Building Community Partners
Adoption Option Inc.’s Building Community Partners (BCP) program provides compassionate, peer-based support to families involved with the child welfare system. Through lived experience and dedicated advocacy, BCP helps parents navigate the complexities of child welfare services while building the skills, confidence, and support networks needed to strengthen their families. The program works alongside parents involved with the system, offering guidance, encouragement, and connections to community resources that promote stability and reunification.
At the heart of the program are the Parent Advocates, individuals who bring both professional training and personal understanding to their work. Parent Advocates walk alongside families during challenging times, offering mentorship, advocacy, and practical support. They assist parents in navigating case plans, communicating with service providers, and developing the tools necessary to meet their goals and support their children's well-being.
Adoption Option Inc. believes that families can succeed when they are supported with empathy, resources, and opportunity. With the continued partnership of our community and stakeholders, the Building Community Partners program is helping parents build stronger foundations, restore hope, and create brighter futures for their children.
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Building Community Partners (BCP) is a program offering parent partner and advocacy services in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
BCP empowers parents by connecting them with resources, support, and guidance to navigate complex systems and advocate for their children’s well-being. Our parent advocates, with lived experience, provide mentorship to help families overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.
By fostering strong partnerships, BCP ensures families have the tools to thrive and advocate for themselves and their children.
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Someone Finally Believed in Him: George’s Story
of Recovery and Reunification
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When I first met George, I wasn’t sure what to think. George was in his mid-40s, covered in tattoos, and had been incarcerated for over half of his life. During our first conversation, he told me he has quit using drugs lots of times but has never been able to stay away from the “dope game.” George also shared that he has two younger daughters and one adult son. The children were placed with their grandparents. The children’s mother was in rehab and had no visits at the time. “Well, it sounds like you are all these kids have, so let’s focus on that, and just keep moving forward, no more looking back,” I told George.
George started off slow. He found a part-time job and an open bed at a homeless shelter. He was able to have two one-hour supervised visits per week with his children. On George’s days off, I was attending Narcotics Anonymous and peer support groups with him just to prove to him that he wasn’t alone in this fight. I reminded the client daily of his progress and encouraged him to keep showing consistency.
After about a month of this schedule, George got really down during one of our visits. He expressed his frustrations with his visit schedule. He wanted more time with his kids, and his job was still only part-time, so he was really struggling financially.
I suggested that he call Skills For Tomorrow to see if there was a job opening. Since Skills For Tomorrow is a company that specializes in second chances and values the importance of staying sober. Read more
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During Women’s History Month, we celebrate the leadership and impact of women who have shaped communities and inspired future generations. One such leader is Debbie Stabenow, who dedicated nearly five decades to public service and became the first woman elected to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate.
Throughout her career, Stabenow championed issues that strengthened Michigan families and communities, including protecting the Great Lakes, supporting farmers and rural communities, expanding access to mental health services, and advocating for economic opportunity across the state. Her distinguished 50-year career began in 1974, when she was elected at just 24 years old to the Ingham County Board of Commissioners, and concluded in 2025 with her retirement from the U.S. Senate.
Her commitment to public service and her ability to bring people together across differences serve as a powerful example of how women’s leadership can create lasting change and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Who in your life will you celebrate this month (and every day)?
| | Curious about what drives our AOI social workers? Click the video below to hear firsthand why they love making a difference! | | |
March is Social Work Month and this year's theme is Social Work: Compassion+Action. Click on the video above to hear why our social workers love what they do.
Social workers are everywhere. They can be found in our communities, hospitals, government offices, businesses, schools, veterans’ centers, and even sports organizations. And they’re in high demand! The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field to grow by 7% by 2032. The highest concentration of social workers is in child, family, and school social work (399,900), followed by healthcare (193,200) and mental health/substance abuse (136,800).
Social workers go through years of education and training to gain the skills needed to support individuals and communities. Social workers are experts at meeting people where they are, offering guidance, and providing compassionate help when it’s needed most.
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👟 Shoe Drive for Foster Families 👟
March 9 – May 9, 2026
Looking to make a difference? Adoption Option, Inc. is collecting gently used shoes for Foster Families Navigation & Resource Center's shoe drive! You can drop off your donations at our office location during regular business hours. Every pair of shoes helps support children, families, and local programs in need. Let’s step up together—bring your shoes and help make an impact!
Drop off shoes at Adoption Option Inc, 601 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48642
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🧩 PREP Playgroup 🧩
March 18, 2026
Our next PREP Playgroup is happening on Wednesday, March 18th! This month’s topic is “Sleep for Toddlers and Preschoolers”, offering helpful tips and strategies to support healthy sleep routines for little ones. Caregivers and their children are invited to join us for a fun and interactive session filled with play, learning, and connection.
📍Adoption Option Inc, 601 E Wackerly St, Midland, MI 48642,
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