Wisconsin Post Adoption
Resource
Centers
The Catholic Charities
Post Adoption
Resource Centers are funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Children & Family Services.
A Closed Adoption Reunion Story.
All In God's Timing.
learned at an early age to be
find my birth mom. At the time
(Menard) Singer
thankful for the gift of life she
I didn't know it, but she must
It is true that no two stories of
gave me, as the womb is a
have known she was ill. With
adoptions are the same. The
dangerous place for unwed
her heart of gold, she wanted me
same is true about reunion
mothers. As I reached adult
to meet and know my birth
stories my story is definitely
hood I knew that I could try to
mom. In a way, meeting a birth
unique and truly amazing!
find my birth parents. Still I had
mom is a great reward for an
the deep yearning to know.
adoptive mother it is like saying
stood and celebrated because of
While I attended Viterbo
to the birth mom, "See, I did
my deep faith in a loving and
College I lived only a few
good. She is the joy of my life.
unconditional God. I believe
blocks away from Catholic
She turned out great! Thank
that God had his hand in how
Charities. I thought about it
you!"
my life has unfolded. I was born
every time I saw the building.
in 1962 and shortly after placed
At that time I decided not to
my non I'd info. I also had the
for adoption through Catholic
pursue it, as I was concentrating
option to request opening up my
Charities. I came to live with a
on my studies and wasn't sure it
records and meeting my birth
couple who had adopted a baby
was the right time.
parents. At that time I discov-
daughter two years before me
That was in the late
So I petitioned the state for
ered that my birth parents were
and had one older daughter, they
1980's. After graduating I got
married. I also discovered that
also adopted a baby boy 5 years
married and then became a
my mom had contacted catholic
after me. To say my life grow-
mom. Being a mom made me
Charities in 1984 to inquire
ing up was blessed is an under-
think even more about my own
about me. Because I had never
statement. My adopted mom
birth story. I thought about my
made an inquiry, they had to tell
always told me that I didn't
birth mom more often. I also
my birth mom that too. I do
grow under her heart but in it.
never wanted to take away from
regret not having at least made a
my adopted mom or dad their
call to Catholic Charities as I
never felt like I was not wanted
significance in my life. They
wonder, if I had done so, my
or abandoned. You see I only
were my parents, I never wanted
birth moms sadness may have
knew love. I never had ill feel-
to take that away from them.
been lessened. wonder, if I had
Fast forward to 2001. My
done so, my birth moms sadness
I guess I'm lucky because I
ings towards my birth mom. I
adopted mom encouraged me to
Winter 2015 Issue
www.parc.cclse.org
The Wisconsin Post Adoption
Resource Centers are located at:
Written by: Tamara Laska
My story can only be under-
NEWS
may have been lessened.
Northeastern Region:
Family Services of NE Wisconsin,
Inc.
300 Crooks Street
Green Bay, WI 54301
Phone: 800-998-9609/x1264
Western Region:
Catholic Charities
of the Diocese of La Crosse
3710 East Ave.
La Crosse, WI 54601
Phone: 608-782-0710
Catholic Charities
of the Diocese of La Crosse
448 N. Dewey Street
Eau Claire, WI 54703
Phone: 715-832-6644
Northern Region:
Catholic Charities
of the Diocese of La Crosse
540 South 3rd Ave.
Wausau, WI 54401
Phone: 715-849-3311
Southeastern Region:
Coalition for Children, Youth and
Families
6682 W. Greenfield Ave.
Suite 310
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Phone: 800-762-8063
Southern Region:
Catholic Charities
of the Diocese of Madison
1810 S. Park Street, Suite 200
Madison, WI 53713
Phone: 888-236-4673
A Closed Adoption Reunion Story. All In God's Timing. (Continued)
Unfortunately, years later when the case
man my birth father was and how he and my
hugged and kissed and then held hands for I
worker contacted them, my birth father said
mom were happily married. He told me that
think 4 hours. I found out that I look just like
that too much time had passed. I was sad, but
they all were anxious to meet me. They all
her. It was something most people take for
held on to the belief that God had a plan. I
knew about me. As my father had previously
granted but an adoptee takes extra special
also knew that in the future the state would
been married and had five children before
note of.
