About Project 1.27
Our Mission and History
Mission Statement
Project 1.27 is an initiative of Transform Colorado, formed to "Answer God's Call for Adoption." Project 1.27's focus is "No Waiting Children in Colorado". We accomplish this by facilitating successful adoptions between christians in churches and children in the Colorado Foster Care System.
Our goal is to find qualified, permanent, loving families for Colorado's "waiting children," children in foster care who have had parental rights terminated. We accomplish this through recruiting, training, and supporting adoptive parents, churches, support volunteers, and financial supports.
History
Project 1.27 began in the fall of 2003, as the brainchild
of Pastor Robert Gelinas, Lead Pastor of Colorado
Community Church) and a parent of three adopted children.
His passion for placing children expeditiously into loving,
caring families was spurred by his own childhood experiences
as well as his interaction with children who longed for a
family of their own.
In August of 2004, the state of Colorado issued the Strengthening Families report, listing 16 recommendations to increase foster care adoptions in the state. Project 1.27 is meeting eight of the community action recommendations.
On January 4, 2005, the first orientation meeting was held. These first 25 adoptive families are moving through the county adoption process faster and more efficiently than most, primarily because of Project 1.27's organized support during the process and their ability to partner with them as they work with the counties.
Project 1.27 is not an adoption agency, yet it offers a complete program that assists families from the day they decide to adopt a child until at least six months after the adoption is completed. The process costs an average family only $390, including all court fees.
Project 1.27 is succeeding with the children who are the most difficult to place - siblings, minorities, and those 8-15 years old. Since its inception six months ago, three orientation classes have been held, with over 475 people in attendance. 200 additional people are involved with Project 1.27 by offering services, classes or supplies.
Accomplishments between Jan 4, 2005 and Aug 31, 2005:
- 35 total families committed to the Project 1.27 adoption process
- 13 waiting children already placed in adoptive homes of 7 families
- 19 cities and 15 churches are represented by adoptive families
- 100+ hours of adoptive parent training and 30+ hours of Support Team training have been provided
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