Rocky Road to Reunion: Part 2
Separated by the Circumstances of Adoption This is the second part of a special three-part series on search and reunion. It follows the journey of Paulette and includes historical and helpful information about the search for biological family. Search and Reunification Paulette did not have an easy road when she decided to try and find […]
Rocky Road to Reunion: Part 1
Separated by the Circumstances of Adoption This is the first part of a special three-part series on search and reunion. It follows the journey of Paulette and includes historical and helpful information about the search for biological family. Paulette always knew her biological family was out there. She just needed to find them. People search […]
Letter to Therapy Client: Starting Your Therapy at Spence-Chapin
Seeking out therapy is not always easy. The search for finding a therapist can be hard. Putting aside the time and financial resources for therapy can also be a challenge. At Spence-Chapin, our therapists know that many people may have reason, both from the outside world and from inside themselves, that make them hesitant to […]
Birth Parent Support: The Spence-Chapin Way
by Leslie Nobel At Spence-Chapin, we view adoption as a lifelong journey that touches the lives of many individuals: birth parents, adoptees, adoptive parents, as well as extended families. It is essential to approach every individual connected to adoption from a place of honesty, respect, and loving support. That is what we call The Spence-Chapin […]
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 things SC. Both have used their own skills and strengths to creatively support the organization during the COVID-19 pandemic. After attending our virtual event, “25 […]
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 where they can be themselves and make friends. The teenage years can be a time for questioning and exploring identity for many teens, and for […]
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 for those who are without the support of family, the impacts can be long-lasting. Spence-Chapin’s Granny Program addresses the great need that children living in […]
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 Scholarship via Mixed Roots to discuss what this amazing recognition means to her. This scholarship recognizes Mentors and Mentees Nationwide who work to carry on the […]
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 provide crucial help and support to individuals and families struggling with grief and loss, attachment, identity development and emotion regulation. They are skilled at working with […]
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 space for adoptive parents to talk about race and racism after the murder of George Floyd last year. After our first event in June 2020, […]
English 
Spanish