Pacific Island Times Vol 4 No. 1 January 2020 | Page 6

Brief Chat CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 tion of children in foster care programs. “Our main goal with DPHSS is to help these children find permanent homes,” Anderson said. Noting that DPHSS is overwhelmed with many duties, she said the partnership also could ease the department’s burden. The adoption pro- cess requires FBI background checks, interviews with parents and home inspections, among other things. She noted that one need not be mar- ried to adopt a child; as long as you’re 21 or older, and you pass the criteria, you can provide a home to a child in dire need. There are military families that open their homes for foster care, but when it is time for the family to leave Guam, and the child hasn’t been adopted or reunited with his or her parent, then that child would have to endure an- other disruption in his or her life. The child would have to start all over again, getting used to being in another, new household. Ohala’ is the Chamorro word for “hope.” Anderson and Boss thought it was a fitting name for their project, which provides just that for parents wanting children, and children looking for permanent homes. “We believe all children deserve love and permanent families, and will strive to provide support and hope to all those touched by adoption,” Ohala’ says in its mission statement. In his Christmas message, Archbishop Michael Byrnes urged the community to “consider helping foster children who need love and security through the embrace of adoption. Guam has been blessed to see the creation of a new non-profit group dedicated to offering hope, comfort, and dignity to expectant mothers through safe and loving adop- tion.” Ohala’ can be reached at ohalaadop- [email protected]. Serving the People of Guam Since 1959 Hagatna 200 South Route 4 I (Near Bank of Guam & Andy’s Seiko Watch) I Phone: [phone] I 472-3208 I Fax: [phone] Upper Tumon 2nd Floor Pacifica Bldg., Marine Corps. Drive I (Across GTA; Use Elevator) I Phone: [phone] I Fax: [phone] Dededo Ada Commercial Bldg. (Behind Payless) I Phone: [phone] I Fax: [phone] Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1306 Hagatna, Guam 96932 I Email: [email protected]