The ART of Infertility & Greater Hopes Family Services
This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.
RESOLVE of West Michigan, a peer-led infertility support group organization, is collaborating with The ART of Infertility and Greater Hopes Family Services to host an event dedicated to navigating the infertility journey. This unique, one-night event will take place on Thursday, March 12 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Greater Hopes Family Services located at 1345 Monroe Avenue NW in Grand Rapids.
Liz Horn Walker, founder and creator of The ART of Infertility, will be will display artwork, portraits and stories capturing the experiences and challenges of infertility. Individuals are welcome to view the artwork and stories displayed. Time will also be provided for infertile individuals and couples to contribute to the nation-wide project by capturing their own stories and taking portraits. This portion of the event will begin at 6:00 p.m. and run until 9:00 p.m.
The second half of the evening will be dedicated to an informational session on the realities, struggles and joys of the adoption process in 2015. Adoption attorney and Greater Hopes Family Services founder, Cathy Raidna, will provide an overview of the adoption process as well as answer questions and concerns about the legality of adoption. This portion of the evening will run from 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Following this overview, individuals are invited to attend a more detailed orientation to adopting in West Michigan through Greater Hopes Family Services. The orientation to the adoption process with Greater Hopes will begin at 7:45 p.m. and run until 9:00 p.m.
It is the intention that this event will serve as a place to increase infertility awareness and serve to support those struggling to naviagate the often silenced journey of infertility. The event encourages infertile individuals and couples to bring family, friends and loved ones to The ART of Infertility exhibit so as to better inform others about the emotional struggle with infertility, as displayed through art and storytelling.
Additionally, the event welcomes attendance from individuals throughout West Michigan interested in adoption and working with a smaller adoption agency. For more information or questions about the event, contact Maria Novotny (RESOLVE of West Michigan).
Maria Novotny has written previously about infertility in West Michigan for The Rapidian, you can read more here.
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