by GIFT Coach | Dec 11, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships, The Adoption Process
Ovarian cancer at fifteen claimed my fertility and heaved me onto an unexpected path. My adolescent self assumed survival. (Although the statistics suggested otherwise.) My gut seized on the awareness that pregnancy would never be possible. That realization nearly...
by GIFT Coach | Nov 27, 2013 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, Faith and Values, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
November is National Adoption Month. In 1985, we celebrated our first Thanksgiving as an adoptive family. We sat at table and joined hands to give thanks for our many blessings: our cozy home, the friends who joined us, the bountiful meal before us, and most...
by GIFT Coach | Jun 27, 2013 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Blogs by Joann DiStefano, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors, Strengthening Family Relationships
Fathers* are often defined by their role as the provider, the source of things like food, shelter, and clothing. Consider reframing this concept to include things beyond basic necessities. While these needs are fundamental, there are other, more subtle requirements...
by Gayle Swift | Jan 17, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, Foster Care Adoption, Foster Parenting, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
Twenty-five years ago, we received the blessing of a lifetime. After fourteen years of marriage, we adopted our son; two years later, we adopted our daughter. Those days are etched in my mind’s eye. The flood of emotions still pulls at my heartstrings. I have come to...
by GIFT Coach | Jan 3, 2011 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Lynn Cooper, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion
As a adoptive mother of 2 wonderful, handsome and loving yet challenging boys, I have experienced a spectrum of emotions while raising our sons. Being an adoptive and foster family has opened up many new opportunities for us to learn, grow and build new and lasting...
by susand | Dec 13, 2010 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Susan David, Foster Care Adoption, General Discussion
Greetings! My name is Susan David. I am a founding member of GIFT, a mother of three children adopted by my husband and myself, and an adoption coach with GIFT Family Services. Certified as a Performance and Relationship Coach, I look forward to assisting and...
