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ALMA - The Adoptees' Liberty Movement Association (ALMA)

11/6/2014

54 Comments

 
ALMA, the pioneer organization in fighting for the rights of adoptees everywhere, is the oldest, most comprehensive and successful registry of its kind, founded by adoptee, Florence Fisher in 1971. Alma’s extensive registry is augmented by search help from volunteer staffers with years of experience in helping 
adopted persons and birth family members search and be in contact with each other.


ALMA, Alma Society 
ALMA - The Adoptees' Liberty Movement Association (ALMA)
almasociety.org
anderson@almasociety.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/109344539097611

54 Comments
Robert George Wilson
6/25/2015 06:56:20 am

Looking for my birth certificate. Born August 23, 1941 in Union Township(Jutland), New Jersey at home.

How do I get my birth certificate?

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
11/30/2016 08:37:27 am

Please go to our web site, www.nj-care.org to find the form and instructions to apply for a copy of your original birth certificate. Please read the instructions; they are essential. Your OBC will be mailed to you in early January if you apply now.
Feel free to write njcare.staff@gmail.com if you have any questions. You may also sign up for updates at newjerseyadvocates-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
:-)

Reply
Pamela Ross link
12/16/2020 07:07:36 am

My daughter Celeste sent 25.00 to receive her siblings OBC. We were told by ALMA that she is entitled to that. Her submission was rejected because she didn't have enough information. Only the name of her adopted sister and her adopted family name. She had everything else. So we were told just to send in what we had. Is there anything more that a sibling can do access their sister's OBC?

Pam Hasegawa link
3/21/2018 04:56:33 am

Dear Robert,

I hope you have received your original birth certificate by now by applying to the Office of Vital Statistics in Trenton. If you have not yet applied, please go to
http://nj-care.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/reg-41-newjersey-original-birth-certificate-application.pdf
and be sure to read and follow the instructions.

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
8/3/2020 07:11:59 am

Dear Robert,
I am re-reading prior messages from this site and hope that you were able to get your NJ original birth certificate. Please let me know if you received it and whether you've been able to find birth relatives :-)
Warmly,
Pam Hasegawa

Jessica
2/17/2016 02:39:44 pm

Besides donating money I would like to donate my time. What can I do to help?!

Reply
Vivian
2/18/2016 04:31:12 am

I would like to be a volunteer

Reply
Jerry M. Marr
4/13/2016 12:10:42 pm

I am at age 77 and I am wanting to know my birth parent(s) IF possible. I was adopted in Tyler, Smith Co., Texas, in 1939. Can the ALMA help me and is there anyone in the Tyler area that I need to contact?
Thank you for any help you might give me!

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
3/21/2018 05:08:23 am

I suggest joining/registering with

The Alma Society ( http://www.almasociety.org ) to see if someone in your birth family (a sibling or other relative who may have learned about you from either of your original parents has also registered.

and

Int'l Search and Reunion Registry ( http://isrr.net/ )

Both of these organizations have extensive registries that continue growing, and while there may be some overlap in registrants, many - if not most - people have only registered with one of them.

Pam Hasegawa link
3/21/2018 04:58:56 am

Please contact njcare.staff@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering.

Reply
Carrie
2/18/2016 05:20:36 pm

I'd like to get more information on volunteering

Reply
Vanessa Glenn
2/18/2016 08:35:50 pm

I saw that they were looking for volunteers to host babies until permanent homes were found. I live in San Antonio Texas are there any facilities that need volunteers. I have three children of my own, but I love all babies and would love to host a baby until they find powder parents.

Reply
Pam Hasegawa
3/21/2018 05:13:54 am

If you enter "volunteering to cuddle babies in Texas" into your browser search window, you will find several places you may contact to volunteer. You will find web sites and contact information to explore this further :-)

Reply
Rebekah Epps
2/19/2016 12:12:46 am

I researched through a Facebook link stating that "volunteer cuddlers" were needed to care and nurture for infants until they have been adopted. I would love to volunteer and would like more info on how to do so.

