Adoption Ministry Annual Report January 2011

Prepared By Michaelyn Sloan

I sporadically continue to receive referrals from Orthodox priests (throughout the US) of families interested in international adoption. Overall, fewer families are pursuing doption as an option in family building, due in large part to the economy, but also the closure of several foreign countries as well.

The summer host program (Bridge of Hope for Russian Children) had three participants in the Chicago area this past summer and Fr. Alexander Lukashonak's wife, Oksana, provided translation. She also escorted four of the Russian children to Chicago and then back to New York where they joined the other host children for travel back to Russia. All three host families are in the process of adopting the four children.

On February 22, 2011 I will be doing an information meeting in Downers Grove for families interested in hosting a Russian orphan through the Bridge of Hope for Russian Children program in the summer. Lana Lynch and Julia Wojcik have offered to once again assist, as has Oksana Lukashonak.