We have very exciting news to share about our new partnership with an awesome organization called The Underground. You can hear all about it below......
2016 Photos with Santa
Happy 2017!!!! This thank you is a little over due but we wanted to share what our photos with Santa event looked like this year. We had some very cute Santa lovers and haters! It was so much fun and we can not thank everyone enough for their time and help in pulling this off. Jeanna Graham created the fabulous decorations for our set with Santa. Laura Walsh, from Olympia Catering, had a super fun cupcake decorating station with all different festive toppings. And of course Jordan Prosser (AKA Santa), the team at Ivy Astoria for the perfect space, and Kandice Helms from Carrie Wildes Photography. These people all made it amazing and everyone who attended, we so appreciate your love and support.
Venue | Ivy Astoria | Cupcake Station | Olympia Catering | Linens | Linens by the Sea | Face Painting | Sarah Sinteff | Photography | Carrie Wildes Photography
Ending 2016 on high note! Congrats to Team C!!
If we are being completely honest, 2016 has been a bit of a rough year for Promise Love and a few of the families we are privilege to walk alongside in their adoption journey. There are so many happy endings we are privileged to be a part of and share with all of you, but there are losses that come with stepping out in faith to bring kids into forever families. Sometimes, decisions are made we don't understand, cases are dragged on longer than ever anticipated, and children are left waiting once again for their forever family. We just haven't shared much with you this year, simply because its been tough. Its hard to put into words the loss families feel when these things don't play out the way we were hoping. But the reality is it happens.
However, a new year is upon us and no matter what 2016 has thrown at us, we will not give up on the pursuit of helping families bring kids home! And as I pray over Promise Love and our direction for 2017, the verse that comes front and center is from Isaiah 40:31! It says, "But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." For 2017 our plans are to be renewed by His strength. We will not grow weary or faint in doing what God has before us because our hope is in HIm!
So in order to usher in the New Year on wings of Hope, we want to bring you the amazing story of The Calzada family! This is a story of a family who in their waiting allowed God to renew their strength. They did not grow weary of following the path God set before them! This is one that's been in the works for a very long time, but the evidence of God's hand throughout this adoption journey has been so evident. We have felt beyond blessed to watch these boys come home forever!
Although fundraising may seem like our main focus, its actually not what we do the most of. Alot of time is spent connecting with families, helping families figure out which adoption path to take and advocating for kids. Early on, the Calzada's had felt God was calling them to foster care/adoption. While they were in the process of getting licensed, God was already preparing the right kids for their family. Promise Love became connected with a family who was a relative caregiver to 2 brothers, Angel, 9 years old and Alonso, 4 years old. This family was in a tough spot and knew they couldn't provide a forever home for them, but loved them dearly and desperately wanted to see these boys thrive in a forever family. As the picture of the boys came through, God put on our heart The Calzada family. Although they weren't completely licensed yet, the striking resemblance of these boys and their family was undeniable and we knew God was up to something. After praying and talking together, The Calzada's agreed, God was definitely up to something!
So they began the very long journey to bring these boys home! I can't even imagine the tireless effort that was put in as they maneuvered all the twists and turns of the state. But they never gave up on them and their love and acceptance of these boys is beyond measure. I have seen it first hand and truly they are one of the most inspiring families you will ever meet! On October 18th, 2016 that journey finally ended at the courthouse with the adoption finalization!! Angel, 12 years old now and Alonso, 7 years old are officially Calzada's, 2 years after their first visit!! And all the glory goes to God for this amazing story and journey. And how adorable is this family?!!
Come Celebrate the First Official Promise Love Day on 7/22/16!!
Hi Everyone!
We couldn't be more excited for our FIRST EVER OFFICIAL PROMISE LOVE DAY on 7/22/16 and we want ALL of you to come celebrate with us!
Go HERE to purchase Promise Love adult t-shirts and Here for kids tees. On 7/22 we would love if you would wear it and post to any or all of social media accounts to celebrate!
The icing on the cake is for every t-shirt we sell, a portion of the proceeds go to the adoption of 3 beautiful little girls! You can't beat that!
But don't hesitate, these are only available for 5 DAYS!! Purchase NOW!!!
5.26.16 Sips and Sweets at the New Kendra Scott
The very first Kendra Scott store just opened in Hyde Park this past weekend! They have gorgeous jewelry, and a color bar where you can pick the type of jewelry, stone, and metal right there on a big screen. In about 2 minutes your custom jewelry is ready to go home with you! Perfect for gifts, bridal and bridesmaids' jewelry.
Come out on Thursday 5.26 to shop with a purpose and enjoy sips and sweets. Kendra Scott will donate 20% of anything you purchase to Promise Love Foundation!
