(SOMERSET, NJ) – The director of Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., a state-licensed adoption agency, supports the adoption bill expected to be voted on today in the NJ Assembly, but says birth parents should have the choice to opt out.

The proposed bill eases the path for adoptees 18 years or older obtain their original birth certificates, which allows them to find out the names of their biological parents. Currently, the records are sealed and can only be released by court order.

“We support adoptive children having an awareness of their families of origin because it often provides a greater sense of identity and can also be a vehicle for addressing questions around mental, health or medical needs,” said Maureen E. Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., which has placed more than 700 children in permanent and temporary homes over the last decade. “We, however, feel that this should be optional so as not to serve as a deterrence for birth parents wishing to surrender their children. This could in turn place children at greater risk when families are not comfortable with the terms of surrendering.”

“We have adoptive families in our network who have remained open to connecting children with their families of origin, however, we have put in place great measures in providing the appropriate emotional support, as well as safety, when adoptees want to find their birth parents,” she continued.

The bill, approved by the Senate March 22, includes protections for biological parents who want to remain anonymous.

Harvest of Hope was founded in 1997 by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens and CEO of the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation, parent company for Harvest of Hope. Its mission is to mobilize and utilize resources and advocate for policies that address the immediate and long-term needs of foster children. Harvest of Hope has licensed 355 families who have responded to the needs of children in the custody of the State of New Jersey. As of December 2009, Harvest of Hope placed more than 700 children in temporary foster care and has facilitated the adoption of 220 children by 145 families.

For more information, visit www.harvestofhopefamily.com or call (732) 247-1270.

June 8, 2010 – (SOMERSET, NJ) – Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc. is hosting a brunch to recognize the agency’s foster care and adoptive parents and Olympian Joetta Clark Diggs will be the featured speaker.

The brunch is from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 12 in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, 771 Somerset St.

“Without our foster and adoptive parents, Harvest of Hope would not exist. This annual brunch is an expression of our appreciation to them for their commitment to opening their hearts to children who need a temporary or permanent home,” said Maureen E. Archibald, executive director of Harvest of Hope.

Harvest of Hope was founded in 1997 and since then, 723 children have been placed in homes; 223 children have been adopted; 147 families have adopted children and 362 homes have been licensed. There are currently 135 homes with active licenses and Harvest of Hope has hit its goal of licensing 25 homes a year for the last three years.

Four-time Olympian Clark Diggs has been America’s premier middle distance runner for over three decades. Today, she serves as president of Joetta Sports & Beyond, LLC, where she spends her time delivering high-energy motivational seminars to athletic programs, businesses and other organizations across the country. Clark Diggs is also the host and producer of a cable fitness show for kids called Fitkidz, NJ.

Clark Diggs is expected to talk about her book “Joetta’s ‘P’ Principles for Success.”

“These are principles that anyone needs to be successful,” she said of the doctrines that include purpose, prepare, patience, perturbed and preserve.

Clark Diggs said she will tie in the principles to the process that foster care and adoptive parents experience.

The brunch is open to foster and adoptive parents across the state. A reservation is required to attend. To RSVP, e-mail HOH@harvestofhopefamily.com or call (732) 247-1270.

Harvest of Hope was founded in 1997 by Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens and CEO of the Central Jersey Community Development Corporation, parent company for Harvest of Hope. Its mission is to mobilize and utilize resources and advocate for policies that address the immediate and long-term needs of foster children. Harvest of Hope has licensed 355 families who have responded to the needs of children in the custody of the State of New Jersey. 

For more information, visit www.harvestofhopefamily.com or call (732) 247-1270.

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(FRANKLIN TWP., SOMERSET, NJ) – First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens (FBCLG) and Harvest of Hope Family Services Network, Inc., today announced they will be sponsoring their second annual community fair/back-to-school block party on Saturday, September 19, 2009.

“This is a community fair for all central Jersey residents,” said Khristi Adams, FBCLG Youth Minister and the event’s coordinator. “It will include lots of food, fun and entertainment – including a DJ, the Fun Bus for kids, face painting and crafts, DARE motorcycles, basketball and much more!

“In addition, the Health Screening Van from St. Peter’s Hospital will be present, doing free comprehensive health screenings.”

The event will feature a concert by Frontlynaz, a Stellar Award nominated group that represents the new age of hip hop/RAP music. Frontlynaz has performed in a number of states along the east coast and recently for audiences in California. In addition to their ministry in the U.S., the group has performed in the West Indies and Nigeria and has developed a fan base in Singapore, Europe, Australia and Canada. Frontlynaz has shared the stage with a variety of artists such as Donnie McClurkin, The Katinas, Ki Ki Sheard, Cross Movement and Ty Tribbet. Their 2008 release, “GAMEOVER,” was recently nominated for a Stellar Gospel Award in the Best Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year category.

Minister Adams added that the community fair/block party is important because it offers community youth an opportunity to gather and celebrate the end of summer – while a successful, peaceable and non-violent start to their school year is being promoted.

The Zakee Bowser Foundation, headed by Gina Bower, will also be participating in the event by distributing backpacks and school supplies to FBCLG and other community youth. The foundation provides these items through its annual Back to School Supply Drive.

For more information about the Zakee Bowser Foundation – or if you are interested in donating to the foundation’s Back to School Supply Drive, contact Gina Bowser at (732) 803-7791. For more information about the “BACK IN ACTION: BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY” and other youth-focused activities provided by FBCLG, visit www.fbcsomerset.com or call 732-828-2009.

More than 250 people attended the celebration that took place in the Fellowship Hall at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens. The Scarlet Knights stopped by the event en route to facing rival Tennessee at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“It is the goal of Harvest of Hope to create lasting memories for children who often have experienced such great trauma. We want to have a long-term impact by positively influencing their lives,” Archibald said. And memories were definitely created. In addition to meeting the Scarlet Knights, they had the opportunity to participate in games and competed for tickets provided by Magic 98.3FM. Steel pan drummers provided entertainment, JacBRANDii performed musical selections and Know Your Culture provided a taste of Christmas in the Caribbean through dance. Lunch also was a delightful taste of Caribbean cuisine. Harvest of Hope was founded 13 years ago through the vision of Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., senior pastor of First Baptist Church. The non-profit, which plays a vital role in the recruitment and retention of foster families, has embraced a 12-year partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. The statewide program has offices in Somerset, Cumberland and Essex counties. Harvest of Hope has licensed 345 foster homes and placed nearly 700 children into these homes. The program has successfully finalized adoptions – forever families – for 220 children who were not able to return to their biological families.

13th Anniversary Symposium – Creating Families: Giving Children Hope for the Future – noon to 3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26, 2010, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens

National Foster Month Brunch – 10 a.m., Saturday, June 12, 2010 in the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens’ Fellowship Hall

Everybody’s Birthday Celebration – Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010

Annual Holiday Celebration – Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010