Posted by
Blended Family USA on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 12:00:00 AM
American Blended Family Assn.
Blended Families...
Now Have A Voice
ARISE CANDIDATES AT ANY LEVEL OF LEADERSHIP !
There is a new voice of 50 million voters at the table.
My wife Rebecca and I entered into a joyfilled marriage in August of 1996. Instantly we had five children. We became part of the fastest growing demographic in America...the Blended Family. While that day at the altar with our Pastor, we understood that this was not exactly how God intended originally the 'family' to be, we knew He was a God of second chances. That something special was created that day. We asked for the Lord's blessing upon our home and family.
We have since added a daughter and now have six incredibly wonderful children in a 'yours, mine and ours' family. We do not claim to be, or without trials, but we also know are not done yet either. We have experienced tremendous joy, lessons in life and family, and also shed tears.
We are just like the millions of others on the path to creating a new and special family.
We also have seen firsthand a culture that is broken, a legal system that fosters competition and struggles, and hearts that need hope.
A goal of ABFA is to connect arm in arm across this land blended family resources to make a difference, lower the divorce rate in our nation, and give children a stronger foundation for their future lives.
For many reasons, Rebecca and I have been actively involved nationally in both faith-based and secular efforts to improve the lives of stepfamilies. While we know our personal foundation of success, we also want to reach out and serve the millions who desperately seek hope, encouragement and a voice on their behalf.
We were honored and excited to have been asked to consult in the creation of, and subsequent invitation to become a Charter Member and Founding Partner, in the American Blended Family Association. It is an honor for me to be asked to serve as President and Executive Director. I will work with energy and devotion to be a light brightening the path for the blended family nation we seek to serve.
Robert Sherwood, himself a long-time blended family Father, as well as a nationally recognized expert in many legal, corporate, internet and technology arenas is the CEO of ABFA (American Blended Family Association).
ABFA will offer a united voice of support and strength for the 23+ million households where step-families / adoptions / foster homes... all forms of 'blended families'... so we can connect and be served as they work through unique and special dynamics. Close to 120 million Americans are directly affected by blended family life issues.
As we have launched this effort, we are encouraged by the outpouring of national leaders, business executives, corporate entities and faith-based ministry's that want to partner with us. We will be active in the areas of family education, seeking discounts on products and services, political advocacy at state and federal levels, and providing a base of family resources for improving blended family life. These will all be part of the value of membership in ABFA. Membership will allow a blended family be a part of something bigger than oneself, and make a difference for blended families across America.
ABFA exists to UNITE, ADVOCATE and SERVE.
For more information go to: http://www.usabfa.org
DAN SNELL, PRESIDENT & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Copyright 2008 - ABFA - The American Blended Family Association