If you can't attend but want to order, you can call into the store - 813-644-8999 from 6:00-8:00pm to place your order. They will ship for free or you can pickup later!
Happy Mother's Day - Boyers Story
To celebrate Mother's day weekend we wanted to share with you what the Boyer's family of 5 now looks like and how it came to be. Happy Mother's day to all you moms, grandmas, foster moms and people who have taken on the role of mom for a child. We know this holiday isn't a happy one to everyone, so to those of you who aren't moms yet and long to be so badly, we want this story to give you hope that it can and will happen!!!! A huge thank you to James Blankenfeld for the is amazing film:-)
Welcome The Swobodas to The Promise Love Family!!!
We are SO EXCITED to announce our newest Promise Love family! Please give a big warm welcome to the Swoboda's! All adoption stories are different and unique, Cody and Ashley Swoboda are adopting their 3 of their nieces. You may be wondering, why would it cost to adopt family members? All adoptions have a range of fees involved, which include court costs, attorney fees, birth certificates, etc etc.
THE TOTAL goal We are partnering with them to raise which will give these 3 sisters a permanent forever home IS $15,000.
Help them reach their goal by Donating now.
And without further ado, please read their story, straight from Cody and Ashley! We'll be posting updates on their goal and story so be on the lookout!
Cody and Ashley with their soon to be daughters!
"We came to realize the full depth of our longing to adopt these three beautiful girls one night in November 2014. Cody was standing in the kitchen making dinner (as is characteristic of our little duo since Ashley only knows how to properly make Ramen noodle soup), when all of a sudden he held his face in his hands and began to weep. Through tears he said, "I just love them so much, Ash... and... I think God's calling me to be their father." What Cody didn't know is that Ashley had been having a recurring dream for months on-end wherein the two of them welcomed these sweet girls into their forever family. In that moment, it was clear that God had been uniquely and individually preparing our hearts and minds for something extraordinary. He was calling us to truly consider adopting our nieces into our family to raise them as our very own daughters.
The road to doing so, however, was clearly laden with seemingly insurmountable obstacles and so we began the process of intentionally seeking the Lord in prayer. Though we wanted desperately to share our hopes with the decision-makers involved in the girls' lives, time in prayer continually yielded a call to wait on His timing. And so, we waited. For months, we waited. In the season that followed, our relationships with the girls deepened and we began to recognize a strong and indescribable connection with each of them. And although these seemed like indicators that the Lord was moving and that we ought to be too, we again heard His distinct voice of wisdom urging us to wait on Him.
It wasn't until October 2015 that we finally were granted an open window of opportunity to share our hearts with one of the decision-makers. And although the response was a resounding, "Thanks but no thanks," we knew that this conversation was the seed that God would use to take root and eventually bear fruit. The very next day, something extraordinary happened. Someone in our community of faith, with whom we had little to no interaction at the time, approached us and shared a vision God had given him about us... and friends, it was a vision of adoption. "God is going to give you children whose childhood has been taken from them and you're going to teach them how to be kids again, you're going to teach them how to play, and you're going to model the love of Christ for them." These words, these prophetic words, cut straight to the core of us, and we wept like babies.
These girls have experienced more heartache, more disappointment, and more pain than any seven, eight, and fourteen year old should ever know. And no matter how hard their parents tried, they simply could not provide the kids with a safe and stable living environment. As a result, they were removed from their home in May 2013. Although we all waited in hopeful expectation for their mom and dad to complete their case plans, change their lifestyles, and bring their beautiful children home, after three years they have yet to do so.
Friends, there is no denying that God has so masterfully orchestrated the events of our lives in such a way that His redemption can be known intimately by us all. And this divine union of familial love is so tangibly laced with the grace of God. We could not be more grateful nor humbled to know that our lives might be granted the honor of speaking for the lives of these beautiful girls. Will you join us in raising the needed funds for private adoption as we seek to finally give these girls what they desperately need: permanency and stability found in a unified and loving family? May the Lord bless all that you set your hand to for the glory of His name. " - Cody and Ashley Swobod
Photos with Santa 2015
Photos with Santa were a hit:-) There were some lovers and haters of santa, some of our favs are below. Thank you all for coming out and supporting adoption through Promise Love Foundation. Our biggest thank you goes to Bronwyn Fowler, and her amazing ladies from High Hopes in High Heels. We could not have pulled it off without their time and hard work, THANK YOU!! This event raised over $1300, and this along with other donations received, allowed us to actually exceed the goal amount for the Pucovsky family’s adoption. We also want to thank our event contributors and venue that made it all possible!
