Being an adoptive father of two wonderful children myself, many people approach me on a regular basis, and ask me about the various aspects of child adoption. As a community service project, I recently created “The Adoption Option” which is a series of non-profit educational TV shows, regarding the various aspects of child adoption. Three of my five children, Mikayla, Isabella & Erika, volunteer their time and assist me with the production of the show on a regular basis. The show is non-profit, and is filmed at MCTV (Methuen Community Television) Studios in Methuen, Massachusetts. The administrative staff of MCTV Studios and Volunteers continually donate their time and expertise and help with the taping of the show, whether it’s operating a TV camera, directing, working the sound board etc. The show could not be done without their on-going support!
The first half-hour show (episode) was taped November 22, 2010 and first aired in December of 2010. The topic of this first show episode is: “Adopting children from state foster care.” Two special guests, Ms. Ruth Bodian and Mr. Ricardo Franco, Coordinators from the “Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange” (M.A.R.E.) of Boston, spoke about the various aspects of adopting children from state foster care. Ms. Bodian is not only with M.A.R.E, but is also a single adoptive parent as well.
The purpose behind creating, hosting & producing the series of shows is to: educate the community on the various aspects of child adoption, highlight various charities, events, individuals, and organizations committed to the various aspects of child adoption, especially to children currently in foster care.
Just recently, “The Adoption Option” TV Show was nominated for a “HomeTown Award.” The HomeTown Awards are given by the Alliance for Community Media for the programs that best exemplify a good use of Access television. I’ll let you know how the show makes out…
Receiving an award would be outstanding and very gratifying. However, helping at least one child become adopted would be the ultimate award for me indeed! The main reason, for the creating the show was to give-back to the community, and to potentially help some children become adopted. There are hundreds of kids in the state of Massachusetts alone, in state foster care, that are looking for a “forever home and family.”
To view the “Adoption Option” TV episode mentioned above, or other episodes, go to the TV Show website located at: www.adoption-option.org
Written by Michael Blanchette – Methuen Massachusetts, USA
Photo Credit: Michael Blanchette
Thank you Michael. I adopted my amazing daughter about 7 years ago. She was born pre-natally exposed to Meth. I love her soooo very very much. My daughter is like Forest Gump. Always overoming many of her challenges.
thanks for your article.
Eileen