PARTNERING CLOSELY with Jordan's Furniture are the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The partnership began in December 1998 with MARE. It grew to include collaboration with the DCF and contracted adoption agencies.

One of the first acts of the partnership, called the "Jordan's Initiative," was the creation of the Memorandum of Commitment, which was signed by MARE, DCF, Jordan's Furniture, and other contracted adoption agencies in September of 1999.

The memorandum outlines an agreement to help accelerate the path to permanency for all children in the Massachusetts Child Welfare System waiting to be adopted by collaborating to overcome the barriers impeding the placement of children.

An Advisory Board was established with members of Jordan's Furniture, MARE, DCF, and other contracted agencies to oversee and facilitate the objectives of the Memorandum of Commitment and the activities of the Jordan's Initiative. This board continues to meet monthly.

Our Role

To date, there have been countless projects created, all with the goal of finding permanent homes for children in foster care. An additional goal was added to include the recruitment of foster families, when there is need.

Annual projects of the Jordan's Initiative include:

• Adoption Option family recruitment event at Jordan's Furniture
• Summer Adoption Mixer event at Assumption College
• Jordan's Youth Achievement Celebration event at Jordan's Furniture
• Jordan's Youth Donation Program to assist young adults "systeming out" of state care

Other ongoing projects of the Jordan's Initiative include:

• Plus One Challenge project for foster family recruitment (bi-annually)
• Sponsorship of MARE Photolisting and display in all stores (2000-present)
• Creation of regional coalitions (1999-present)

Past projects of the Jordan's Initiative have included:

• 2-hour TV special about special needs adoption on Channel 56 (Spring 2002)
• Radio ad campaign regarding DCF budget cuts (Spring 2002)
• Social Worker Appreciation Day at Jordan's Furniture (April 2001)
• Adoption displays in lobby of Jordan's-sponsored Mamma Mia!  (Fall 2001)
• Reception for Poster Kids Project, featuring life-sized images of waiting children (Feb. 2001)
• Button Project (Fall/Winter 1999/2000)
• Home Run for Kids event at Fenway Park, with accompanying radio campaign (Sept. 2000)
• Jordan's Older Boys' Adoption event (with radio campaign) (Sept. 2000)
• Mardi Gras Adoption Informational event at Jordan's (with radio campaign) (Feb. 1999)
• DCF Challenge 2000 Conference and Matching Session (Fall 1999)

To date, over 225 children have been placed in adoptive homes, due to the "Jordan's Initiative."

How You Can Help

Interested in adoption? Contact MARE directly at 617-54-ADOPT or visit www.mareinc.org.

In addition, keep an eye on our News & Events pages for charitable happenings, promotions, or opportunities near you.