contact my birth parents one more time at my
me. They grew to love my birth mom! You
request. So I went on with my life. My
see I came from an awesome family from
collect angels. She collects angels. My
children were young at the time and they kept
Eau Claire. A reunion was planned, but my
adopted mom collected bells. She collects
my husband and I very busy. My life was
brother told me that my birth mom did not
bells. There are no english words to describe
complete. So I thought. However, prior to
want to meet me. However, the reunion
this unique feeling. I just call them WOW
contacting the state I had also contacted a
weekend was still going to happen. Two
moments.
non profit adoption searcher on line. The
months later the big day was nearing. A few
searcher had dedicated her life trying to help
days before, my birth mom changed her mind
my dad was buried. As we came to the
reunite adoptees and birth families. The
and decided to meet me. I had written her a
gravesite there were three eagles flying
internet was in it's infancy and not as much
letter and given her a scrapbook about my
directly above us. We all were overwhelmed
information was available on line. She did a
life several weeks before. My oldest brother
with the sense that dad was with us. I also
lot of leg work. I reimbursed her for photo
promised her it would be good for her. He
knew that my adopted dad was there too, as
copies and gas. She went to Eau Claire where
knew I wasn't going to come into her life and
he had passed away in 1988 and I missed him
I was born and to Madison. Because of the
leave her again.
dearly.
closed adoption laws it is difficult to get in-
The weekend of the reunion I can only
There were so many more similarities I
On Sunday my siblings took me to where
In the afternoon I got to meet all of my
formation. She came across a brick wall that
explain as being in the presence of God. My
siblings children. That day they showered me
was about the same time my birth parents
siblings were convinced that my birth dad
with gifts. I received the crucifix from dad's
denied opening up the records.
orchestrated this from heaven. While he was
casket, his favorite copper bookmark as he
here on earth he protected my mom, as he
was an avid reader of history, some barn
for a reason and I wasn't too disappointed. I
could not take the chance of a reunion
wood from the family homestead and many
just put it in God's hands. Then 9 years later
harming her. But now that he knew it would
other gifts. I sang the song "On This Day Oh
in 2010 I received an email from the adoption
be a good thing, he made it happen.
Beautiful Mother," in honor of my birth
I am a firm believer that things happen
searcher. Her words were: "I have some news
On a Friday evening I met my 5 half
mom. There wasn't a dry eye to be found.
for you. I hope you are sitting down. I have
brothers and sisters and their spouses. What a
been cleaning my files because I am dying
great honor it was to hear the family stories.
have become very dear to me and I feel like
from cancer and now I know why I am still
Even though they are my half siblings to
they have been apart of my whole life. I
here and this is it. I still had your file which I
them and to me, blood does not make some-
travel often to EauClaire from Stevens Point.
normally don't keep after so many years. I
one a brother or sister. I couldn't help but
reentered some info on the internet and I
recognize that in many ways, my adopted
reunions as I have. I know how blessed I am
have found your family. Unfortunately your
family and birth family were parallel. It
and thank God everyday for having two
birth father is recently deceased. I wish you
affirmed my belief that God definitely saw
wonderful families.
the best in moving forward with this new
that my life was not in anyway deprived for
found information.”
having not been raised by my birth family.
At that time I decided to send a letter to
On Saturday morning we went to the
my oldest half brother. Shortly after receiving
Assisted Living where my mom had been
the letter, I spoke to him at length on the
since my dad passed. My mom took one
phone. He told me about what a wonderful
look at me, smiled from ear to ear, we
Since that day my birth mom and family
I know that not everyone has grand
Tamara is a Director of Faith Formation and
Evangelization at St. Peter Catholic Parish in
Stevens Point. If you would like to contact
her for more information you may reach her
at [email protected]
SAVE THE DATE
Positive Solutions for
Difficult Behaviors Part II
With speaker & therapist
Paul Gasser
Friday, May 1st, 2015
La Crosse Area, Location TBD
9AM - 3:00PM
Sponsored by:
Birth Mother Retreat
A Day of Recognition, Connection and
Healing for Birth Mothers of all ages &
faiths
SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, May 2nd 2015 in Wisconsin Dells
We are collaborating with Catholic Charities throughout the state this year to provide a
state-wide retreat. Come just for the day, or plan on bringing your family as we will
have very reasonable rates at the Kalahari available that weekend. Watch for more
information and registration info in late February. Please contact Christy with any
questions at 715-832-6644 ext. 1517 or [email protected].
