Filipino Adoptees Network Unite

FAN

The Filipino Adoptees Network (FAN) cyber community was conceptualized by two Filipinas because of the lack of supportive websites for adoptees. Thanks to the internet, Lorial Crowder and Sharon Cuartero were reunited in 2003 after a decade of no communication. By happenstance, both wanted to develop a website for fellow adoptees from the Philippines – to speak out and share our experiences, network with other adoptees, and provide a one-stop resource portal to learn about the rich culture of the Philippines and Filipino communities in the United States and elsewhere. The FAN website was created to provide the online community that was not available to older adoptees as we were growing up; and to be a support network to adoptees as they venture to cope, understand, share and celebrate their adoption.

FAN was launched in January 2005 as the first web-based organization to provide support, resources, and a networking system for Filipino adoptees, their families, and the international adoption community. The organization was conceived in response to the lack of post-adoption resources for children and adults adopted from the Philippines and with Filipino heritage. In January 2005, FAN was successfully launched, which contains news articles, adoptee stories, and resource links. In addition to being a vital, internationally accessible resource and networking portal, FAN is a community of advocates.

Mission

The Filipino Adoptees Network (F.A.N) is a global organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and promoting cultural awareness on adoption issues and preserving Filipino heritage.

We will accomplish the mission and initiatives by:

Creating a resource center for Filipino adoptees, offering adoption and cultural connections to related web sites, and organizations;

Encouraging adoptees to explore their heritage as Filipinos by providing a sensitive and nurturing setting;

Strengthening the network of Filipino adoptees and adoptive families by partnering with other adoptees and utilizing community resources;

Collaborating with the Filipino community to encourage cultural exchange and understanding;

Educating others about the international adoption experience;

Sharing our experiences and cultivating a strong support system;

Host Filipino Adoptees Gatherings and organize homeland tours back to the Philippines. -FAN