110322_SW_Holiday Gift Guide 1 DIGITAL EDITION

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8 x November 3 — 16, 2022 x www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com Connecting Hearts Adoption Services Building Families Since 2008 The month of November is an important month for Connecting Hearts Adoption Services, as it is National Adoption Awareness Month and another opportunity to remind people of the joys of achieving long-awaited parenthood through adoption. It’s an experience that founder Amy Imber of Dr. Phillips — herself a married mom of two — has embraced since the adoption service was established in 2008. “Helping people become parents, there is nothing more rewarding,” Amy said. “We have families from all walks of life successfully adopting. We have yet to have a month where a family hasn’t brought home a child in the 14-plus years I have been doing this.” The home study is the first step in any adoption and is a legal requirement. It is what approves someone to be eligible to adopt. It is also the sole purpose of Connecting Hearts Adoption Services. Amy wants everyone to know, especially this month, that adoption is possible for anyone who wants to be a parent. Walking Through the Home Study Many who reach out to Connecting Hearts Adoption Services feel overwhelmed by the paperwork, financial questions and uncertainty about the entire process. However, Amy and her team of 12 social workers are there to help everyone, from single people to same-sex couples to married couples. They help families navigate the home study with ease and comfort. Connecting Hearts services the entire state of Florida. After completing the initial application for a home study, Connecting Hearts brings together potential parents with a social worker to schedule a home visit. This is when client families spend time with their social worker and go through the various paperwork, such as character references, personal background information, financial reports, medical reports and other important documentation. There is also a tour of the family home, which Amy points out is “not an inspection” of the home. They do not expect everyone’s home to be perfect, just safe for a child to live in. “We want to find out what is [each client’s] motivation to adopt, what has been the reactions from their families and friends, and try to debunk some of the myths of adoption,” she said. “Our job is to empower our clients, so that after the home study visit, they feel prepared and able to embark on their adoption journey feeling more educated and ready to forge ahead.” Some common myths Amy and her team debunk include believing all birth parents have questionable histories, that an arrest history PROMOTIONAL FEATURE ©JasonCannon/Cannonfirephoto.com will disqualify someone from being eligible to adopt, and that you will be waiting for years to adopt your future child. “It’s really all about adoption education and making sure people are well-prepared for what lies ahead,” Amy said. The home study concludes with a 10- to 14-page report all about the adoptive parents/family. This report becomes a legal document, as it is filed with the courts once a family is matched with an expectant mother. A home study from Connecting Hearts is valid across Florida and the United States. The Support Doesn’t End Even after families have successfully adopted children, Connecting Hearts Adoption Services is still there to support them through the daily challenges of parenting and adoption. An online support group for just Connecting Hearts families has proven — since its establishment six or seven years ago — to be a valuable resource for all involved. But all families helped by Connecting Hearts Adoption Services agree they felt nothing but comfortable throughout the entire process. “Amy made the entire process easy,” said Erin Callahan, a member of one family helped by the agency. “When we thought of adoption, we thought of the piles of paperwork needed to start the journey and felt overwhelmed. Following Amy’s checklist made the daunting home study process such a breeze.” Kevin Johnston’s family recalled how helpful Amy and her team were in answering all their questions and the personal care they provided. “I’ll never forget Amy personally reaching out to us with excitement the night that we found out that we had been chosen by a birth mother,” he said. Kimberly LoCascio’s family struggled with the profile, which is a book given to birth parents, giving them the opportunity to learn more about prospective parents. Connecting Hearts offers support, and sometimes needed constructive criticism, regarding the profile book, which is separate from the home study. “It truly is beautiful and gives me comfort and gratitude toward our son’s birth mother for feeling that we are the best fit for him and for her,” Kimberly said. Whether you are adopting a baby or an older child, are in a relationship or considering parenting alone, Connecting Hearts Adoption Services wants to help your dreams come true. For more information about Connecting Hearts Adoption Services, call 407-733-8642 or email amy@connectingheartsadoption.com. ª
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x November 3 — 16, 2022 x 9 2022 While November has just begun and Thanksgiving is still a few weeks away, many Southwest Orlando residents may already feel pressure in their searches for holiday gifts for everyone on their lists. Southwest Orlando Bulletin’s annual Holiday Gift Guide provides a comprehensive listing of various local businesses offering great gift ideas — from always-handy gift cards to seasonal activities and more — that are sure to please everyone this holiday season. Festival of Trees Festival of Trees kicks off the holiday season for Central Floridians with “Gifts of the Season” from Nov. 11-20. Presented by the Council of 101, visitors can see more than 40 designer-inspired decorated trees, gingerbread houses, wreaths and more. There also is a holiday shopping experience, popup shops and live entertainment. Enjoy specialty ticketed events like Breakfast with Santa, Reindeer Romp and more. To purchase tickets, visit councilof101.org. Massage Envy Dr. Phillips Give the gift of total relaxation to loved ones near and far. Plus, treat yourself to self-care this holiday season with a free $20 promotional card when you purchase $100 in gift cards or a $40 promotional card when you purchase $150 in gift cards. Massage Envy Dr. Phillips offers customized massages, facials and stretch services. Located in Suite 100 at 8081 Turkey Lake Road in Orlando, Massage Envy Dr. Phillips is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. To learn more about its holiday promotions, call 407-354-3689. Promenade — Sunset Walk Join Promenade — Sunset Walk, located at 3251 Margaritaville Blvd. in Kissimmee, for its Holinights celebrations, featuring Santa Claus, mischievous elves, towering toy soldiers, the debut of a CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
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