Reply
Pamela Hasegawa
3/21/2018 05:15:52 am

Please enter "volunteering to cuddle babies in ___________(your state)" in the search bar of your browser to learn about agencies with such programs.

Reply
Laura Buenabad
2/22/2016 06:00:00 pm

I will like more information in regards volunteer to carry and hold babies. I live in Whittier, CA

Reply
Pam Hasegawa
3/21/2018 05:16:53 am

Enter "volunteer to cuddle babies in CA" into your browser's search window for information on this subject.

Reply
Deborah Chang
2/26/2016 06:18:54 pm

I was adopted by my stepfather when he married my mom. I would like to get my original birth certificate. My mom has since passed away, but I have contact with my birth father. Is there a process that would allow me to get the original with my birth father's consent. Your organization helped unite my mother with her first daughter who was given up for adoption and I thought you may be able to help me with this. I have all of the information, but I don't know how to go about doing this. Thank you Deborah Chang

Reply
PAMELA HASEGAWA link
3/21/2018 05:22:00 am

It all depends on the state in which you were born, as laws differ from state to state. If you enter "adoptees' access to original birth certificates in ____ (state where you were born)" in your browser search bar you will find several avenues to obtain this information.
I suggest following up on those that do not have "AD" at the beginning of the URL.

Reply
Deborah Chang link
8/3/2020 08:20:51 am

Dear Deborah, I wrote you in 2018 when (gulp) I first saw your message, and am wondering how you have done with your search.
I don't know in what state your adoption took place, and the laws differ state-by-state, so if you are still working on this, please contact me :-)
Thanks! Pam

Reply
Adoptee
2/27/2016 10:16:28 pm

You have the wrong link to the ALMA website here. It's http://www.almasociety.org/.

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
8/3/2020 07:16:22 am

Adding "/org." will get you to the ALMA web site as will http://www.a;masociety.org (without the " /.")

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
8/3/2020 08:22:55 am

I just saw the typo in my answer above. The correct email address to reach ALMA is
http://www.almasociety.org

Jorge Mancilla
5/20/2016 12:43:58 pm

Hello I seek biological family
it is possible I was born in connecticut, may my mother is Italian
I was born on March 4, 1966

Latin name and surnames have since led me to Mexico without that way.

Thank you

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
3/21/2018 09:32:55 am

Have you registered with ALMA (http://www.almasociety.org) and ISRR (http://www.ISRR.net)?

Please go to https://accessconnecticut.org/ and click on each of the headings scroll down through the site to learn about the current effort to allow adoptees' access to original birth certificates in that state. You can help with this effort, as explained on the site.

Reply
Susan McNamara Allocco
7/1/2016 11:22:32 pm

I went to my first ALMA meeting in the early 70's in NYC. From that meeting, I met a wonderful man who helped adoptees and was very sympathetic to our cause. I hired him and my birth mother was married numerous times, so in the days before the Internet, it was a difficult task. About five years later he found my sister and "supposed" birth father. He married my mother not too long after I was born. My birth mother died the year I started my search, but I didn't find that out until 1994. I did a DNA test with my sister and we are definitely not my full sister. The only person who could tell me had been dead for almost 40 years. I have accepted I will never completely know the other half of my DNA and relatives I wish I knew. It is probably too late to know my birth father, but so was born in Brooklyn, NY in Febuary 1948 at Midwoof Hospital by Dr. Nicholas J. Rose. My birth mother's name Eve Synder. If any reading this and anyone or fact sounds familiar, please let me know. 🙏🏻

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
3/20/2018 03:07:56 pm

Dear Susan, I hope you will go to the ALMA web site (www.almasociety.org) and update your registration form. If you joined way back when we may have met each other (mid-70s) you don't have to join again as once membership is confirmed, you never lose it. A support group meets monthly on the 2nd Sat of each month at 12:30-4:30 at the Morristown and Twp Public Library in Morristown, on South St. Please free to contact njcare.staff@gmail.com, and request information on various DNA companies that may give you a link to the other side of your original family :-) Pam

