Upcoming Programs

Better Late Than Never: Finding Ourselves,
While Finding Family with Dee McGee
February 6, 2023, 
8:00 - 9:00 PM ET (virtual)

Whether you have always known you were adopted or, like me, you found out later in life (Late Discovery Adoptees), our life’s journey draws us to know what makes our minds and bodies work whether physically, spiritually or mentally.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow’s established Hierarchy of Needs touch every part of the adoptee’s life as we struggle with nature vs nurture. From entry base level of need (1) Physiological up to (2) Safety, (3) Belongingness (4) Self Esteem and ultimately (5) Self-actualization.

Together, we will talk about identity (i.e., your name, photos, genetics, medical history), safety, belongingness, and living a fulfilling life as an adoptee.

The Power of Owning and Telling Our Stories with Candace Cahill

Monday, February 27, 2023
8:00 - 9:00 PM ET (virtual)

Candace Cahill recently released her memoir, Goodbye Again, about losing her son twice: first to adoption as an infant and then 23 years later when he died in his sleep. Join Candace as she shares what led her to write her memoir, the lessons she learned, and why she would encourage others to do the same. She will share insights into the writing, editing, and publishing processes and some tools and suggestions for others interested in writing their own story.

Fraudulent Assisted Reproduction

Fertility fraud will be a crime in Ohio. House Bill 64 was introduced in early 2021 to address this issue. The bill passed the House Criminal Justice Committee unanimously in April 2022 and its provisions were added to Substitute Senate Bill 288, a criminal law reform bill, was signed into law by Ohio's Governor DeWine this January! When the law takes effect 90 days after the signing, fertility fraud will be illegal in Ohio!

Together, we can achieve our goals for our community! Learn more about our public policy initiatives and advocacy work on our website, here.

Adoption Network Cleveland took a central role in organizing advocates in Ohio on this issue including working with the U.S. Donor Conceived Council. Although fertility fraud may seem unrelated to adoption, in reality, adoptees share many of the same issues as victims of fertility fraud and donor-conceived individuals. Those overlapping policy considerations converge where issues of genetic identity, medical history, and openness are central.

Together we build community and help create a brighter future.