Bronkema to volunteer.
December 10, 2005: F.F.I.C. FAMILIES MEET JIM PAEK
Jim Paek is the assistant coach of the Grand Rapids Griffens. Jim was born in Korea,
but at the age of one moved to Canada, where he learned to play hockey. Jim becamse the first Korean-born player in
the NHL and the first to win the Stanley Cup (while playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins). Enjoy a reception with
Jim, including autographs, and a hockey game between the G.R. Griffens and Cleveland Barons.
