I am writing to update you on some projects of interest at the Hillside Family of Agencies:

 

Adoption:

As you may know, we have been working on increasing our success with adoption, particularly with child welfare adoptions. We were recently notified by the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington that the Adoption Resource Network at Hillside Children's Center was one of 20 organizations nationally to be selected to receive a 2008 Adoption Excellence Award. This award is for support to adoptive families and ARNI is recognized "for the extraordinary contributions it has made in providing adoption and other permanency outcomes for children in foster care." While we are grateful for this recognition, it is our work with all of you that makes adoption support possible as it takes the full resources of our communities to support the families and children involved in the adoption process.

 

As part of our adoption focus, we collaborated with WROC-TV8, the CBS affiliate in Rochester to produce a one-hour documentary intended to dispell the myths about adoption and to increase interest in all types of adoption, particularly the adoption of children and youth currently in foster care. I have copies of the DVD and would be happy to send it to you if you are interested.

 

Mental Health:

 

This summer, we also worked with WROC to focus on the stigma related to mental illness. The documentary provides an in-depth look at the challenges of living with mental illness, resources for treatment through a variety of community agencies, and local research into new treatment options. Mental health challenges frequently remain untreated due to the pressure of social stigma. We hope that this broadcast during primetime takes another step toward reducing such stigma and encourages all of us to seek assistance when we need it. I also have copies of this DVD that I can send you if you are interested.

 

If you would like copies of either DVD, they are free today! (Actually, they are always free and we are happy to share them). Please contact me if you would like a copy of either or both shows or if you have any questions or comments. Also, please feel free to share this communication if you think others might be interested.