Touching Lives

I had an experience recently that made me step back and look at things. I was at the grocery store running around because of course my list wasn't in order according to the store layout. An employee approached me and asked if I was finding everything okay, to which I responded with an automatic, "yes, thank you". I was getting ready to go to my grandmother's funeral the next day and just needed something to make quickly for dinner. I'm not sure if the employee could pick up on my stress, or just frazzled look, but she touched my shoulder and said, "have a good evening, okay?" This touch to my shoulder made me snap back from being on auto pilot to realizing that she was an actual person. I mean, because she physically touched me, I felt like she actually cared. All too often this happens. We just cruise along not really recognizing people as people; only recognizing them as positions. My response "yes, thank you" just popped out of my mouth not really thinking that she was actually asking me if I was finding everything, just that as an employee it was her job to ask me.

Of course the next day at my grandmother's funeral, the experience of laying someone to rest is always a tough and almost uncomfortable experience. It causes people to reflect upon their own life and think, "If I die tomorrow, who and how long will I be remembered"? It is sobering to think like this. I feel like I should reach out to as many people as possible. The next time I am at the grocery store I am going to ask that grocery store employee how her day is going and actually listen to her response instead of just smiling and nodding. This is life. Caring and talking and listening to others. You can make a difference.

A Lesson in Love

"I had twin girls in April 2010 and chose adoption. I was in a good situation because I had the support of my boyfriend (the birth father), my parents, and his parents. I chose adoption because I knew there was no way we could financially support the girls without a lot of help from outside sources that we did not want to have to rely on. I think about my daughters every minute of every day and my apartment is decorated with their pictures on every wall. I chose an open adoption which works out very well for us.We talk to the adoptive parents often and we receive pictures monthly. I would never discredit myself and say that I am not a mother. I know I am a great mother! I admitted that I was in over my head, which is hard to do. I knew that I could not properly raise the girls, so I found a very loving couple that could. It is the most responsible thing I have ever done. When I delivered the girls, I knew I only had 3 days with them before they went home with their adoptive parents. I realized that I was voluntarily breaking my heart for the sake of my daughters. The love I felt for the girls when they were born was absolutely indescribable. My parents always said that they would do anything for me, and now I understand. I did what was right for me and more importantly, right for my daughters, and went through with my adoption plan. The love I felt for them enabled me to go through with it. The love you feel for your children, whether adoptive children or birth children, is incredible. It is an infinite love, true love."  - Choice Network Birth Mother

Women's Equality Day 2010

At the behest of Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY), in 1971 the U.S. Congress designated August 26 as “Women’s Equality Day.” The date was selected to commemorate the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This was the culmination of a massive, peaceful civil rights movement by women that had its formal beginnings in 1848 at the world’s first women’s rights convention, in Seneca Falls, New York.

The observance of Women’s Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. Workplaces, libraries, organizations, and public facilities now participate with Women’s Equality Day programs, displays, video showings, or other activities.

Joint Resolution of Congress, 1971
Designating August 26 of each year as Women’s Equality Day

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have been treated as second-class citizens and have not been entitled the full rights and privileges, public or private, legal or institutional, which are available to male citizens of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have united to assure that these rights and privileges are available to all citizens equally regardless of sex; and

WHEREAS, the women of the United States have designated August 26, the anniversary date of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, as symbol of the continued fight for equal rights: and

WHEREAS, the women of United States are to be commended and supported in their organizations and activities,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, that August 26th of each year is designated as Women’s Equality Day, and the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of that day in 1920, on which the women of America were first given the right to vote, and that day in 1970, on which a nationwide demonstration for women’s rights took place.

Information courtesy of  National Women's History Project.

It's about what's right for you

Choice Network has partnered with Capital Care Network to offer a full service adoption agency. Choice Network's vision is: It's about what's right for you. We work to ensure every woman makes the best choice for herself with the guidance of a trusted and objective team of professionals. We adhere to the highest standards of excellence and follow a principled approach guided by a licensed Social Worker. Trained, balanced staff partner with community leaders to offer a full array of adoption services.

Services offered for birth mothers include: your own personalized adoption plan, counselor and support network available to you 24 hours a day, as well as grief counseling and support groups.

Services provided for adoptive applicants include: application interview, homestudy, education and training, placement, pre- and post- finalization services, as well as pre- and post- counseling and support groups.

Choice Network is also committed to public partnership and education. Our community advocacy group includes staff, community members, and volunteers. We partner with other local organizations and aid in coordination of events that help increase knowledge and awareness.

Choice Network is affiliated with Capital Care Netwprk and is located on-site at all Capital Care Network locations including: Columbus OH, Akron OH, Toledo OH, Dayton OH, and Fort Wayne IN.

Birthmom Story

"My adoption journey began last year when I found out, at a routine doctor visit that I was 24 weeks pregnant. From the moment I found out about the pregnancy, I felt shocked and helpless. I cried for three days until I got the referral for Choice Network. To be honest, if Choice Network had not been there for me, I can't even imagine what I would have done. From the day I met Molly, and the rest of the Choice Network staff, I knew I had unconditional support. I could talk to the staff about anything without feeling judged or embarrassed. I choose Choice Network because I needed the support. Choice Network linked me with transportation, housing, and medical care. I am confident that I am making the best decision for my life and my child's life and I am so thankful for my experience with Choice Network."- Choice Network Birth Mother