Hannah's Hope has a great deal to celebrate. Our goal of becoming a licensed child-placing agency was realized on March 1, 2004. After months of developing the necessary Employee Policies & Procedures Manual and a thorough outline of Program Policies and Procedures, we have put into place the required tools to function as an agency sanctioned by the state.

Hannah's Hope's staff has now been trained to offer a ten-week Parents As Tender Healers (PATH) course in early Fall, 2004. PATH training prepares potential adoptive parents for the specific challenges faced in adopting "special needs" children. Age, minority status, being part of a sibling group, or having emotional and/or physical problems are some of the criteria which determine whether a child is classified "special needs."

Currently there are over one thousand children who live in Tennessee state custody. With the completion of the PATH training and the home study process, potential parents will be entered into the nationwide registry called REACT to await a match with a child or children in need of permanency.

In addition to the 10 week PATH training, Hannah's Hope will offer in the Spring and Fall of each year a six-week preparatory class for those desiring an infant placement through the agency. Hannah's Hope encourages all prospective adoptive parents to begin the home study process as soon as possible. A home study must be completed for all adoptive parents prior to the placement of a child, whether domestic, international, or "special needs."

Hannah's Hope brings to the adoption world the unique strength of our United Methodist connectional system. As with any agency, the inquiring calls for an infant placement greatly outnumber calls from birth parents in need of counsel. Developing an adoption plan for the child of an unplanned pregnancy is a remarkable ministry for many young women. Without care and support, many fail to consider the loving option of adoption. We encourage United Methodists and other concerned persons to become "listening ears," realizing that we can help through the resources of our agency.

Hannah's Hope representatives have already been honored to address churches and organizations across West Tennessee, sharing the story and soliciting support Our Board of Trustees has secured additional staff needed and is developing long range plans for financial stability. Throughout the year, churches, groups and individuals have supported the agency financially and with their prayers for the living of our mission: "to promote permanency for children through strengthening commitment, planning and parenting." Together, we can all make a world of difference in the lives of children in need of permanency and parents who long for a child to call their own.