The NYC Gathering

The NYC Gathering
Our Community

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Special Event Workshop Sunday, November 15, 2009

The NYC Gathering Presents
Families Created through Donor and Surrogacy

Professionally-led workshop created by
PATRICIA MENDELL, LCSW (www.jkfertility.com)
JUDITH KOTTICK , LCSW (www.patriciamendell.com)
Co-sponsored by
SARA AXEL ,
Peer Support Group Leader


THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR PARENTS AND PARENTS-TO-BE who are seeking the
tools to talk with children about family origins. Hear from professionals,
parents and children who will bring to life the disclosure process and
provide guidance on how to create meaningful family stories.
Participants will learn how to:

• Develop comfortable, age-appropriate language for the disclosure process
• Identify the different ages and stages children go through in understanding
their genetics and family origins
• Answer children’s questions with confidence
• Decide when and how to share with friends and family.

Disclosure: common themes, what we
know about healthy families, and current
research

Creating the Family Story: when to start;
how to begin the story; and answering
your child’s questions


Talking to “the others” in your life: grandparents,
siblings, extended family members,
neighbors, close friends, the pediatrician,
the teacher, the clergy, and other children.

Panel: donor/surrogate parents, and
donor children

Sunday November 15, 12:30-5pm, Upper West Side

To Register,please contact
saxel95@aol.com (516-967-7430), Judykottick@comcast.net (973-746-7370), or Pmendell@aol.com (212-819-1778)


Cost $75 single, $95 Adults with Partner or children.
Includes: Handouts, Babysitting, Refreshments