Hearts are breaking in the United States for orphans in Haiti, but local adoption agencies want to remind people of the need in our own community.
The Arredondo family knew the need locally, but felt a higher calling to adopt a brother and sister from Ethiopia and a little girl from China.
"We wanted to make a difference, and we believe in our hearts that even the poorest of children here have opportunities that children in other countries, third work countries, would never have," says Dorothy Arredando.
People now see the devastating images out of Haiti and the faces of orphans there. While the need is great overseas, Sierra Forever Families, an organization dedicated to helping place foster children, says nearly 2000 kids in Sacramento need a home too.
"Right here in the U.S. we have tons of opportunities for these people, who are interested in helping a child, to come forward and help a child in their own communities," says Sara Hanson, Sierra Forever Families.
The organization hears a lot of myths going around about adopting kids in the United States, which might be a reason some parents are looking overseas.
"I think a lot of people think that it's very expensive to adopt a child, and it can be. But through the foster care system, adopting a child is virtually free," says Hanson.
She adds the government paperwork and intrusion is likely less for domestic adoptions than with foreign adoptions.
As for the Arredondo Family, they feel it comes down to each individual family.
"That's what we needed to do, go overseas. But, absolutely, the need is as great here. But for us, it was to adopt internationally, and that's been a wonderful experience."
Exploring Foster Care Adoption Orientation 2nd Monday (monthly) 6 p.m.-9 p.m. R.S.V.P. by calling (916) 368-5114 or register online at www.sierraff.org
The Arredondo family knew the need locally, but felt a higher calling to adopt a brother and sister from Ethiopia and a little girl from China.
"We wanted to make a difference, and we believe in our hearts that even the poorest of children here have opportunities that children in other countries, third work countries, would never have," says Dorothy Arredando.
People now see the devastating images out of Haiti and the faces of orphans there. While the need is great overseas, Sierra Forever Families, an organization dedicated to helping place foster children, says nearly 2000 kids in Sacramento need a home too.
"Right here in the U.S. we have tons of opportunities for these people, who are interested in helping a child, to come forward and help a child in their own communities," says Sara Hanson, Sierra Forever Families.
The organization hears a lot of myths going around about adopting kids in the United States, which might be a reason some parents are looking overseas.
"I think a lot of people think that it's very expensive to adopt a child, and it can be. But through the foster care system, adopting a child is virtually free," says Hanson.
She adds the government paperwork and intrusion is likely less for domestic adoptions than with foreign adoptions.
As for the Arredondo Family, they feel it comes down to each individual family.
"That's what we needed to do, go overseas. But, absolutely, the need is as great here. But for us, it was to adopt internationally, and that's been a wonderful experience."
Exploring Foster Care Adoption Orientation 2nd Monday (monthly) 6 p.m.-9 p.m. R.S.V.P. by calling (916) 368-5114 or register online at www.sierraff.org
