2013 Adoption Calendar

2013 Adoption Calendar STARK COUNTY

JOB &

FAMILY S E R V I C E S

“Making a Difference in Our Community”

I am pleased to present to you our 2013 Adoption Calendar. The calendar features 15 of our youth who are available for adoption and hoping to join a permanent family in 2013.

What is Adoption?

Adoption is a legal process that creates a lifelong relationship between parents and children not born to them. After the adoption is approved, the adoptive parents receive an adoption decree and a birth certificate, acknowledging the child as a legal family member with all the rights and privileges of a birth child.

What are the requirements to become an adoptive parent?

• In the state of Ohio, you must be at least 18 years old to adopt.

• You may be single, married, divorced, or widowed.

• If you are married, you must be married or living together for at least one year.

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What is the first step in adopting a child?

The first step in becoming an adoptive parent is to contact the agency recruitment line at 330-451-8789. You will be asked some basic information regarding yourself and your family. After the inquiry, a licensing specialist will meet with you in your home to provide you with information about the adoption program. You will be required to attend 38 hours of training.

Home Study Process:

The home study process is actually an assessment of your home and family. It entails many different components such as home inspections, criminal background checks, interviews, reference letters, and training.

What are the financial requirements?

• You must be self-sufficient (able to meet the needs of your family) • There is no home ownership requirement • Financial assistance may be available through subsidies

The release of the calendar coincides with our new Heart Gallery exhibit and National Adoption Awareness Month in November. The calendar allows us to celebrate our youth year-round.

As you flip through the pages each month, take a moment to get to know each child or sibling group. These are exceptional kids who want and deserve a loving family. You may be that family, or you may know someone who is considering adoption.

Thank you to the local artists who helped to make this calendar possible. From the original photo shoot to seeing the final artwork, it has been a great experience for everyone involved.

SCJFS wishes you the best in the upcoming year. Make 2013 even better by becoming someone special to a child in need. If you have ever considered fostering or adopting a child, call us at 330-451-8789 or visit our web site at www.starkjfs.org.

Sincerely, Julie Barnes, M.Ed., LSW Executive Director

Heart Gallery Dedication, December 1, 2011. (Leftright) SCJFS Children Services Division’s Brent Hite, marketing specialist; Nedra Petro, Deputy Director and Nancy Jobe, Program Administrator; with local artist, Mitzi Phillips and design specialist, Chris Kircher.

Stark County Job & Family Services, Children Services Division and Project KARE have partnered with the Canton Art Community to celebrate National Adoption Awareness month in November and raise awareness of the critical need for adoptive families in our community.

Stark County Heart Gallery “Art with a Heart” exhibit features local children currently waiting for an adoptive family and will travel throughout Stark County during the month of November.

It is our hope the children depicted in beautiful art, created by local artists, will inspire families to envision themselves as potential adoptive families and forever change the life of a child. This year’s Heart Gallery is supported by Project KARE, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

For more information, please contact Nancy Jobe at (330) 451-8842 or Brent Hite at (330) 451-8882 Special thanks to Tim Belden...founder and owner, Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography & Todd Walburn & Brennis Booth...founders and owners, 2nd April Galerie & Studios.

Heart Gallery Private Viewing at Joseph Saxton Gallery of Photography, November 4, 2011.

Nick & George

Art by Raven Centrone

Art by Megan Mars

These siblings are full of character, charm and determination. Both George and Nick enjoy sports and will quickly join a competition of almost any kind. They are funny, sweet, and both want forever homes. George and Nick know the importance of being brothers and are very hopeful to find a forever family where they can grow up together.

January Sunday

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New Year’s Day SCJFS Offices Closed

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Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday SCJFS Offices Closed

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www.StarkJFS.org

Mariah Mariah is a cheerful, friendly, and energetic young lady. When she gets to know you, Mariah loves to talk and enjoy good conversation. She loves to do typical girl things like paint her nails, put on make-up and dress in fashionable clothes.

Mariah enjoys making friends with other children in the neighborhood. She especially loves to shop and do fun things.

She also has fun playing video games.

Art by Sharon Charmley

February Sunday

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When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

Saturday

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Groundhog Day

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Valentine’s Day

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President’s Day SCJFS Offices Closed

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Zi’Keyious Zi’Keyious has a close relationship to his older sister and would love to find a family for both of them. Zi’Keyious is an energetic and imaginative child who loves to joke and play.

He enjoys singing and dancing to Michael Jackson and creating projects such as building airplanes. Zi’Keyious adores animals and has a special interest in dinosaurs.

Art by Genevieve Thompson

March Sunday

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When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

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For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

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March is National Professional Social Work Month.

Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the country due to an increased need for health and aging related services, as well as child, family and school-based supports. Social workers have been instrumental in achieving civil rights and human rights advances in the United States and across the globe for more than a century.

In celebration of these contributions, hospitals, schools, businesses, military branches, elected officials and numerous community organizations honor local social workers at award ceremonies, professional conferences, and media events throughout March.

For more information about the impact of social work or National Professional Social Work Month activities, visit SocialWorkMonth.org.

Daylight Savings

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St. Patrick’s Day

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Easter Sunday (31)

Spring Begins

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Passover Begins

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Good Friday

Austin Austin is very sweet and has a great personality. More than anything, Austin loves BMX biking. When he isn’t riding, he spends time taking his bike apart and buying new parts to make it the best it can be. Austin also enjoys listening to rock music and hanging out with his friends. Austin excels in graphic design and after graduating from high school, he hopes to open a tattoo shop.

