Hillside: News Release

Adoption Resource Network at Hillside Children's Center kicks off region's first mentoring program for adoptive youth

AdoptMent's goal is to help youth make lifelong connections to adoptive families

Adoption Resource Network at Hillside Children's Center will hold the inaugural meeting of AdoptMent, a first of its kind program for the Greater Rochester area that matches adults who were adopted with teens that are freed for adoption, on Thursday, February 15, 2007, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Ozzie's located in the rear of Bausch Cottage on Hillside Children's Center's Monroe Avenue campus.

AdoptMent is based on the traditional mentoring program structure in which adults and young people are paired according to their interests and general life experiences. The teens who participate in the program may be in the process of being adopted, may be reluctant to be adopted, or may have refused to consider adoption at all. Weekly meetings between AdoptMent mentors and teens will be held at Hillside.

"The mentors' personal experience with adoption helps to normalize the experiences and attitudes of the teens, and often facilitates a change in attitude toward adoption. AdoptMent provides a safe, fun atmosphere that allows the pair to discuss their feelings about adoption and build healthy, lasting relationships," says Lisa Maynard, Adoption Resource Network at Hillside Children's Center executive director.

According to Maynard, the program is currently seeking adults who were adopted to become a part of AdoptMent. Those interested in helping teens to make lifelong connections to adoptive families are asked to contact Mike Finn, Adoption Resource Network at Hillside Children's Center permanency specialist at (585) 755-1747.

About Hillside Family of Agencies

Hillside Family of Agencies is a family and children services organization that provides child welfare, mental health, youth development, juvenile justice, special education, and developmental disabilities services across central and western New York. Hillside Family of Agencies is comprised of affiliates Crestwood Children's Center, Crestwood Children's Foundation, Hillside Children's Center, Hillside Children's Foundation, Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection, and Snell Farm Children's Center.

Need More Information?
Call us, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Eastern time, at (585) 256-7500 or TTY (585) 256-7881. Or jbacci@hillside.com