Santa | Venue | Creative Loafing | Face Painting | Sarah Sinteff | Santa’s Chair | Tufted Vintage Rentals | DJ | DJ Astylez | Linens | Core Concepts | Photography | Carrie Wildes Photography
The Official Team Pucovsky! #GIVINGTUESDAY
Today we are celebrating #GivingTuesday! Its a day that people around the country will give back during a time of year where our focus should be on giving to those we love and also those who are in need of help.
A few weeks ago we posted about The Pucovsky family! They are in need of that help today! We have ONLY $1890 to raise to complete the adoption of Zaniya, their 14 year old daughter. In just a few short weeks we have been able to raise $1610. If today, 38 people gave $50 we would accomplish our goal! Will you partner with us today? Donate Now!
There is no better day than today to give back to a family who has literally changed the course of a young girls life and given her a forever family after much heartbreak. And the joy they have brought to her is written all over her face!
We had the honor of spending time with them at their home, at events and now at their adoption finalization of Zaniya. Check out their story here if you missed it! I can honestly say, they are a rare kind of family. They are full of love for each other, for their heavenly Father and for kids in need. They have willingly and openly opened their home to this beautiful girl and they have BIG plans to help more in the future. We can't wait to see the rest of their journey!
But first, enjoy some pictures from their adoption finalization that happened last Tuesday. It was such a blessed and beautiful event to watch! They had so many friends and family their to support them and The Heart Gallery presented Zaniya with her framed photo, which will now be retired from the gallery.
Teens often get overlooked or age out of the foster care system, never having a family to call their own. We pray this may inspire other families to take the risk on adopting a teen. Everyone deserves a family to call their own!
The Official Team Street!
11.24.15 Jen and Ryan had a full courtroom of friends and family to celebrate Grant's adoption day! Holly, Saul, David and I, and all of our kids were honored to be there with them. It's always just some of the best moments life has to offer. Grant's first birthday was a few days later so we also got to see him smash his first cake, he loved the frosting:-) Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday and we have another adoption finalization to share with you and how you can get involved and continue helping make these moments possible!
No More Event Friday 11/13
Come say hi to Saul & David at the No More Event at Grace Family Church this Friday 11/13, 6:30pm! It's an experience that allows you to see what it looks like to care for orphans around Tampa Bay and the entire world. You'll also get to meet, and hear from our newest Promise Love Family, the Pucovsky's! We are always honored to be partnering with this amazing organizations. Hope to see you there!
Welcome Pucovsky's to the Promise Love Family!!!
There is no better way to celebrate National Adoption Day, then to announce our next Promise Love Family! The Pucovsky's are truly one incredible family and we are so excited to be able to introduce you to them!!! They are Paul (dad), Ivanka (mom), Oksana (5), Neveah (4) and Arabella (3) their newest addition Zaniya (14).
Photo Credit: Deanna Hurley Photography
They currently have a small goal of $3500 to complete what they owe for the adoption of Zaniya which will be finalized THIS MONTH!!! We need to get this amount raised in just a few short weeks, but with God all things are possible! Help us get them there, DONATE NOW!!
After 3 failed domestic infant adoptions, this family wasn't sure where God was leading them, but they knew their hearts were called to adoption and God had a waiting child for them. At a match event for Eckerd Community Alternatives earlier this year, Paul, Ivanka and there 3 beautiful biological daughters attended, they truly learned the need for adoptive placement for teens. It was there that God sent a young 14 year old girl to follow them around all day. They really connected with her and felt this may be the child God had for them. They went home and prayed it over and decided to take a step of faith and start paperwork to bring Zaniya home forever!
She was placed in there home almost 3 months ago and is thriving and has even accepted Christ as her Savior, during this time! While Paul and Ivanka recognize there is still a long road ahead of healing for their sweet girl, they said the love for her has come immediately. She is a gift from God to them and during the time Zaniya has been with them, they have begun taking her and many other young teenage girls to church for youth group and mentoring them. They are currently becoming licensed foster parents as well, so they can take pregnant foster teens in their home. This family is truly living out what the church is called to do and we feel honored to help them in a small way on their journey!
We can't wait to see what God has in store next for this family!!! Welcome Pucovsky's!!!
The Official Team Boyer
The Boyers are an official family of 5!! Tuesday was miss Breeja's adoption day!! We were also able to write the final check that met their fundraising goal as well!! Thank you all who have supported them on this journey. Cricket and Josh, we were truly honored to be a part of it and are so excited for your sweet family!!
Photos with Santa 12/6/15!!
Who wants to wait in long lines at the mall for photos with Santa right? High Hopes in High Heels is partnering with us for some holiday fun! Come hang out with us and support adoption!! We'll have Christmas cookies, hot chocolate and your family can get your photos taken with Santa!!! I happen to own Carrie Wildes Photography as well so we'll be taking the photos:-)
Sunday 12/6 from 2:00 - 5:00pm at Creative Loafing in Ybor!
