Spence-Chapin Family Gets Creative for Children and Families
Michael and Ronie Pastko have been a part of the Spence-Chapin family since their first inquiry into adoption in 2015. After becoming parents through adoption, they remain advocates of all […]
Mentors and Mentees
Finding community is an integral part of individuals discovering their identity. Throughout the sixteen-year history of our NYC Teen Mentoring Program, teen and tween adoptees have found a supportive community […]
Granny Event Recap
On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, Spence-Chapin hosted a special virtual event, A Granny’s Love: Supporting Children in Orphanages During COVID-19. The COVID-19 crisis has affected children around the world, and […]
A Conversation Between Adoptees
Jessica M. Luciere, facilitator of the Teen Mentoring Programs at Spence-Chapin sat down with Julie Fiorenza, a 3rd year Mentor in the NYC program and the 2021 recipient of the Dr. Joseph L. White, Pioneering the Way Mentoring […]
Why We Need Adoption-Informed Therapists
Adoption is a rich and rewarding path to building a family, but it also comes with unique challenges and roadblocks. Whether you are a birth parent, an adoptee or an adoptive parent, you should not face these difficulties alone. An adoption-informed therapist can […]
Parenting Across Race: Thoughts, Reflections, and the Future
Racism, prejudice, and discrimination is a systemic problem that touches all aspects of our lives, including adoption. Spence-Chapin staff held an event, originally titled “Race and Racism,” which created a […]
The Woman Who Experienced Both Sides of Open Adoption
Ereshnee grew up as an Indian woman in South Africa. After becoming pregnant at 17 years old, she decided to make an adoption plan. Her mother knew about her pregnancy […]
Resources to combat Anti-Asian Violence in America
There were 3,800 anti-Asian racist incidents, mostly against women, in the past year according to NBC News. Crimes targeting Asian Americans have risen dramatically during the coronavirus pandemic. Many Asian adoptees […]
LGBTQ FAMILIES WAITING TO ADOPT A CHILD DURING A PANDEMIC. HOW TO STAY SANE!
COVID-19 has turned the whole world upside down and has been with us longer than anyone expected. How has it affected your adoption plans? Chances are it did not help […]
National Teen Mentoring Program FAQs
Who are the “Mentees”? Adoptees between the ages of 13 and 18 who were born domestically or internationally. Who are the “Mentors”? Our diverse group of mentors are volunteers who are […]
