National Adoption Month 2020
National Adoption Month is Here!
Check out the calendar below to see some of the posts, serries, and connections we have planned.
Check out the calendar below to see some of the posts, serries, and connections we have planned.
A FREE two-day online training equipping the Church to help vulnerable children.
Everyone is welcome to experience cultures from around the world at Fairhope’s Big World Bash, hosted by Children of the World on Saturday, Nov 9th at the Fairhope Pier. The day kicks off with a “Fun Run, Walk, Bike” race - followed by an international BASH with hands-on experiences from India, China, Eastern Europe, Central America, South America, Africa, and more!
It’s that time again! Our 2nd annual Motherhood Tea & Children’s Fashion Show is upon us.
The afternoon of Sunday, June 9th at Little Point Clear
On April 5th and 6th, The Forgotten Initiative is partnering with 3Circle Church (NORTH CAMPUS in Daphne) for another amazing weekend of training through Empowered to Connect.
The Empowered to Connect Conference is a two-day simulcast event presented by Show Hope. Experience practical teaching in a safe and supportive community as we work to equip families, churches, and professionals to better serve children impacted by adoption and foster care.
This year’s conference includes Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) methods developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross from the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development, which exists to bring attachment and connection in families.
Tickets can be purchased using the following link:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empowered-to-connect-simulcast-tickets-54938445369?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
If you are a social worker, or other professional requiring CEUs, please register on BOTH the link above AND the following link to get your credited hours.
The cost is only $10! Conference sessions will be held from 9am-5pm on Friday, April 5th, and Saturday, April 6th. All participants are highly encouraged to attend both session days. Light refreshments will be provided during breaks throughout the event, with lunch breaks scheduled from 12-1:30 pm both days.
And what an incredible event it was!
This will be a magical evening. The festival and "community dessert party" start at 5:00pm in the Fairhope Community Park!
Family friendly games, activities, and Bollywood music will continue until 7:00pm.
No ticket or admission required to attend the festival! Children of the World will provide family activities, entertainment, games, and drinks for the dessert party. Attendees are asked to bring any seating they wish to use (chairs or blankets) and a dessert to share.
All are welcome to come and have a blast at this magical family event! Please continue to read below.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.
John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
At the festival, there will be an opportunity to take part in an activity that demonstrates how impactful your "light" is in this world. Specifically, families will be able to see how they impact our community. This will be beautiful and meaningful! We can't wait for you to see!
We will have Children's "glow kits" available to purchase for $5.00 each.
Kits include: 1 glowing helium balloon, glow stick necklaces & bracelets, and 1 ticket for henna. Individual glowing helium balloons and tickets for henna will also be available for $3.00 each.
ALL PROCEEDS will be donated to support the Valdez Family as their daughter fights against Childhood Cancer. To learn more about how you can support Ankitha and her parents, please visit the links below:
#AnkithaStrong Tshirt Fundraiser
John 8:12 When Jesus spoke again to the people He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Dessert Party - Last year our community came prepared! It was incredible to see what everyone brought. We saw goodies of all types (American Cuisine, Indian Inspired, Store Bought, and Homemade)
This year we are adding a little competition! Prize bags will be given for the "best looking" and "best tasting" desserts of the night.
Whether you want to bring beautifully decorated cookies or a bag of Oreos - all will be welcome and all will be enjoyed! Don't have time to make or pick up anything? That's fine too! There will be plenty to share. Just come join the fellowship with your community!
We had such a blast last year! And plan to have even more fun this year!
So, gather your friends & family, enjoy a little Indian culture, and witness how your family's light makes an impact.
We hope you plan to join us again this year!
The best way to prepare for the coming change to your family structure is through education. The UAB International Adoption Clinic (IAC) offers comprehensive seminars which address medical, developmental, attachment, and identity issues that they commonly see with children who have been adopted. In addition, they also discuss practical matters such as traveling, assimilating your new family/how to talk with relatives and friends about adoption, choosing a pediatrician, and a parent panel discussion. This is a great time to glean wisdom from those who have gone before you. These seminars are for both domestic and international adoptions and are offered 3 times each year.
The upcoming Adoption Bootcamp Seminar is on September 22, 2018 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church at 5080 Cahaba Valley Terrace, Birmingham, AL 35242. The cost is $150 per family (up to 4 attendees).