Art by Tim Carmany

April Sunday

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April Fool’s Day

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Wear Blue to Work

April is National Child Abuse & Neglect Awareness Month

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When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

To report suspected abuse or neglect in Stark County, call 330-455-KIDS (5437).

Earth Day

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For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

John John is an outgoing and talkative boy. He loves listening to music and enjoys playing outside. John is very thoughtful as he always wants to help others. He also does an excellent job completing his chores.

Art by Tim Belden

May Sunday

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Cinco de Mayo

12 May is National Foster Care Month For more information in Stark County call 330-451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

Armed Forces Day

Mother’s Day

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Memorial Day SCJFS Offices Closed

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Tavionn

With a sweet and friendly demeanor, Tavionn easily makes friends even in new situations. Tavionn likes to be active, often times engaging others in a friendly competition of basketball or other sports. Tavionn has many interests which include playing various sports, riding his skateboard or bicycle, playing ping pong and swimming. Tavionn also likes to draw and write stories.

Art by Pam Neff

June Sunday

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When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

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Remember Me?

Flag Day

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Father’s Day

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My name is Aryanna.

I was featured in last year’s calendar and I’ve been adopted, thanks to loving people like you.

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Summer Begins

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Stephanie, Jance & Sean Stephanie, Jance and Sean are siblings who are full of personality and energy and would like to grow up together.

Jance likes to joke around, dance, listen to music and play sports. Sean is a friendly child who loves to play dress up, build blocks, and watch cartoons.

Stephanie is spunky, inquisitive, outgoing and always smiling.

She loves Barbie dolls, princesses and playing with other kids. All three enjoy swimming and playing outside.

Art by Barbara Gates

Art by Vicki Boatright

July Sunday

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Independence Day SCJFS Offices Closed

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Art by Brennis Booth

Parent’s Day

www.StarkJFS.org

Adam

Adam is a talented artist with an infectious smile. He is a high achiever earning excellent grades! Adam also likes being physically active. He has played on basketball, football and wrestling teams with his favorite being wrestling. Although a “tough� athlete, his personality softens when he is around animals.

Art by Judi Crew

August Sunday

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When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

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For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

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Darian Darian is a laid back teen who tends to be happy and friendly.

He is thoughtful and makes friends easily. Some of his favorite activities are playing video games and toy robots, playing basketball, and helping others. Darian is interested in joining a social club like the Boy Scouts.

Art by Craig Booth

September Sunday

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Labor Day SCJFS Offices Closed

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Kinship care is a living situation in which a relative takes primary responsibility for the care of a family member, most often a child or elderly individual. Kinship care enables a child to live with people they know and trust, provides a sense of hope, and reinforces the child’s sense of personal and cultural identity.

The month of September continues as a time to honor and recognize kinship care, promoting awareness to those who play a valuable role in supporting children.

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Thursday

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Rosh Hashanah

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Grandparent’s Day

To recognize the many families who have opened their homes to care for their kin in times of need. September is Kinship Appreciation and Awareness Month.

Wednesday

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Yom Kippur & Stepfamily Day

Patriot Day

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Native American Day

Fall Begins

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When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

Brian

Brian is an adorable young boy. Brian enjoys riding his bike and playing ball. Brian can be shy at first but once he feels comfortable, his animated personality shines through. Brian also loves superheroes, with Spiderman being his favorite.

Art by Michele Waalkes

October Sunday

Remember Me?

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Columbus Day SCJFS Offices Closed

My name is Aaron.

I was featured in the 2010 calendar and I’ve been adopted, thanks to loving people like you.

Wednesday

Sweetest Day

Boss’s Day

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Halloween

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www.StarkJFS.org

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Miranda Miranda is known for her bright smile and friendly attitude. She loves to watch movies and refers to herself as a “homebody” but is up for seeing the world.

Miranda has a passion for roller skating and listening to music. She adds, “Music brings me so much joy and comfort.” Miranda loves exploring current technology such as the new iPad and laptops.

Art by Christine Benner

November Sunday

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When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

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For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

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Daylight Daylight Savings Savings Time Ends

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Election Day

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Hanukkah Begins

Thanksgiving Day SCJFS Offices Closed

SCJFS Offices Closed

November is National Adoption Month For more information in Stark County call 330-451-8789 or visit www.starkadoptfoster.com

Nick Nick is a talkative teen who has a positive outlook on life, particularly if he is surrounded by people who are encouraging and supportive.

He is engaging and can easily hold conversations about many things.

He is artistic and uses drawing as a way to express his emotions.

Nick enjoys the aspect of helping others and volunteering in the community. He also likes to cook. Nick is considering becoming an artist, police officer, chef, or joining the Army.

Art by Mitzi Phillips

December Sunday

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Pearl Harbor Day

Project KARE 501(c)(3) is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, more specifically to address the needs of abused, neglected or dependent children and their families. Project KARE is a non-profit program that enables these children to receive holiday gifts and other types of assistance throughout the year.

For more information about Project KARE or to make a donation, contact Michelle Neisel at 330-451-8846 or e-mail: neisem@odjfs.state.oh.us.

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Winter Begins

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Christmas Eve

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New Year’s Eve

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Kwanzaa Begins

When you share your l ve, you transform a life.

For adoption information, call (330) 451-8789 or visit www.StarkJFS.org

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Thank you to our artists for their time and talent.