Dear ,
Welcome to the fall edition of The Beacon, SoulFilling's quarterly newsletter celebrating inspiring news in adoption.
SoulFilling is a company dedicated to empowering adoptive families by celebrating positive adoption stories and fostering resilience, joy, and connection.
Through adoption-themed products, online programs, community outreach, and storytelling, SoulFilling aims to make the adoption conversation more mainstream and casual at home, work, and school. We aim to emphasize what’s going right in adoption, offering support, inspiration, and resources to those in the adoption community. A few things top of mind for me as we head into the fall season: I am planning out a college course that I will be teaching in November during National Adoption Month. Offered virtually through Schenectady County Community College (SCCC), the course is called Adoption Conversation; History, Insight, & Mindset. This course is open to all those touched by adoption or those who work with children who may have adoption in their story, such as teachers, coaches, and therapists. If you or someone you know would benefit from these four interactive online sessions, please click the link to learn more and to register. I've spent the last few months promoting my newly released, adoption-themed children's book, Brianna's Brave Day at School, and have loved every minute of sharing this special story with the world. If you have purchased a copy, thank you!! I invite you to leave an Amazon review if you feel so inclined -- they go a long way as Amazon prioritizes products with more reviews, especially positive ones, in search results and recommendations. The book is based on an actual event that happened to one of my children in grade school. I am available for book signings/readings at local stores, libraries, and classrooms! Feel free to reach out if you are interested in scheduling. I'm working on my next book as we speak that will highlight 33 positive adoption stories as a way to further my mission and shine a light on what's gone right. I'd love to hear about your adoption experience and celebrate the love, resilience, joy, and hope that makes your story unique. If you are interested in sharing, please connect with me. Be sure to follow SoulFilling on social media to stay informed on National Adoption Month plans and events happening throughout the fall. Instagram | LinkedIn Finally, if you are looking to add a touch of meaning to your holiday gift-giving, consider SoulFilling's Beacon Pendant. We have a limited number of sterling silver pendants ready for order. If you're interested in a gold option, message me directly.
Wishing each and every one of you a beautiful, bountiful, and soul-filling fall season. Inspired to Shine, Francine |
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A Reflection from Francine |
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I had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with my middle school teacher, Sister Jackie (pictured above), a person who saw something in me all those years ago that I couldn’t yet see in myself. It was an amazing experience to express my gratitude to her, thanking her for the belief she had in me.
Sister Jackie recognized my faith at a young age, and her encouragement to nurture it has stayed with me throughout my life. I’m deeply grateful for her wisdom, reminding me that my faith will support me, not only in moments of joy, but also through the most challenging times. It has truly been a guiding light, helping me find strength and peace in all seasons of life. There’s real power in someone recognizing your potential, even when you might not, and the impact that belief can have over time is profound. It reminded me how important it is to keep those connections alive, to acknowledge those who shaped us, and to be that light for others when we can. It was a heartwarming reminder of the influence we all can have on each other’s journeys.
Let’s take a moment to reflect on who has seen something special in us, maybe call, text, or write to them, and to take it a step further by thinking of ways to pay their generosity forward. There is great power in expressing gratitude both big and small!
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Along those lines, I'd like to give a quick shout-out to Valorie Burton, life coach, author, motivational speaker, and the Founder of Coaching and Positive Pyschology (CAPP) Institute. Thank you, Valorie, for being such a support and inspiration throughout my journey starting SoulFilling! | | |
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Register for My Online Adoption Course |
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Where My Feet are Taking Me this Season
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It was incredible to be at the Ukrainian Festival with my mom on September 15, surrounded by the positivity and strength of the Ukrainian people. The beautiful traditions, food, dancing, and embroidery were all so inspiring. Sharing this moment with my mom, as we shared her memoir, Dominica's Story: A Life of Courage, Hope, and Love, was especially meaningful. Proceeds from books sold at this event went to support the local Ukrainian people relocating to our area. |
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My mother left Ukraine at just five years old during World War II, lived in foster care, and endured such a difficult childhood, yet she chose a path of positivity and resilience. Her journey is truly remarkable. A day filled with beauty, history, and inspiration. Truly soul-filling! |
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Mom and I will be participating in the Saratoga Book Festival on Saturday October 5th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, where we will be showcasing both her memoir and Brianna's Brave Day at School. |
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I am also excited to share that my Mom and I will be featured in Saratoga Today's Saratoga Christmas publication which comes out on Thanksgiving.
The profile piece will highlight our involvement at the Saratoga Book Festival and our recent publishing journeys, among other Mother/Daughter themes, I'm sure. I will share the link in the Winter edition of this newsletter!
