Professional Documents
Culture Documents
An Edition of The United Methodist Reporter: Tennessee Conference Review
An Edition of The United Methodist Reporter: Tennessee Conference Review
An Edition of The United Methodist Reporter: Tennessee Conference Review
an edition of
The United Methodist Reporter
Volume 154 Number 42 054000 February 22, 2008 Four Sections—Section A
Training and How You Can Help Miriam’s Promise Biggest Needs:
Education are Keys Children’s games at the annual Miriam’s Promise
Kroger and Wal-Mart gift
cards, Gas cards,
to Successful Adoption Fall Picnic. Special thanks to Girl Scout Troop #417
for providing games and activities at the picnic.
($5, $10, $25) for our
birthmothers
Diapers and wipes—Newborn
As the world of adop-
tion continues to evolve to size 4
Certificates to Book stores
and change, Miriam’s
Promise strives to fully (i.e., Barnes & Noble) to
prepare families for order educational material
Disposable cameras
the challenges of
adoptive parenting.
Preparation and edu- Infant Needs:
cation have long
been a component in Crib Sheets/Blankets
the programs offered by Baby formula/bottles or gift
this agency. The domestic cards to purchase as needed
infant adoption program Baby toiletries
requires that prospective parents par- Baby clothing—size Premie
ticipate in six weeks of classes that explore issues such to 24 months
as infertility, needs of adopted children and open rela-
tionships with birth parents. Ongoing bi-monthly support Miriam’s Promise continues to be blessed with many ice to Miriam’s Promise. Recently, a group of Girl
groups are offered to those in this program as they wait wonderful volunteers who give their time, talents, and Scouts from a Franklin church refurbished the chil-
for the placement of a child. In addition, a seminar is gifts to the agency. Many United Methodist congrega- dren’s area in our office with a new television and toys
conducted annually for extended family members of par- tions designate Communion offerings and special col- and provided games and activities at our annual picnic.
ents waiting for a child. lections for the work of Miriam’s Promise in Middle Many churches make winter hats and scarves for our
Similar training and education is required in the Tennessee. A monetary donation of any amount would clients, and several United Methodists volunteer in our
agency’s international program. Couples and individuals assist in purchasing necessary tools for our work with offices regularly.
who are adopting children from other countries partici- children. Miriam’s Promise is always in need of the following
pate in a twelve-hour course designed to prepare them Many United Methodists offer the gift of their serv- items. Please call 615-292-3500 with questions.
for the needs of a child whose world will change when
they join their family and become a United States citizen.
Recently, as the needs of Miriam’s Promise families
have become evident, specialized seminars have been Golf and Walk Challenge for Miriam’s Promise
developed and support groups facilitated for families of Thanks to the generosity and dedication of all the friends and supporters
children with attachment issues. Attachment issues are of Miriam’s Promise, the 8th annual Golf and Walk Challenge held
common in children who have been traumatized and September 24, 2007, raised $121,587 in pledges to benefit the programs and
neglected. The parents of the se children are taught tools services of the agency!
to help the children learn to trust adult figures and Fun and friendly competition was on the agenda as 119 golfers and 42
depend on them for their needs. walkers converged on Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tennessee, to
The agency helps to facilitate other support groups support the work of Miriam’s Promise. The 4.2 mile walk challenge was a
that serve its clients as well as others in the community. new feature for the event and the dedicated walkers raised over $19,700 in
These support groups include one for birth parents, one pledges! Walk event chair Nikki Hightower is already planning to make the
for families who adopt transracially and one for single walk challenge an even bigger part of this annual event.
international adoptive parents. In response to the numer- The golf scramble event attracted over 30 teams, each pledging an aver-
ous events, seminars, support groups and trainings, age of $4,000 in sponsor donations for Miriam’s Promise. Golfers enjoyed
Miriam’s Promise has designated a new staff position to free clinics, lunch from the grill and plenty of fellowship and friendly com-
coordinate these efforts. petition. Prizes were awarded for the longest drive, closest to the pin, and
The pregnancy counseling program of Miriam’s best team score. Many thanks to our tireless volunteer event co-chairs Mary
Promise has also evolved in its approach to education Cooper and B.J. Brack, Jr. for all their hard work.
and training. The Elizabeth Project, a mentoring program The 2008 Golf and Walk Challenge for Miriam’s Promise will be held
for pregnant young women, strives to encourage a September 29 at Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin, Tennessee. For L to R—Mary Cooper, Michael Williams,
healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. From that base, a information on participating as a walker, golfer, or sponsor, please contact and Betty Alexander volunteer at the
new program, Expecting the Best, has been developed. Miriam’s Promise at 615-292-3500. 2007 Golf and Walk Challenge
This program serves women in the Davidson County Jail
who are pregnant and greatly in need of education,
preparation and support regarding their pregnancy and
their role as a new mother.
Pregnancy Counseling Pregnancy Counseling Profile
The staff of Miriam’s Promise recognizes that all Continued from front page Marcy was without even the basic resources a single woman needs to
parents can benefit from the training and educational visits and her baby’s birth. They celebrated feel cared for and self-sufficient.
services the agency provides no matter the circum- together when Mary and her child were bap- She was living in a half-way house
stances of their home and the level of their income. The tized. in a very unsafe neighborhood
goal is to see children thriving and happy in their “for- Tina and Mary are just two of the many because it was the first place with
ever” families. expectant mothers who contact Miriam’s an opening and she’d just been
Promise each year. Pregnancy clients come released from prison. She called
from all walks of life. Some are mature Miriam’s Promise looking for sup-
adults with careers, and others are pre-teens. port and guidance, Marcy was six
Every client has a different set of circum- months pregnant. She was fairly
stances, but all share the crisis of an sure adoption would be the best
unplanned pregnancy and uncertain future way to ensure her child a bright
for themselves and their child. The pregnan- and secure future, but there were Marcy’s son Davy celebrates an
cy counseling program addresses emotional, more pressing concerns to important first birthday with his
health, financial and lifestyle issues. address before she could emo- adoptive family.
Counselors and clients tackle the everyday tionally commit to an adoption plan. Over the course of a month, Miriam’s
issues of pregnancy and parenting, including Promise helped her find safe housing, provided her transportation to her
pre-natal care, living conditions, employ- pre-natal appointments, gave her assistance with groceries, maternity
ment, family support and goals. Through clothes and peace of mind. Peace of mind that no matter what her decision,
careful examination and reflection, and with adoption or parenting, there was a caring, compassionate and non-judg-
the help of Miriam’s Promise, crisis pregnan- mental place she could turn to for even the most basic of human needs
Eric and Lisa are adoptive parents who have participated cy clients can make mature life decisions for could be met.
in the special ministry of Miriam’s Promise. themselves and their child.