JANUARY 28
A Plainfield YMCA staffer discusses its unique foster program, Raising Amazing People (RAP).

FEBRUARY 25
Celebrating Alyce Jenkins and her more than a decade of leadership and friendship.

MARCH 24
The Conroy Family: An adoptive mom and daughter celebrate six years as a forever family. Christina shares about her time in a Ukranian orphanage, adjustment to family life and being a teenager in America. Diane discusses their adoption process and transitioning to familyhood.

APRIL 28
Musician and adoptee Zara Phillips returns to CHATS as Mother Me, an updated version of her book Chasing Away The Shadows is published in England. She performs, and discusses her memoir, in which she explores her relationships with both her mothers and details her journey to motherhood. She writes, “It seems that birthing my children was also a birth for my whole self.”

MAY 19
Raised by her biological parents until being placed in foster care at two years old, Monica Walker was adopted at four. At 20, she reunited with her birth father; the next year, her birth mother. She discusses her journey and how she brings from it motivation and determination:  “I refuse to let my past determine where –- or who –- I will be.”

JUNE 23
The Reents Family: Patty and Bill, and daughters Juliana and Rebecca, recently returned to India and the girls’ home cities, Hyderabad and Junagadh. From India’s streets bustling with people, cars, motorcycles, cows, bikes and rickshaws, to its lively bazaars and delicious food, they share some favorite memories of their journey, including seeing Juliana’s orphanage.

JULY 28
Musician Katherine Almeida, who performs under the name Banjara, was adopted from Pakistan at three years old. In addition to discussing her adoption journey, she performs. Her CDs are available for purchase.

AUGUST
Annual Family Fun Picnic! Date to be announced.

SEPTEMBER 22
Adopted at two years old, Geri Noble was reunited with her birth mother more than three years ago. She shares her adoption journey and reunion story. In addition, the title for November’s book discussion will be selected.

OCTOBER 27
Carol Barbieri and her twin were adopted –- at different times –- by the same family. Now in reunion, Carol is close to her biological brother who, with his wife, adopted a daughter from Colombia. In addition to sharing her story, Carol and her family share their music.

NOVEMBER 24
Book discussion.

DECEMBER
No meeting. Happy Holidays!