Embracing Hope: Madison’s US Hosting Program
In a world where over 150 million children are orphaned, and thousands join their ranks each day, Madison Adoption Associates’ US Hosting Program stands as a beacon of hope, bridging continents to bring families together. “Once a child turns 5, they have only a 5% chance of being adopted, leaving many children without a family. [Madison’s] hosting program has been created to address the needs of these orphaned children” (Madison, 2020).
Bringing Families Together
From June 28th to July 14th of 2024, Madison’s Hosting Program will connect children from Colombia waiting to be adopted overseas with families from Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Utah. These children, already legally cleared for international adoption, will embark on a journey of two to four weeks with host families, offering them a taste of family life and a glimpse into a brighter future while opening their hearts and homes.
Addressing Urgent Needs
The mission is clear: to address the urgent needs of orphaned children overseas. Madison’s Hosting Program endeavors to rewrite the narrative by advocating for these vulnerable children and providing them with the love, care, and stability they deserve.
Mutual Growth and Understanding
But it’s not just the children who are helped. Host families also benefit from the program. This opportunity offers families a chance to dispel existing fears about adopting older children while raising awareness about the global orphan crisis within their communities. It’s a chance for mutual growth and understanding where families and children alike learn from one another while forging bonds that can last a lifetime.
Cultural Awareness and Experiences
The program promises a culturally diverse experience as host families open their doors to children from around the world. Through weekly events and the guidance of experienced coordinators and social workers, families create a nurturing environment that provides children with a glimpse of what it means to be part of a loving family.
Comprehensive Support and Guidance
Of course, hosting a child is not without its challenges. Children raised in institutions may exhibit developmental delays and institutional behaviors that require patience, understanding, and support from host families. Madison Adoption Associates is there every step of the way offering comprehensive support and guidance promoting a positive experience for both the child and the host family.
Eligibility and Logistics
Families with a current international home study are welcome to apply with children typically aged 10 and above participating in the program. Extensive background information on the child will be provided along with training on cultural expectations and trauma-informed care.
Financial Assistance
While there are fees associated with the hosting process, grants are available to assist families in need. Moreover, the rewards of hosting extend far beyond financial considerations, with the knowledge that you’re making a tangible difference in a child’s life and paving the way for their journey to a permanent family.
Join Us in Bringing Hope Home
In a world often marked by division and uncertainty, Madison’s US Hosting Program stands as a testament to the power of compassion, connection, and community. By opening your heart and home to a child in need, you’re not just changing their life—you’re changing the world, one family at a time.
Will you join us in embracing hope this summer? Contact Misty Lucas at Misty@MadisonAdoption.org to learn more about how you can make a difference through Madison’s Hosting Program. Together, we can create a brighter future for orphaned children around the globe.
