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Adoption Circle March 2025 Newsletter
Posted on April 07, 2025 by Adoption Circle Staff
Well it’s not Spring yet, and the seesaw temperatures in March, is a good indication it’s not Spring. From what we have experienced so far in April, April showers should bring May flowers. 😊. As we all try to stay warm and dry, let’s take a look back at the events of March.
In March we recognized International Women’s Month. International Women’s History Month is a time to honor the contributions and achievements of women in American history. Adoption Circle was founded by five women almost 35 years ago. Without the contributions of these five women, Adoption Circle would not be the agency we are today. Of the five women, two are still on the board and one continues to work full time at the agency. We thank Nancy, Lucie and Susan for all their years of service to Adoption Circle. During International Women’s Month, our agency also wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for our amazing staff who are all women. Some have been part of Adoption Circle for over 30 years. Adoption Circle staff is honored to continue to serve the adoption community and work with and for amazing women. It’s an honor to work with and serve amazing birthmothers and adoptive mothers.
Infant Mortality Rate
In 2024 preliminary Ohio infant mortality rate numbers were 6.5 infant deaths per 1000 births. These are the lowest numbers in two decades, but even one preventable infant death is too many. Adoption Circle is in the process of partnering with Columbus Public Health’s Infant Safe Sleep. It is imperative to educate parents so they can raise healthy babies. The ABC’s of sleep— A (Alone) Babies should always sleep alone. This means no pillows, blankets or stuffed animals. B (Back) Babies should always sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). C(Crib) Babies should sleep on a firm, flat mattress with no fitted sheets and no bumpers or wedges. These will increase the risk of suffocation.
Through the Columbus Public Health’s Infant Safe Sleep Program, our parents in need, who qualify and who reside in Columbus and Worthington areas, will receive Free Pack N Plays. This program is supported through the Cribs for Kids grant. Each Pack N Play is a portable crib (bassinet/play yard combo) that is safe for babies to sleep in until the age of one. Through the grant, sleep sacks (wearable blankets), a fitted crib sheet for the Pack N Play mattress, and also occasional distribution of baby items are offered. Adoption Circle is honored to partner with such an amazing program that promotes safe sleep for infants which hopefully will decrease infant deaths.
World Down Syndrome Day
3/21 was World Down Syndrome Day. 3/21 was the day chosen to bring awareness to Down syndrome because Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by an extra copy (3) of the 21st chromosome. This year I would like to highlight a young lady I have known since birth. Grace was diagnosed with Down syndrome right after she was born. Grace’s parents had the normal anxiety and uncertainty as any parent who just learned their baby has special needs. Grace’s parents never have let her disability define her. Grace attended high school with typical peers, she was on the cheerleading team, and after high school graduation she went to Auburn University. She was part of a Sorority at Auburn, and enjoyed college life as any other college student would. She graduated from Auburn and now works. She also has a boyfriend and she goes on many vacations with her friends. Speaking of her friends, one of Grace’s best friends, Kayla, is having a movie made about her life. It is a movie that aims to change the narrative surrounding a Down syndrome diagnosis. The name of the movie is Able and Grace will be in the movie. It comes out in 2026, so please look for and support the movie when it comes out. Grace is living proof that many babies born with a Down syndrome diagnosis not only survive the diagnosis but thrive as adults.
Feedback Requested
We are calling on all previously placed/finalized adoptive families. We are always looking at ways we can support our waiting families. You can be a support to current waiting families by providing ways that helped you cope as a waiting family, or just offer words of wisdom! Please email brittany@adoptioncircle.org if you have any words of wisdom, advice or if you have any questions.
We appreciate your time and our waiting family will also.
St Patrick' Day and Finalizations
March we celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, and also celebrated adoption finalizations. Congratulations to all our families.
A NOTE FROM THE BIRTH PARENT SERVICES DIRECTOR
Adoption Circle is in the process of partnering with On Your Feet Foundation. On Your Feet Foundation is an organization who has provided care and support to birthparents for more than 20 years. Even though Adoption Circle offers post adoption services to any birthparent we have worked with, On Your Feet Foundation offers counseling, support groups, retreats and many more services and resources to any birthparent who has placed a child for adoption. Please look for more updates about On Your Feet Foundation in the upcoming months.
We are looking forward to April’s events including Easter and 4/15/25 tax day. For families who would have adopted after 1/2023 can go to https://fosterandadopt.jfs.ohio.gov/adoption/grant to get more information about the Ohio Adoption Grant. And as always, we encourage families to consult with an accountant with any adoption grant or adoption tax credit questions.
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