In support of our Non-Profit Affiliate Member, the Greater Boston Business Council would like our members and the GLBT Community to know about an educational and informative gathering on adoption.

In Massachusetts, more than 600 children and teens in state foster care are waiting for adoption into permanent loving families. School-aged children, sibling groups, children of color and children with special needs tend to wait the longest for families. MARE’s Adoption Parties provide a relaxed setting where waiting children and adults hoping to build their families can meet. Participants can also learn about the adoption process and support resources available, as well as financial subsidies for which children adopted from foster care may be eligible.

Adults Invited to Attend Free Adoption Programs in Dorchester on February 11th and 28th The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and the Department of Children & Families (DCF) invite adults interested in adopting from foster care to attend two informative events in February. Anyone interested in adoption, from beginners to experienced adoptive parents, is welcome to attend either or both of these free events.

Multi-Cultural Adoption Party, Sunday, February 28, 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM, at the Blue Hills Boys and Girls Club, 15 Talbot Ave., Dorchester, MA 02125 This event focuses on finding permanent families for children of color. All families are welcome. An orientation session will be held at 3:00 PM to help families make the best use of this event, immediately followed by an information session about adopting from foster care. At 3:30 PM, the party activities begin for adults and waiting children of all ages. Join youngsters in activities such as arts and crafts, basketball, and table games. The adoption party gives prospective parents the chance to interact with adoptable children in these low-key, informal activities. Social workers and seasoned adoptive parents will also be on hand to speak with prospective families. Attendees should dress casually. Refreshments will be served.

To RSVP for the Information Meeting and/or the Adoption Party contact MARE at 617-54-ADOPT (542-3678). To learn more about adoption from foster care, call or visit www.mareinc.org. MARE is a private, non-profit organization, working since 1957 to find a “place to call HOME” for CHILDREN in foster care, including sibling groups and children who are traditionally harder to place. We do this by recruiting, educating, supporting and advocating for FAMILIES throughout the adoption process.