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Building A Support System
Building A Support System

Building A Support System

Jason and Janice Annis knew they wanted to foster-to-adopt, so when they received a call about three brothers between the ages of 4 and 10, they were ready to open their home—and opening their home meant a new set of challenges. “Everyone wants adoption to be a Hallmark movie.” Janice said, “They don’t understand that it’s a lot more complicated than that.” The Annis’ soon found the hardest part was that they lacked a necessary, supportive network of other parents and foster parents.

They found that network in the form of DePaul Community Resources’ Post-Adoption Support Group. “The biggest benefit is having someone to call in a tough time.” Janice praises, “Parents who have been in your shoes will help you. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.” When the Annis’ first adopted the boys, they had their plates full with childcare during every waking moment. They were exhausted. DePaul’s Parents Night Out, as well as Support Group nights, gave the Annis’ the breather they needed to go on their first date post-adoption and even the freedom to go Christmas shopping. “I didn’t know it would make that much of a difference, but it did,” Janice confessed. “It’s really good for the kids too because they get to play with the other kids—they get so excited to see each other for support group night.”

To view the entire DePaul Community Resources Annual Report click below:

2016 DePaul Community Resources Annual Report