Upcoming Adoption Trainings and Events
Teen Group
Monday, February 16th
6:00 pm
Pla-Mor Bowling Alley
La Crosse, WI
Me Moves Presentation
Tuesday, March 3rd
5:30-8:00 pm
Onalaska Public Library
Onalaska, WI
Easter Egg-Stravaganza
Saturday, March 21st
10:30-Noon
Catholic Charities
La Crosse, WI
Here is a great opportunity for
your teen to meet other teens
who are in foster care or have
been adopted. This group will
meet to talk, hang out, and have
fun together!
Don’t miss this great new
training for a new and
innovative approach to
co-regulation for all children
and adults. MeMoves™ is an
easy and innovative way to
increase attention and calm in
as little as two minutes – in the
classroom, at home, anywhere –
for people of all ages and
abilities.
This presentation is open to all
parents, teachers, social workers
and therapists that are interested
in learning about this great new
approach.
Don’t miss out on our annual
Easter Egg-Stravaganza! There
will be an Easter egg hunt,
games, snacks, crafts, prizes
and a special visit from the
Easter Bunny!
The event will be indoors due to
weather. If the weather
cooperates event may be
outside.
We will meet at 6:00 pm sharp.
Snacks and Soda provided
Please RSVP to
Magen at [email protected] or
608-782-0710 ext. 1223
Mom’s Lunch
Monday, February 23rd
12:30 pm
Down to Earth Cafe
Eau Claire, WI
Join Catholic Charities Post
Adoption Resource Center for
Lunch and connecting with
other adoptive moms. Share
your story and ask your
questions. It’s a time to meet
others who have formed their
families through adoption.
Open to all post and pre
adoptive moms and foster
moms too!
RSVP tby 2/19 o Anne at
715-832-6644 x1520 or
[email protected].
For more information or to
RSVP contact Magen at
608-782-0710 x1223 or
email: [email protected]
Mom’s Night Out
Tuesday, March 10th
6:00 pm
Family Restaurant
Sparta, WI
This is a FREE event. This
event is open to all pre and post
adoptive families and foster
families.
RSVP to Magen at
[email protected] or
608-782-0710 x1223
Birth Parent Support Group
Thursday, March 26th
6:00 pm
Java Vino
La Crosse, WI
Join Catholic Charities Post
Adoption Resource Center for
an evening of connecting with
other adoptive moms. Share
your story and ask your
questions. It’s a night to meet
others who have formed their
families through adoption.
Open to all post and pre adoptive moms and foster moms too!
Join us for a support group to
talk with other birthparents who
have placed a child for
adoption. This group is also
open to anyone who may be
considering adoption for their
child and would like to talk to
others who have experienced
this difficult decision. Open to
all birthparents regardless of
agency used or type of
adoption.
RSVP to Magen at
[email protected] or 608-7820710 x1223
RSVP to Magen Duffy if you
plan to attend
[email protected]
Upcoming Adoption Trainings and Events
SAVE THE DATE
Positive Solutions for Difficult
Behaviors Part II
Friday, May 1st
9:00-3:00 pm
First Free Church
Onalaska, WI
Save the date for an amazing
conference featuring speaker
Paul Gasser. We will be having
Paul return this year again to do
a part II to his presentation last.
People asked for Paul Gasser to
come back again, and we
listened! Don’t worry if you
missed last years conference,
you will be able to catch up
quickly and learn tons of great
strategies for those difficult
behaviors.
This is an interactive
conference. Paul will answer
many questions and give real
life solutions for you to try and
take home with you. Don’t miss
out on this great conference!
For more information contact
Magen at [email protected] or
608-782-0710 x1223.
Registration information will be
out soon.
Adoption Kids Group
Tuesday, April 14th
6:00 pm
Onalaska Library
Onalaska, WI
Join us for a support group for
kids in 1st thru 5th grade. One
month we will meet at the
Onalaska Library for pizza and
group talk, and the next month
we will have a fun outing.
