Just as sure as she was that she would one day have children, she knew early on that she would adopt. Michele adopted not one, but two children from Colombia into her family, thus making her a mother of four. Going through the adoption process without a guide can seem long, lonely, difficult and frustrating. But having access to a community of adoptive families and adoption experts helped navigate some of the harder points in this journey; Michele was able to expand her family, and she’s now found a calling to help others do the same.
Michele knows, firsthand, the obstacles of adoption. But more importantly, she knows the joy that’s on the other side. She’s able to share guidance and resources to help others in their own family expansions. While many get tripped up on some of the legalese and the overall uncertainty, Michele provides a solid understanding and process to help ease concerns and steer prospective families on their path. She is creating a network for families to grow and places for kids to thrive—shifting the mindset around adoption by educating parents, and teaching kids how to attach to loving families.
A capeless hero, Michele is normalizing adoption by clearing misconceptions and answering the unknowns. She reminds prospective parents that you never know what you’re getting with children—there will always be surprises, whether adopted or biological—and that it takes a village to raise a family. By working with family-first game-changers and continuously fundraising, Michele is building a rolodex of resources in the adoption world, sharing them and offering her education to families and children prior, during and after papers are signed—giving special consideration towards post-placement care.
Through the Plus One℠ foundation, Michele is bringing together experts and guides to help her cultivate a community—building a support system that drives change in the world of adoption.
Pushing adoption into the mainstream, Michele is here to let you know that nothing should get in the way of starting or expanding your family.
The Plus One Adoption Foundation, Inc. is Chicagoland’s newest adoption foundation, committed to shifting the mindset of adoption from a last option to a choice.
This charitable foundation has a database of credible adoption related resources. We can discuss at no charge what might be the next step in your adoption journey and refer consultants, agencies, attorneys and/or post-placement therapists that fit your current vision. The Plus One℠ foundation is an informational resource and we want to assist you with the fees associated with your adoption--including post placement expenses. In that vein, we are actively raising money for individuals to assist with adoption and post placement expenses.
The Plus One℠ foundation promotes research, education and public awareness surrounding the adoption of children.
Working to fill the knowledge gap, the Plus One℠ foundation is contributing to the world by highlighting adoption as a viable option to add "plus one" to your family.
We know the adoption process can be a big, scary, emotional journey. We are your resource center, which is why we strive to provide the best information to help those purposefully reshaping their families.
The Plus One℠ foundation is here to be your resource, when adoption is your family plan.
www.plusoneadoption.org
https://www.instagram.com/plusoneadoption/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/plus-one-adoption-foundation-inc/
Guests and the host are not (unless mentioned) licensed pscyho-therapists and speak from their own opinion only. Seek qualified advice if you need help.
Related Videos
Authentic & Accepted With Ligia Cushman
Feeling free to be our authentic selves. Being accepted as we are. What does that mean for you? How can you help the people you love feel that? Listen is as adoptive mom and adoption professional Ligia shares what she's learned - and continues to learn - on two big topics. Especially as they relate ...
Emotional Self Suffciency Amanda Timoteo
What if we were to stop searching for happiness outside us? How would that be? How would that feel? Listen in as Amanda and I dive into what she calls emotional self sufficiency. Have you heard of that? I certainly hadn't. And it lead to a profoundly empowering conversation. We both loved it and hop...
True? With Julie McGue
Truths can be elusive for us adoptees. Fantasies or nightmares may fill in the blanks. And truths can shift when we re-visit the past and ask others for their truth - their versions of events. This can lead to profound realisations. Listen in as Julie and I explore shifting truths, changes of mind ...