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Parent E. European Cooking Class, Nov 21st, 5-7pm |
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Members List:
FYI LINKS
President, Lending Library:
Sharon Kiddle
Vice President, Orphanage Support, Grow Bag:
Laura Provitola
Board, Co-Treasurers:
Lynn & Mark Austin
Board, Secretary, Newsletter, Website, Directory:
Terry Mandeville
Board, Member at Large:
Elizabeth Nachman
Single Parents:
Debbie Erickson
Membership:
Shauna McGuinn
Education:
Debbie McGrew
Olympia:
Cecilia Brennan
Links listed below are either public resources or FRUA INC members
Break Out Groups:
Single Parents, Lifebooking, etc.
Childrens Activities:
Playgroup, Older Kids
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FRUA, INC (Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption Including Neighboring Countries) Washington State strives to serve members from all corners of the state, as well as from Idaho and beyond. Our programs vary from time to time to reflect the needs of our families.
Single Parents Group
Single parents & parents-to-be, in all stages of adopting are welcome in this group. From just getting started, waiting for referral, with referral waiting to travel, and those who have been home with the kids for a while. Share support and information. Arrange cooperative child care and respite for one another. Children are very welcome at the gathering. Specific times and dates of meetings are announced on the chapter E-Group, as well as the Single Parents Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wasingleparentsevents/.
For further information contact the Single Parent Group Coordinator or a board member.
Single Parent Group
LifeBooks / Scrapbooking
We have found it important and fun to create memory-related books for ourselves and our children. We gather periodically to put together LifeBooks and scrapbooks filled with images, photos, and words - the story of our families. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time with other parents, not only to see their life and scrap books, but also to engage in conversations about raising our children. It's also a good chance for those waiting to travel to meet with those who have already adopted. FRUA, INC periodically sponsors events at our own homes or local scrapbooking stores. We have even been known to escape for a weekend retreat. For more information, see the chapter E-Group or contact any board member.
Working on Lifebooks is GREAT!
Welcome Contact for Waiting Parents, Just Home Parents, & New Members
The complicated process of adoption & adjusting to a new life with children are emotionally exciting & draining experiences. And it doesn’t end there! Each new stage of development brings more joy, & different issues.
We offer support for parents who are waiting to adopt, families who have recently returned from adopting, and families who have been together for quite some time.
Our Membership Coordinator may contact you to offer support. Come to our monthly gatherings, post notes on the e-group, & use the directory member list to contact others in the group.
We have many members who are available to mentor, buddy, or share support & ideas. We encourage you to share your story & talk about what you are experiencing - paperwork snags, frustrating delays, thrilling new referrals, or simply puzzling or overwhelming issues. We try to help minimize the isolation so often felt during the difficult times.
As the need arises we often form Waiting
and/or Just Home Parent Groups for guided mutual support.
Right now our hang-up is finding dedicated adults to plan and lead this group. This could be an individual, or a group of individuals. If you have even the slightest interest in getting regular Paygroups off the ground, please contact Terry at terrymand@aol.com
Anyone is welcome to join us, whether you are now an adoptive
parent or in the waiting or fact finding stages of the journey. Upcoming events are
posted on our Yahoo E-group. Please express your interest any board member.
a family united for the first time
playgroups Playgroup
kids of all ages learn to dance some Russian
and Balkan dances at our annual Winterfest and Pre-Spring Festival
playgroup kids in West Seattle parade
Older Kids Events
Many of our events involve
our older children (both adopted and not adopted) - Pre-Spring Celebrations/Winterfest,
Summer Picnic, grow bag parties & more. We try
to provide opportunities for older adopted children
to socialize and get to know each other. It is
gratifying for children with similar backgrounds to
get a chance to talk to each other & share their
stories with others who understand. It is also
supportive for parents to connect. We have
educational and supportive resources available for
parents adopting older children.
We are always eager to help set up any activity for the "Teens & 'Tweens", share your thoughts on the E-Group, or with any board member.
there is always a craft for the older kids
at the Winterfest/Spring Festivals