RSVP to Magen Duffy if your
child will attend
[email protected]
608-782-0710 ext.223.
Empowered to Connect
Live Simulcast
Friday and Saturday,
April 10th and 11th
9:00-5:00 pm
Five Locations
Locations:
Onalaska, Eau Claire,
Wausau, Wisconsin Rapids,
Superior
Join us at one of these five
locations for this amazing
Simulcast. CEU’s will be given.
Please see the flyer on page 4
for more information and
locations in your area.
Meet Our Newest Post
Adoption Specialist
I am the Post Adoption Specialist for Catholic Charities in Wausau. I
graduated with a B.A. in Family Life Education and Human Development from UW-Stevens Point. My interest has always been in aiding
families and people to be the best they can be. Before coming to
Catholic Charities I worked in the corrections field. First with teens
and until my recent career switch with adults where I was a case manager and instructor of cognitive development
classes.
I have an amazing husband of 25 years and
together we have raised three amazing
young men who all have wonderful young
women in their lives. Our recent family
addition has been our first grandchild Jayce.
We have also been foster parents to six
children and I have traveled to Mexico
where I lived and worked in orphanages.
I look forward to this new chapter in my
life .
Upcoming Events
Come Join us for some great speakers, trainings and family fun
Date/Time:
Event
Other information
Tuesday, February 16th Teen Group Meeting, Pla-Mor Lanes
6:00 pm
Bowling Alley-La Crosse, WI
Come meet others and enjoy a game or
two of bowling. RSVP to Magen.
Monday, February 23rd Mom’s Lunch, Down to Earth Café
12:30 pm
Eau Claire, WI
Join us for lunch and meet other mom’s.
RSVP to Anne.
Tuesday, March 3rd
5:30-8:00 pm
Me Moves Workshop, Onalaska Public A great interactive approach to help with
Library, Onalaska, WI.
co-regulation for kids and adults. RSVP to
Magen, spots filling up quickly. FREE!
Tuesday, March 10th
6:00 pm
Mom’s Night Out, Family Restaurant, Join us for a night out just moms. RSVP
Sparta, WI.
To Magen if you can join us!
Saturday, March 21st
10:30-Noon
Easter Egg-Stravaganza. Catholic
Charities Building, La Crosse, WI.
Family fun for all. Easter egg hunt, visit
with the Easter Bunny, crafts and more.
This is a FREE event. RSVP to Magen.
Thursday, March 26th
6:00 pm
Birth Parent Support Group. Java
Vino, La Crosse, WI.
Open to ALL birthparents. RSVP to
Magen.
Friday and Saturday
April 10th & 11th
9:00-5:00 pm
Empowered to Connect, Live
Simulcast. 5 Locations: Wausau,
Onalaska, Eau Claire, Superior,
Wisconsin Rapids
Join us for a great conference at a location near you on adoption, foster care and
orphan care. More details soon.
Tuesday, April 14th
6:00-7:00 pm
Adoption Kids Group, Onalaska Public For more information about this event
Library, Onalaska, WI.
Contact Magen.
Friday, May 1st
9:00-3:00 pm
Positive Solutions for Difficult
Save the Date. More information and
Behaviors Part II. Featuring speaker registration to come out soon. Contact
Paul Gasser. First Free Church,
Magen with any questions.
Onalaska, WI
To Learn more or to register for these events please see the information in the newsletter
or call:
Saturday, November
Adoption Comes Full Circle Presenta- Location: The Howard Johnson. Featured
Anne
715.832-6644x1520,
608.782.0710
x1223
15th, 10:00-2:00 pm
tion
for: Women-Wausau,
WI Magen:
speaker
is Susan Van
Sleet. RSVP to Anne
Christy: 715.832.6644 x1517, Torrie:715-849-3311 1725
www.parc.cclse.org
3710 East Ave So
La Crosse, WI
54601
Meet the Faces of The Post Adoption
Resource Center
Anne Rozeboom
Post Adoption Specialist
Eau Claire
Christy Reppe
Post Adoption Specialist
Eau Claire
Magen Duffy
Post Adoption Specialist
La Crosse
Torrie Kolbeck
Post Adoption Specialist
Wausau