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| | On September 18, my friend Jen (pictured above) and I attended a Shopping & Conversation event at Veronica Beard NYC to benefit Helpusadopt.org. The evening included an Art, Fashion, & Philanthropy panel discussion about Female Entrepreneurship & Innovation which was led by fellow adoptive mom and Helpusadopt.org Founder & President, Becky Faucet. It was so nice getting to meet Becky (even though we did not get a photo together). To date, HelpUsAdopt.org has awarded 692 adoption grants totaling over $6.6 million—or, to put in another way, that's 692 families who have received the necessary financial help to bring their children home. | | |
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| | Helpusadopt.org is a national 501(c)(3) financial grant program that helps couples/individuals (regardless of ethnicity, gender, marital status, race, religion, or sexual orientation) with the cost of their adoptions by awarding grants up to $30,000. And, unlike other organizations, there is no application fee. "We do one thing and we do it well. We build families through our grant program. It is so simple—the more money we raise, the more children who come home,” explains Becky. Within 60 days of making a donation, your money is put into action. “That is such great donor impact and assurance that your donations are changing the lives of the children we serve." | | |
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| | Congratulations to Debbie Riley LCMFT, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer for the Center for Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.) who is being recognized by National Council For Adoption in November when she will be inducted into the Adoption Hall of Fame. SoulFilling has chosen to make donations to C.A.S.E. for its commitment to mental health and well-being, offering therapeutic support tailored to the unique needs of individuals within the adoption community.
Additionally, their signature Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program equips professionals across the country with the skills necessary to support adoptive families. With a focus on advocacy, C.A.S.E. seeks to promote a positive adoption narrative, aligning with SoulFilling's mission to highlight positive adoption stories. | | |
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| | I look forward to visiting Next Steps For You, Pregnancy Support Center in Glens Falls/Queensbury, New York. My husband and I attended their annual Fundraising Banquet last November and we were so moved by the stories we heard and the people we met that we are proud to attend again this year. The Center exists to educate, empower, and encourage women facing pregnancy decisions through the love of Christ. Learn more about them here. | | |
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Are you feeling discouraged or is your adoption journey turning out differently than you imagined?
You may be experiencing blocked care—a self-protective mechanism in your nervous system that makes it difficult to connect with your child and maintain compassion.
Take this assessment to learn more ➡️ |
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Here are some of the ways I have tried to use my voice over the last few months and contribute to a positive adoption conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts! If you get a chance to listen, please let me know what resonated most with you. Your feedback means a lot to me as I continue to build resources for adoptive families. |
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I was recently a guest on The Adoption Roadmap Podcast with Rebecca Gruenspan, Founder of RG Adoption Consulting. I had the pleasure of chatting with Rebecca about when things go right in adoption. We dove into the importance of celebrating the positive moments in our adoption journeys, importance of building team when we get stuck and how we can all work together to create a more open, complete narrative around adoption. A huge thank you to Rebecca for having me and creating a space for these important conversations. | | |
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| | In this episode of A Place of Yes, I was thrilled to sit down with host Heather and share my experiences as an adoption coach and adoptive mother of three. I talk about my journey to normalize adoption within my family and emphasize the importance of open conversations, even when they touch on sensitive topics. We also explore the concept of ambiguous grief and its impact on adoptive families. Tune in for what I hope you find to be an insightful discussion filled with empathy and practical advice for anyone touched by adoption. | | |
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| | I had the great honor of sharing my SoulFilling journey with Keri Murphy, CEO & Founder of Inspired Living on her Inspired Conversations Podcast. In our discussion, I share my personal experiences as an adoptive mother and how they inspired me to create SoulFilling. I'm committed to making adoption conversations mainstream. With nearly two million couples waiting to adopt and over 100,000 children seeking families, this mission is more relevant than ever. Tune in for what I hope you find to be an uplifting conversation filled with heart, hope, and inspiration! | | |
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I am excited to be an upcoming guest on Sandra Flach's podcast, The Adoption & Foster Care Journey. Sandra is a mom of 8 children, 5 through adoption—2 diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. As a certified facilitator of the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model, Sandra encourages and equips foster and adoptive parents through her podcast, blogs, and workshops. She co-leads the Hope for the FASD Journey online support community, is the co-founder of Justice For Orphans and author of Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father. | | |
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Check out this beautiful quote from the ever-inspiring Simone Biles. |
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"I did not give them up; I gave them more." |
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| | Katy placed her twins into the loving arms of Jessica and Elias ten years ago. Giving More Through Adoption is a birth-mother-run support group for all touched by adoption. "Their joy heals my pain. I did not give them up, I gave them more, and we all still give more each day!" -Katy Mejia (Birth Mom) This beautiful family enjoys many in-person visits, calls, hugs, and kisses through the blessing of their open adoption. This summer, Katy even camped with Jessica, Elias, and the twins at Moreau Lake! | | |
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| | Stay tuned for Katy and Jessica's full story in my upcoming book that will bring to light diverse stories of adoption with a focus on hope and resilience.