Click HERE to buy your tickets and once you do we'll send you over an email to pick your time slot!
PDQ Photos!
Thank you all who came out last night to eat (or drive through:-) PDQ, get some face painting and hang out. It was awesome!! The best news is that our goal was to raise the remaining $1500 needed for the Boyer family and we did!!! We got see their sweet family and next Tuesday is their adoption day. A super special thank you to Sarah, for the fab face painting and to PDQ for hosting and supporting us!!
Sweetfields Farm Event 10-18-15
If you want to get connected with a great group of foster/adoptive families Vandyke Church's group is going to have a fun, fall afternoon at Sweetfields Farm. The info is below and look out for the Promise Love shirts to find us!
The Boyer's are officially a Family of 5!!
Both Boyer babies are here and doing great!!! This family of 3, jumped to a family of 5 in a span of just 2 weeks! One beautiful little girl, Breeja Ruth was born (via Cricket and Josh's heart) on July 17th and Breydon Daniel (via Cricket's tummy) came just 13 days later! That's 2 babies, just 13 days apart! If you have been following their story, you know that Cricket and Josh have overcome many obstacles to bring these 2 precious miracles into their family! If you haven't read their story, it's a must read! Check it out here!
We are so excited to announce that we are in the FINAL STRETCH of fundraising for this amazing family and need your help to bring these babies home forever before their BIG adoption finalization!
WE ONLY NEED A TOTAL OF $1699.00 and they have met their GOAL!!! This is so exciting and a blessing from GOD!
To help the Boyers, you can always donate here on our website or come out to our PDQ event in Wesley Chapel on October 29th from 5-9pm to meet them personally and support their family! We will have raffles, free face painting for the kids and lots of yummy food and fun! The best part is you can love on this sweet family and their beautiful babies in which you have had a part in bringing home! Can't wait to see you there!
Here's what Cricket had to say about their experience and what God has blessed them with!
"We can't express how grateful we were to be there for Breeja's birth. I was even in the delivery room and shared the honor of cutting her umbilical cord. We were able to immediately bond with our gorgeous daughter and feel tremendously blessed to still be a part of her selfless and brave birth moms life.
We are doing really, really well now that we're all finally home as a family of 5 and are just so grateful that Lord has completed our family in this beautiful way. We couldn't be more proud of our sweet babies and we have more love for them than we ever thought possible. Big brother Blaine has really stepped into his role nicely and adores his tiny brother and sister. He is such a nice helper!
Physically, I'm having a slow recovery but my heart is overflowing with joy and it makes the physical difficulties a blur in comparison. We are definitely quite tired and not getting much, if any, sleep. But that's to be expected with two newborns begging for constant cuddles...which we can't get enough of by the way."
PDQ Night - 10.29.15!
PDQ is partnering with us for an evening of fun!! Come out for a tasty dinner (even in the drive through:-) and mention Promise Love and a portion of your meal will be a donation! Our guests of honor will be the Boyer Family and their sweet babies. We'll also have raffle items and PLF t-shirts for sale!!!
The Boyer Family's new little bundle!
The Boyer family's new little addition arrived on 7.17.15!! Miss Breeja Ruth was born at 5:40am albs 9 oz and 19 inches long! They are head over heels in love with this little princess and are home enjoying the sweetest moments with her and their family. Cricket is actually awaiting the birth of her baby, if you read their story she is pregnant and their 2nd addition should be arriving very soon! To give you an update on their fundraising, they are still in need of just over $13,000 to meet their goal. We will continue to help them raise money to reach this goal over the coming months until they finalize Breeja's adoption.
Thank you to all who have shared and given so far and keep helping us spread the word!! Help them reach their goal by donating HERE.
They also have 20 freezer meals left to sell from the 2 Blessed to be stressed fundraiser:
$20 each meal (to feed 2+ people) for baked spaghetti, parmesan rolls, and dessert. Contact Cricket at: Thebugsy15@hotmail.com
A big thank you to Haley from Carrie Wildes Photography who captured these first moments of them with her!
1 Year Anniversary!
Today, July 22nd is the official day we got our 501c3 non-profit status 1 year ago! We wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who has given of their time, services, and money to partner with our families! You truly are helping us make a difference for future generations and we have been amazed by all the love and support. Here's a little highlight film of what that impact looks like. THANK YOU to Voila Cinematic for creating this awesome film and the Devries family for being a part of it. We can't wait for everything the future has in store!
Promise Love Foundation from One24 Cinematic on Vimeo.