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Meet Deborah Levy of the Southern Tier Ithaca Adoption Community

By |2021-02-24T15:18:14-05:00December 2nd, 2020|

Right before Covid hit, my daughter had her first “Girls Adoptee Group” meeting. She loved it. But before there could be a second meeting, everything closed down due to the pandemic. The group leader and Coalition Family Support Specialist, Sarah Gotowka, asked if our daughter was interested in virtually meeting with her one on one instead. So over the course of the 9 months that we’ve been in the pandemic, Sarah has been an ever-present source of love in our daughter's life. Our daughter looks forward to the calls where they draw and talk together. After each call, they then mail each other the pictures that they drew. Sarah’s dedication and love during this time amazes us. We're so grateful for her!

Meet Elvira and Calvin Northington of WNYFAPA

By |2021-02-24T15:18:34-05:00November 19th, 2020|

Have you heard what’s happening in Buffalo? We thought you should get to know our Buffalo-based Parent Group, WNYFAPA (that’s Western New York Foster and Adoptive Parent Association). Going strong since 2003, this group has advocated for foster and adoptive families through cooperation and partnership with other agencies in their area.

Meet Elvira and Calvin Northington of WNYFAPA! To provide a time of enjoyment and celebration for their families, Elvira is determined to do WNYFAPA’s holiday celebration this year. She plans on creating a drive-through celebration where she and Calvin can put holiday packages and gifts into foster and adoptive families’ cars as they drive by.

Meet Stephen McCall and Keith McPherson of The Children’s Village Foster Parent Support Group

By |2021-02-24T15:18:50-05:00October 22nd, 2020|

The Children’s Village Foster Parent Support Groups not only provide community for foster parents, but the amazing leaders offer 24/7 support to all of the families they work with. With a “leave no one behind” philosophy, families remain part of the community even after permanency is achieved.

During COVID the group increased their meeting frequency from monthly to weekly so they could better support their foster families. During this crisis, the parent group has also been able to provide parents in need with electronic devices for at home schooling as well as additional funds, gift cards and arts and craft supplies for the children.

Stephen constantly reminds the foster parents “You’re not in this alone” and those that get to know him realize that he speaks the truth!

Meet Chemene and the Long Island Parent Support Group

By |2021-02-24T15:19:01-05:00October 7th, 2020|

My name is Chemene Vizzi and I have been an adoption support group leader on Long Island for 13 years. Throughout those 13 years, AFFCNY has provided Long Island Adoptive Families with essential resources, support and advocacy that we would never have been able to provide. Support groups need support too!

In March 2020, when the world went on lockdown, we realized there was going to be a need for more mental health support in our families. The Coalition guided us to a local professional that was able to join our virtual meetings for a few months. It was important to create a positive environment for our families, parents and children, so we could stay strong during such a difficult time. Sometimes you don’t realize what amazing resources are out there until someone shows you. Our group is here to personally tell you we would never have been able to provide such professional support for our families without The Adoptive and Foster Family Coalition of New York!

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