Chapter History:
Families with Children from China / Southern New Jersey Chapter (FCC/SNJ) was founded in 1996. The Chapter provides support and information to interested families throughout the adoption process and a chance to share parenting experiences after adoption. FCC/SNJ meetings initially consisted of a handful of families that met in members' homes.
Pot luck dinners quickly became a popular informal activity, and the celebration of Chinese New Year grew into an elaborate event. Later, a source for authentic Moon Cakes was located and an Autumn Moon Festival was organized. In almost every year, new traditions and celebrations were added to the social agenda. Museum trips, Chinese cooking demonstrations, and organized visits to local Chinese cultural events took advantage of opportunities to expand our knowledge of Chinese culture and expose our children to their heritage. On the other hand, social events like our annual hayride, visits to amusement parks and zoos, and a July barbecue are an important aspect of our commitment to building the community of peers that is essential to our children's well-being.
By 2000, the organization's growth in numbers and complexity paralleled the popularity of adoptions from China. As the number of Chinese adoptions increased in the U.S. (700 in 1994 to over 6,000 in 2000), our membership grew rapidly to over 130 families (more than 400 total members) by mid-2001. The effort involved in maintaining the vitality of the organization and moving it forward needed to be divided among more volunteers. In October 2000, a team of officers was formally elected by the membership. In January 2001, FCC/SNJ became a non-profit, tax-exempt 501 (C)(3) organization.
Beginning in 2000, several new and particularly valuable events were added to the mix. A full day visit to aChinese culture camp provided parents with greater insight into societal issues that would affect their children, while the children participated in Chinese arts and crafts and language instruction. Time was set aside to reunite families at recreational activities and meals.
The Chapter organized its first public seminar in early 2001. A nationally recognized figure in cross-cultural adoption presented illuminating facts and considerations regarding the challenges we and our children will face. A panel of adult Asian adoptees shared their stirring life experiences. The responses from the sold-out audience of over 150 were overwhelmingly positive.
The energy within the Chapter continues to grow and fuel new and expanded opportunities for its membership. Relationships with the local Chinese community are being strengthened. Educational and social activities are being created that range from a bowling league to violin lessons. The Chapter website has been overhauled and will now provide scheduling information, news, and an unprecedented ability to communicate within the membership. SNJFCC continues to be a dynamic and valuable resource for our members, as we work and play together to achieve our educational and mutual support missions.