Amara (formerly Medina Children's Services)
Amara partners with birth, foster, and adoptive parents to create and support stable, loving homes for vulnerable children. To meet an increasing need, we focus our efforts on finding permanent homes for children in foster care.
We have no single definition of “family” and are proud to offer our services to everyone age 21 or older, regardless of marital status, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, home ownership, income, or education.
Description:
Amara is dedicated to serving children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned and those at greatest risk of harm. Our focus is finding permanent, loving homes for children in foster care. These are children of all ages and ethnicities who—through no fault of their own—can no longer be with their birth families.
Amara follows a thorough and thoughtful process to ensure that the right matches are made for both the children and the parents and that families continue to receive the support they need down the road.
We also partner with foster parents who provide temporary care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect. We provide education and support so foster parents can offer children a nurturing environment until the children are returned home or placed for adoption.
Additionally, Amara offers free, non-judgmental pregnancy counseling to birth parents facing an unintended pregnancy. We offer emotional support, referrals, and encouragement toward stability and healing, no matter which decision birth parents choose to make.
History:
Founded in 1921 as Medina Baby Home, the agency has been recognized as a leader in developing innovative programs designed to protect and promote the welfare of at-risk children and youth. The organization began as an orphanage and home for unwed mothers, mainly serving the Seattle community. As research showed children developed best with individual care, Amara began placing children in private homes, a precursor to foster care.
In the 1940s as the number of children in foster care increased, Amara developed pioneering programs to find homes for older children, sibling groups, and children of color. Many years later, Amara was one of the first agencies in the country to arrange trans-racial, single parent, and gay and lesbian adoptions.
For nearly nine decades, the organization has grown and changed as the needs of children and families have evolved. But throughout this time, our work has always been to establish nurturing, permanent homes for vulnerable children.
Contact person: Emily Sigler, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)
Main office number:
(206) 260-1700Office fax number: (206) 260-1777
Address:
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3330 East Union StSeattle, WA 98122 (See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.amaraparenting.org
Directions:
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From I-5 take the James Street Exit
From North: Off exit, turn left on James St
From South: Off exit, turn right on James St
Stay straight on James (it will turn to Cherry)
Stay on Cherry past 12th, 23rd, MLK
After MLK, go. . . (more)
Nearest Bus Stop: 34th/Union, 0 minute walk |
Miscellaneous Information
| Liability |
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No
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| Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers? |
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No
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| Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18? |
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No
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| Last updated on August 3, 2009 |