I'm looking to interview people who are part of the adoption triangle (adoptive parents, birth parents, and adoptees) who are willing to share their story with me. If this is you, click the button below and answer some questions about your personal experience with adoption. | | |
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My mission in creating SoulFilling was to help make the adoption conversation more mainstream and casual, at home and at school. Which is why I wrote Brianna's Brave Day at School. I couldn't be more thrilled that the story is resonating with people. You can order a copy for your home or classroom bookshelf on Amazon and schedule me to come in for a book signing at your school, library or book store! If you do read and enjoy the book, I would be so grateful if you would consider leaving an Amazon review. Humbly sharing one I received recently from a children's book author I have long admired. Marianne Richmond is a nationally recognized, best-selling author and illustrator who has writtten over 50 children's books, many of which have become popular for their heartwarming messages about love, family, and emotional connections. She wrote one adoption-themed book that I would read to my own children when they were little. |
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“I LOVED it!!! What a tender, heartfelt story shared. And, I loved knowing it was a true story. Being brave and courageous is such a necessary lesson we all need to learn, especially when it comes to personal life stories around adoption.”
Laurie, Adoption Specialist/Therapist
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Adoption Coaching with Francine Apy | SoulFillingWhether you are navigating your own adoption story, seeking guidance on how to best support a loved one, or simply curious to learn how to serve the adoption community, I am here to offer compassionate, thoughtful coaching. My goal is to create a safe space where you can explore your questions, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence and peace of mind. |
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Adoption Community CornerPeople to Know |
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| | Maggie Harding We commissioned a talented jeweler, Maggie, who was also adopted, to create this beautiful bracelet for our son as a birthday gift. It's a special piece that represents the unique bond adoption creates in our lives. | | |
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| | Feeling most at home in nature, Maggie draws inspiration as much from her time sailing the ocean as hiking mountains around the world. Each piece in her collection is imbued with love as she forms it by hand. She fell in love with metal work studying in Florence, Italy, and graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Studio Art. Maggie believes that adornment with hand-shaped metal and stones aligns us with our inescapable unity to the elements of this universe. | | |
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Allison Olson Being both an adoptee and an adoptive parent, Allison Olson has a unique perspective on the topic of adoption. Her goal is to change the adoption narrative from the “lucky" child to the “loved" child.
In preparing for the adoption of her youngest daughter she purchased all the well-known children’s adoption books on the market, but felt they were all missing some key elements. She wanted to write a book that showed all of the love that surrounds the adoptee from both the birth and adoptive families. The goal of the book “Surrounded by Love” is to help build confidence and self-esteem in young adoptees.
Her second book “Learning About My Friend's Adoption” was designed to help educate young friends and family members of adoptees about open adoption in a fun playful gentle manner that helps to answer children’s frequently asked questions. | | |
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Through the Lens of Adoption
Here are some thoughtful things to focus on during the holiday season:
1. Creating New Traditions
Discuss how families can create new, inclusive traditions that honor the unique backgrounds and histories of all family members, whether through food, rituals, or storytelling. Encourage adoptive families to blend traditions from their child’s birth culture with their own. 2. The Importance of Open Conversations Offer tips on how to approach sensitive topics during holiday gatherings, such as answering questions from extended family members or friends about adoption. Emphasize the value of open, age-appropriate conversations that respect everyone’s feelings and experiences. 3. Managing Expectations and Emotions: The holidays can bring up a range of emotions for adopted children and their families. Provide advice on how to manage these emotions, from acknowledging the bittersweet feelings that may arise to setting realistic expectations for the holiday season. 4. Honoring/SupportingThoughtful to Birth Families: Suggest ways to honor birth families during the holidays, such as lighting a candle, including them in prayers, or creating a special ornament. This can help children feel connected to their birth families and understand that their adoptive families recognize and respect that connection. 5. Navigating Questions and Curiosity: Holidays often involve meeting new people or catching up with distant relatives who might not be familiar with the family's adoption journey. Provide strategies for how adoptive parents and children can gracefully navigate questions or curiosity from others during these gatherings. 6. Gift-Giving with Meaning: Share ideas for meaningful gifts that celebrate adoption, such as personalized adoption-themed books, jewelry, or keepsakes that honor the child’s heritage. These can be wonderful ways to reinforce a child’s identity and the love surrounding their adoption story. SoulFilling's Bright Light Boutique has you covered! 😉 7. Creating a Supportive Environment: Encourage families to create a supportive and understanding environment for their adopted children during the holidays. This might include being mindful of the child’s comfort level in social situations or providing them with a space to retreat if they need some quiet time. 8. Storytelling and Reflection: The holidays are a time for reflection and sharing stories. Encourage families to share stories about their adoption journey, focusing on positive memories and the growth they’ve experienced together. This can strengthen family bonds and help adopted children feel more secure in their identity. 9. Incorporating Cultural Celebrations: For transracial or international adoptions, highlight the importance of incorporating cultural celebrations from the child’s birth country or culture. This can be a beautiful way to honor the child’s roots and educate the entire family about different traditions. 10. Supporting Birth Parents: Discuss ways to extend love and support to birth parents during the holidays, whether through cards, letters, or thoughtful gifts, if this is part of the family’s open adoption agreement. Acknowledging birth parents can provide comfort and connection for both the child and the birth parents. |
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💡 Bright Light Boutique 🛍️
My hope is when someone sees someone wearing my products, with the adoption symbol, it sparks their curiosity to ask what the symbol means, what is SoulFilling, and opens up the conversation of adoption in a casual, conversational kind of way.