If you are interested in attending, you can register by contacting their office by phone at 205-638-6964 or by email at adoption@peds.uab.edu.
WE’RE NOT ALL CALLED TO DO THE SAME THING, BUT WE ARE ALL CAPABLE OF DOING SOMETHING
When it comes to serving the orphaned and vulnerable, this can be the mantra of your church and the foundation of the foster care, adoption and orphan care ministry you establish – everyone can do something! With over 600 children in Mobile and Baldwin County in foster care, imagine how these lives will end up if the church chooses not to respond. What if our community of believers decided that we would be the first to respond in caring for families in crisis? How would the Kingdom of God be impacted? Join us September 19 for “Everyone Can Do Something” Conference! You’ll learn how engaging your church in orphan care ministry will breathe life into it like never before. To register for this event, click here.
** Your $15 registration fee includes lunch and a copy of Jason Johnson’s book Everyone Can Do Something: A Field Guide for Strategically Rallying Your Church Around the Orphaned and Vulnerable
Children of the World has long sought ways to impact children and families in our local community and now we have the technology platform to help us do just that! CarePortal brings the needs of children and families in your community to the attention of your local church. Child welfare workers uncover the needs and CarePortal makes local churches aware, giving them a real-time opportunity to respond.
CarePortal is already active in 14 other states, but on June 14th, Children of the World will launch CarePortal in Alabama, making it the 15th active state! Whether your church is already enrolled or simply interested in learning more, you are invited to join us for the CarePortal Launch Event!
The Launch Event will take place at Bella Sera Gardens from 12:00-1:30 PM on June 14th. Lunch will be provided by Children of the World. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP by clicking the button below and registering online--it's free!
Join Children of the World families on Saturday, June 2nd at the Five Rivers Delta Center for an opportunity to celebrate Indian culture and fellowship with one another. The annual picnic unites families from across states. Whether you're a long time supporter of COTW, new to the party, or interested in learning what we're all about - come on by! Bring a dish to share, drinks, chairs or a blanket to sit on, bug spray and sunscreen. Indian musicians, henna artists, Indian dancers and more are on deck for entertainment. It's an afternoon of family fun that can not be missed.
The fun and entertainment will kick off at 11:00. Staff will be available at 10:30. So, come on by and get settled in when you are ready!
Click HERE for a map and driving directions. We will be setup in the Picnic Pavilion Area.
Sunscreen and bug spray are two additional "must haves" for any South Alabama picnic!
We will have a few lawn games setup, along with the Indian Entertainment scheduled. You are welcome to bring additional games if you wish.
Our First Year was a Success!
Thank you so much to all who participated, supported, and sponsored our first annual Motherhood Tea and Children's Fashion Show. We all enjoyed ourselves and look forward to next year!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 19th, 2019!
Click Here to see our event program.
The information contained below remains on our website for archival purposes and the enjoyment of remembering details of past events!
Held at the Historic Battle House Hotel on Sunday, May 20th @ 2pm, this will be the first annual Motherhood Tea and Children’s Fashion Show benefit, supporting Children of the World Adoption and Relief Agency. Showcasing “no matter how Motherhood comes to you, it is a blessing”, the event is open to all.
Tickets are sold in advance and include three course tea experience, fashion show, and shopping with exclusive local boutiques in the vendor pre-function area.
Battle House Executive Chef, Marty Pollock, and his team has created a beautiful menu for the event. Event Menu
Shopping to include - Matilda Jane Children's and Ladies Boutique Clothing and Accessories, Professional Photo Op by local photographer Cassie Davis, Artwork by Becky Jones, Hand-decorated sweets by Sandy's Southern Sweets, and a display of Usborne Books & More with Jacquelyn Wilson.
Cost is $35.00 per. Tickets may be purchased online or by order form.
Businesses, Organizations, and families are all welcome to place an ad in our event program. Click below to find more about how you can advertise or create a special "Thank You" for mothers in your life!
Fashion Show is open to all children 18 months to high school senior, either gender.
Participants may enroll individually or as pair, example: siblings may walk together. Mothers are also welcome to walk with their children. Entry fee is $35.00.
