November is Adoption Awareness month

by Staff Pioneer Times
15 years ago

    Each year, November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. While all adoption-related issues are important, the particular focus of this month is the adoption of children currently in foster care. Activities and celebrations are kicked off with a Presidential Proclamation, and while efforts made at the national level certainly help build awareness of adoption, efforts to raise awareness at the local level may have a greater impact.
    There are currently 142 children in Maine waiting for an adoptive home. People in Aroostook County who are part of the Maine Adoption Awareness Month Committee have several things planned to increase awareness about adoption.
    Signs and Displays will be featured at; Temple Theatre in Houlton,  Houlton Regional Hospital, Daigle Oil Company, Dead River, FA Peabody, Cary Library in Houlton, Caribou Library, and Presque Isle Library.
    Information about adoption will be included in the Maine Parent Federation newsletter and in the Coffee News. Citadel Broadcasting and 102 the Rock will be making public service announcements. Employees at local Pizza Huts will be wearing the National Adoption Month logo on their uniforms. Pizza Huts across Maine display the Heart Gallery Photos of waiting children.
    Several towns including, Houlton, Caribou, Madawaska, and Presque Isle will be issuing proclamations recognizing November as National Adoption Month. The hill outside the Houlton Police Department will feature a large white ribbon with a red heart in the center in recognition of National Adoption Awareness Month.
    On Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. there will be a party celebrating adoption. This party is for children and their adoptive families and will include cupcake decorating for children. This event will take place at both Houlton and Caribou DHHS offices and be connected via ITV. Families interested in finding out more about adoption can contact an Adoption Worker by calling DHHS in Houlton at 532-5000 or Caribou at 493-4000.