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Sterling Silver Beacon Adoption Pendant + Necklace | | This design is my interpretation of the adoption symbol. The imperfect heart represents that love does not have to be perfect in order to be beautiful. The … | | |
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November is National Adoption Month
Once again, SoulFilling has plans to celebrate National Adoption Month (NAM) in November through education, events, and contributions of time, talent, and treasure. We are excited to partner with several of the same organizations who were part of our NAM celebrations last year, including:
Yoga Mandali Albany Ninja Lab BirthMom Retreat Schenectady County Community College I will be a guest on the InfluenceHER podcast in November as well! Stay tuned! We will share specific details around each event on social media over the coming weeks so make sure to follow along for updates and to join in on the festivities! |
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Raising Awareness
These next few months are filled with campaigns and events designed to support mental health, emotional well-being, and recovery from various challenges. While SoulFilling isn't associated with these specific causes, we believe that awareness breeds empathy, and sharing this list is one tiny way we can contribute to the collective conversation around reflection and evolution.
September:
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Focuses on raising awareness around suicide prevention and mental health, with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th.
Women's Friendship Day: Celebrated on September 15, honors the importance of female friendships. It’s a special day to appreciate and celebrate the bonds between women, recognizing the emotional support, laughter, and strength that come from these valuable relationships.
Constitution Day/Citizenship Day: Celebrated on Setepmber 17, recognizes those who have become U.S. citizens. It’s a day to reflect on the principles of freedom and democracy that the Constitution upholds, and to celebrate the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.
International Day of Peace: Celebrated on September 21, promotes global unity and non-violence. Established by the United Nations, it is a day to reflect on the importance of peace, encouraging nations and individuals to work toward resolving conflicts and fostering harmony across the world.
National Recovery Month: Promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental health and substance use disorders.
National Self-Care Awareness Month: Encourages taking time for personal care and mental health.
October:
World Smile Day: Celebrated on October 4, was created to promote the act of spreading joy through simple gestures like a smile. It’s a day dedicated to making others happy, reinforcing the idea that a small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and inspire positivity.
National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month: Focuses on raising awareness about the importance of mental health screenings.
ADHD Awareness Month: Brings awareness to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and related issues.
World Mental Health Day: Observed on October 10th, it raises awareness about mental health issues and promotes efforts to support mental well-being worldwide.
November:
National Adoption Month: While primarily focused on adoption, many campaigns also include mental health themes, particularly regarding the emotional well-being of adopted children, birth families, and adoptive families.
International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: Observed on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, this day brings together people who have lost a loved one to suicide, emphasizing healing and support.
World Kindness Day: Celebrated on November 13, encourages individuals to make small acts of kindness a part of their daily routine. It’s a day to promote empathy, compassion, and understanding, highlighting the power of kindness in creating a more peaceful and connected world.
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Say It. Send It. Share It.
At SoulFilling, we believe that every positive adoption story deserves to be heard. When you've experienced something meaningful in your adoption journey, we encourage you to:
Say it. Speak your truth and share the joy, resilience, and growth you've experienced.
Send it. Pass on your story to others; whether through conversations, letters, or social media so that your light can inspire others. Share it. Spread the word and help shift the narrative by highlighting the many stories that are working, showing the world that adoption can be a story of love, positive experiences, and connection. Together, we can amplify positive adoption experiences in print and media and make the adoption conversation more mainstream at home, work, and school. Say it, send it, share it. Let's fill the world with stories that uplift, encourage, and inspire. |
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The Power in the Pause
“Be still and know that I am here." This is one of my favorite scripture quotes. It invites a sense of calm, trust, and reassurance. It speaks to the idea of pausing from the busyness of life, quieting your mind, and finding peace in the presence of something greater than yourself—whether that's God, faith, or the deeper wisdom within. It’s a reminder to surrender worries and doubts, to trust that even in moments of uncertainty or challenge, there is a guiding presence or divine support that is always there. It calls for a moment of stillness, reflection, and confidence in knowing that you are not alone. |
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Join the SoulFilling Community! |
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