Reply
Janet Hill
10/17/2016 08:22:40 am

I am curious if there is information concerning possible baby swapping at Tripler Army Hospital, Honolulu, Hawaii island of Oahu. I was an adopted child. I have done a DNA test. My 2 matches are, both 1st cousins. I am a match to them.
The story is their parents lost a baby. that year is 1954 Hawaii. My birth record shows 19 February 1954, the paternal and maternal grandparents report in local paper the death of the baby as 19 feb 1954 in military hospital (Tripler is that hospital for all branches of the service) My OBC or death record would not be public record as yet. I wish to keep private the DNA match family but am curious as how to proceed.
Would opening the adoption records, in that year in Territory of Hawaii, reveal names as I know them or would there just be the adoption agency names??
Is it common for parent, "Attendent (MD) and registrar general all have signed on the same date, nine months after birth date? Is this common to the adoption aspect.
I am sure that this is my natural family, though bizarre and nothing of what I expected, I believe it makes sense. Is there an option I have not considered?
Any information is appreciated. Janet

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
3/21/2018 12:10:46 pm

Dear Janet, Here is the latest update on adoptees' access to original birth certificates in Hawaii. Its quite a law! :-)

https://adopteerightslaw.com/hawaii-obc/

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
8/3/2020 07:19:32 am

Dear Janet, Were you able to obtain a copy of your original birth certificate from Hawai'i?

Bob Braxton
5/17/2017 09:14:55 am

progressing reading "The Gilrs Who Went Away" and empathetic to what my birthfather may have been going through after relinquishing infant daughter circa 1940 February 14, NC, in the 1940 census (as "ward" no name).

Reply
Angela Evelyn Hahn
7/28/2017 07:57:23 am

Hi,

Many years ago, I went through ALMA in New York City. I would go there with my friend Judy and would listen to the advice that was given to me and many other people who were searching for there adopted out Children or searching for there Biological Mom/and or Dad. We would go once a month. After 9 months, I found my Birth Mom. I found out that I had 2 half Sisters and 3 half Brothers. I also found out that I am half Spanish, 1/4 German and 1/4 Checkoslovakian :) My Birth Mom would not give me my Birth Dad's name. He was where I got the Spanish part of me :) My adopted Mom and Dad wouldn't tell me what my nationality was, I don't think they knew. But, I was sure that I was not Italian and Irish like my adopted Mom and Dad told me that I was. I had my first seizure when I was 15. I think even before than, I wanted to know who my birth Mom and Dad were, but once that happened, I definatly and desperatly needed to know who my Birth Mom and Dad were, because I needed some medical background. I found out that my Grandfather (Biological) was an Epileptic and it had skipped a generation and than I got it. I did not think of it at the time, but I found out about 10 years ago that I am Bi Polar. I also have anxiety issues, PTSD, Depression and a host of other issues that go along with those. I remember when I was younger, going to see a therapist/psychologist. So, I have had these problems since I was a child. They stemmed through my Biological Mom who is a paranoid pskitsophrenic. I am going to be 60 in December of this year, and I am very glad that I found out what I did. My Biological Moms name is Celia Rand. My Biological name was Marie Rand. I am currently looking for my two other Siblings who were put out for adoption like I was. There names would be Josephine Koenig and Raymond Carrvel <<<<<<< Not sure of the spelling. But those would be there Biological names. I am looking to search for my Biological Mom once again, which will be easier this time, because we lost contact. Also, Agnes Carrvel, Edward Schroeder, Warren Rand, they were put in foster care. I met them, Eddy in person, Agnes and Warren on the phone. I want to find my other two Siblings now.

I also would like to Volunteer for ALMA. I do not live in New York anymore. I live in Pennsylvania. I will Volunteer for ALMA and I will Volunteer my time and effort to anybody who needs my help. I have been through the searching process and it only took me 9 months. I was very persistant. Finally, I called the Voters Registration Beurau and told them that I was my Biological Mom, I just gave them her name and I need to know what is the latest address on file they have for me<<<<<<<actually my Bio Mom, and they just gave it to me.

