Project Esther:
The Chicago Jewish Adoption Network

CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING EVENTS!

Author Scott Simon Talks About His New Book:
Baby, We Were Meant for Each Other
September 26, 2010
Click here for details.

Talking to Children About Adoption
October 4, 2010
Click here for details.

Voices of Resilience: Adoption and the Jewish Family
November 14, 2010
Click here for details.


Project Esther: The Chicago Jewish Adoption Network recognizes that there is no one definition for the modern family. Our program supports adoptive families and celebrates adoption in the Jewish community by providing comprehensive services for adoptive and prospective adoptive families, couples and individuals. Although Project Esther does not place children for adoption, we link prospective adoptive parents to placement resources. We are also a resource to birth parents and adult adoptees.

The changing face of adoption can bring special challenges to families. “Questions may arise about infertility, single parenting, same-sex parenting, as well as parenting in trans-racial, multi-cultural and interfaith families that necessitate increased education, support and understanding,” comments the program’s director, Marsha Raynes, MSW. “Project Esther was designed to help fulfill those needs.”

Project Esther works collaboratively with Stars of David International, the Chicago Board of Rabbis, the Chicago Rabbinical Council and the Jewish Community Centers. Together, our team of religious leaders, community educators and adoption professionals help support the programs and services of Project Esther.

WE PROVIDE

Home Studies, Licensing and Post-Placement Services
We offer home studies for families pursuing domestic or international adoptions. For more information about the Home Study fees, click here.

Links to Adoption Resources and Services
While we do not place children for adoption, our extensive knowledge of adoption agencies, lawyers, physicians and rabbis allow centralized access to resources. We are also a resource to birth parents and adult adoptees.

Family Social and Networking Events
From our Chanukah Party to our Summer Picnic, we work in collaboration with Stars of David and the Jewish community to offer events that allow families to have fun, socialize and connect with one another.

Support Groups For Parents and Children
Support groups respond to the needs of adoptive and prospective adoptive families. These may include unique aspects of adoptive parenting, support for single adoptive parents and transracial adoptive parents.

Individual and Family Consulting and Counseling
Recognizing that the adoptive process can be challenging on many different levels, we provide consultation and referrals for counseling.

Educational Seminars and Workshops
From pre-adoption education to raising Jewish children, our seminars and workshops address the unique issues facing Jewish families built through adoption.

Post-Adoptive Services
Our qualified staff handle and array of post-adoption requests, including search and reunion services.

Community Outreach and Education
Our programs promote and celebrate the diversity of Jewish families built through adoption. Whether a school needs consultation on adoption issues, a professional needs assistance to respond to a family’s request for adoption resources or a synagogue needs ideas to integrate diverse Jewish families into their congregation, we are available to provide guidance.


Click here for more information about Project Esther client rights and responsibilities.

Click here to view the annual report for Illinois Licensed Adoption Agencies.