There are fantastic prizes to earn for participants that raise support funds for Children of the World..... Beach condo for a weekend anyone?
For more information please visit the FAQ page by clicking below
For media and sponsorship inquiries, please contact MaryBeth Rouse at marybeth@childrenoftheworld.com
Led by Empowered To Connect, together with Show Hope and The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development at TCU, this conference is ideal for adoptive and foster parents, those considering adoption or foster care, and those who are serving and supporting these families (including social workers, agency professionals, church staff and ministry leaders, counselors, therapists and others all involved in adoption and foster care ministries or services).
A simulcast version of this event will be hosted at 3Circle Church's South Campus in Fairhope in the Children's Room. The cost is only $10. Conference sessions will be held from 9am-5pm on Friday, April 13th, and Saturday, April 14th. All participants are highly encouraged to attend both session days. Light refreshments will be provided during breaks throughout the event, with lunch breaks scheduled from 12-1:30pm both days.
Social workers are eligible to receive continuing education credit for their participation. To receive CECs, you must Register for CECs
All are welcome to join Children of the World celebrate family, Chinese culture, and community. Come line the streets Saturday morning, February 10th @ 10:00am to cheer on a parade of precious children and their families! Catch beads, moon-pies, and other throws - without the huge crowds! (It's an excellent way to give little ones the "parade" experience, in a safe and controlled environment)
Be sure to stick around for more fun and activities afterwards. The celebration continues with lunch, activities, and entertainment at the Fairhope United Methodist Church.
Parade Details:
The parade begins in front of Fairhope United Methodist Church, at the intersection of Nichols and Section Street. Parade participants will begin lining up at 9:30. Children of all ages are welcome to participate in the parade, but must be accompanied by an adult and must provide their own "throws".
Floats - Decorated Wagons and Bicycles are always a big hit and easy for families to manage. All types of "man-powered" or "kid-powered" floats are seen and enjoyed by the crowd. Of course, just walking and tossing is equally fun! Please, no motorized floats - so that we can keep in compliance with the city's ordinances.
Community Event Following the Parade:
Stay after the parade for the best bowl of gumbo you've ever eaten! (yes, we know... Gumbo is the least "Chinese" dish ever. But, our own Reggie Bryant makes the best gumbo in the world. So, why not?) Non-seafood options will be available too.
And just in case the gumbo wasn't enough... Live Entertainment, Kid-Friendly Art Projects, Family Activities, and More will be available to entertain you.
Oh... and did we mention that we will be raffling off a football signed by Nick Saban? Well, we are!
So, come and be a part of this time-honored tradition with us.
All proceeds will benefit our local and international mission efforts.
We invite all to come enjoy a beautiful evening with members of the COTW staff. Bond with families at all stages of the adoption process. Or come to learn more about Children of the World and International Adoption.
This is a casual and relaxed event for families to gather, fellowship, and experience Indian Culture. Activities will begin at the park with desserts, fun, and a Bollywood dance instructor. At 7:45, the group will make their way to Fairhope Pier and release family lanterns over Mobile Bay.
Saturday, October 21st, 2017
The party will begin at Fairhope Community Park (105 South Church St, Fairhope, AL) and end with releasing lanterns at Fairhope Pier over Mobile Bay.
6:00 pm - Gather at Fairhope Community Park to enjoy desserts and festivities
7:45 pm - Group will make their way to the Fairhope Pier (south park, to the left of the pier)
8:00 pm - Releasing lanterns over Mobile Bay
Children of the World will be providing drinks, paper products, and a lantern for each family to release at the end of the night.
Please bring a dessert to share and lawn chairs for your family members.
Purchase your shirt from the link below. Shirts can be shipped directly to you or to COTW office for pickup. Shirts will be available until September 29th, to allow plenty of time for production and shipment.
This is our organizations largest and longest running fundraiser and all are welcome and invited to attend! All proceeds benefit Children of the World's international adoption and relief efforts both locally and abroad.
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Fairhope United Methodist Church (115 South Section Street), in and around the Wesley Hall area
10:00 AM parade through downtown Fairhope, followed by lunch, silent auction, and kids' activities
Gumbo, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, salad, and hot dog plates for kids
Adult plates $10 and children's plates $5
Parade and kids' activities are free to attend
Donations welcomed and encouraged