My e-mail address is angelaevelynhahn@gmail.com

My phone number is 717-466-6111

I am searching and I also want to volunteer. I want to give back to ALMA what they have given to me, PLUS SOME MORE!!! LOTS MORE!!!

Reply
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1/16/2018 05:39:07 pm

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Terri (Davey) Allen
3/19/2018 10:57:46 am

I had a daughter I gave up at birth, She was born 6/29/69.She was born at Queen of The Valley Hospital in West Covina Ca, Hospital Id # 63384 , mine # 63356. I am 70 now, and there has not been a day go by that I don't think about her. I have no idea how to find her

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
3/21/2018 11:42:57 am

Dear Terri,

At almasociety.org , the ALMA Society web site, you may register for a lifetime membership. You will soon find out if your birth daughter has registered looking for you, and you may request advice about searching for her. If you haven't contact the agency which handled her adoption, you can write the agency and ask them to put a letter written by you for your daughter in her file.

Also go to ISRR.net where you may register to see if anyone in your birth family has also signed up. If so, you will be both be notified.

You may learn about individual state’s laws re adoptees' access to their original birth certificates at the following URLs:

http://www.americanadoptioncongress.org/state.php

https://adopteerightslaw.com/united-states-obc/

http://adoptioninstitute.org/old/publications/7_14_2010_ForTheRecordsII.pdf

Or you have the option of having your DNA tested. The following companies provide this service. By checking each of them separately you will find that some accept your DNA information from other labs at no -- or -- minimal charge: ancestry.com, FamilyTreeDNA.com, MyHeritage.com and 23andme.com. GEDmatch.com is a volunteer-run service where people may send their raw DNA results (from one of the labs mentioned above) to see if there is a match with anyone else in that database.

A nationwide support group for original parents is CUB -- Concerned United Birthparents...Learn more at cubirthparents.org

Reply
Patsy Saba
3/20/2018 09:59:06 pm

Looking for natural mother

Reply
PAMELA HASEGAWA link
3/21/2018 11:34:25 am

Dear Patsy,

Here are some suggestions for you as you seek to find your original mother.

At the ALMA Society web site, almasociety.org , you may register for a lifetime membership. You will soon find out if anyone in your birth family has registered looking for you and may request advice about searching for your original family.

You may also register at ISRR.net to see if anyone in your birth family has also signed up. If so, you will be both be notified of the match.

You may learn about individual state’s laws re adoptees' access to their original birth certificates at the following URLs:

http://www.americanadoptioncongress.org/state.php

https://adopteerightslaw.com/united-states-obc/

http://adoptioninstitute.org/old/publications/7_14_2010_ForTheRecordsII.pdf

Or you have the option of having your DNA tested. The following companies provide this service. By checking each of them separately you will find that some accept your DNA information from other labs at no -- or -- minimal charge: ancestry.com, FamilyTreeDNA.com, MyHeritage.com and 23andme.com. GEDmatch.com is a volunteer-run service where people may send their raw DNA results (from one of the labs mentioned above) to see if there is a match with anyone else in that database. There is also a helpful Facebook group, DNAdetectives (facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives/ ) you may join.

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
8/3/2020 07:43:29 am

Here are some suggestions for you as you seek to find your original mother.

At the ALMA Society web site, almasociety.org , you may register for a lifetime membership. You will soon find out if anyone in your birth family has registered looking for you and may request advice about searching for your original family.

You may also register at ISRR.net to see if anyone in your birth family has also signed up. If so, you will be both be notified of the match.

You may learn about individual state’s laws re adoptees' access to their original birth certificates at the following URLs:

http://www.americanadoptioncongress.org/state.php

https://adopteerightslaw.com/united-states-obc/

http://adoptioninstitute.org/old/publications/7_14_2010_ForTheRecordsII.pdf

Or you have the option of having your DNA tested. The following companies provide this service. By checking each of them separately you will find that some accept your DNA information from other labs at no -- or -- minimal charge: ancestry.com, FamilyTreeDNA.com, MyHeritage.com and 23andme.com. GEDmatch.com is a volunteer-run service where people may send their raw DNA results (from one of the labs mentioned above) to see if there is a match with anyone else in that database. There is also a helpful Facebook group, DNAdetectives (facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives/ ) you may join.

Reply
Amanda Butler
4/8/2018 12:01:34 am

I am 30 born 8/16/87 In Stuart Florida. I already tried ALMA but unfortunately I don't have the kind of money it apparently takes to even register with them. I am so so so sick and tired of looking for my bio family and everywhere I turn I get told if you have $___ we can search and find them. I AM A MOTHER OF 2 WITH 1 ON THE WAY. WE LIVE PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK AND DON'T HAVE ANY EXTRA MONEY let alone extra cash to basicly throw into the void and hope something comes back. I have a right to know where I came from. I have a right to know my family history...my family medical history...i can't even tell my children if we have a higher risk of cancer or and genetic issues. Nothing. Not knowing where you come from is painful and while I'm glad a lot of people can afford to find out, i know there are a lot more who can't and therefore just have to suffer or gtf over it. I don't care how I sound i don't care if I sound like the biggest bitch on earth. I just want closure and am finding out unless I manage to get rich...ill just die trying.

Reply
Stacey
7/15/2018 11:15:54 pm

Amanda, how can someone get in touch with you?

Reply
Krystle
9/16/2018 07:57:49 pm

My mother was adopted. I recently found an ild piece of paper in my grandmoms handwriting which said info on finding my mom's birth mother.She was born on September 16th 1972 at sacred heart hospital. It also said dr Delhi and alma. How can i find her biological mother without even knowing her name. Her birth certificate says my grandfather's last name (her adopted father)

Reply
Ahna Blutreich
7/28/2019 01:05:22 pm

My mothers older brother was stolen and sold to another family in 1942. This happened at central maternity hospital in the Bronx that was owned by Dr Leff. Dr Leff was subsequently convicted of selling babies and falsifying birth records. The hospital burnt down and all the records are lost. My mother and her remaining siblings are desperate to find their stolen brother. My grandmother's name was Jennie Schwartz. Any leads or help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Ahna Blutreich
Cell: 646-591-9629

Reply
Marie Anderson
8/5/2019 08:58:02 am

Marie Anderson, biological mom as listed on Birth Certificate Dewitt John Anderson either July 17th or July 19th, 1968 at Union Memorial Hospital, 33rd St and N Calvert st Baltimore MD

Reply
Jacob crow
11/12/2019 10:16:50 pm

I’m looking for my biological father I was born March 11th 1998 at Miami dade hospital my biological father is Suzanne crowe I was adopted thru child net

Reply
Diana G
11/18/2019 04:54:38 am

I am trying to find information about a NYC doctor who arranged my adoption. This was 70 years ago. I have his name, but never came up with anything about him or his practice. Any ideas?

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
8/3/2020 09:50:42 am

Have you tried Googling him?

Reply
Stephen Landishman
1/25/2020 02:30:50 pm

Got original birth certificate and registered on ancestry.com. Just found out I have a younger sibling that was put up for adoption. Where can I go to find her information. My adopted parents were contacted after adopting me and was told I had a female sibling and would they be interested in adoption. They could not afford this. How can I find her. I know we share the same mother.

Reply
Stacey
1/26/2020 05:08:48 am

Stephen, where were you born? Was your sister born in the same state? You can start by registering with the State's adoption reunion registry. Reach out to the adoption agency/attorney that handled your adoption place a letter (a waiver of anonymity) with all your contact information for her. Reguster with ISRR (Int'l Soundex Reunion Registry).

Did you take the Ancestry.com dna test, is that how you matched her? You can send a message to your matches via Ancestry (without a paid membership). Include your email address and phone number in your message so she can reach out to you outside if the Ancestry site via traditional email or by phone. Is she using a real name or a user ID as her name on ancestry? You can research the name in social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc) Ypu xan also do a reverse name/email lookup to find her identity.

That's a start. Congratulations on being a BIG brother! And best of luck in reuniting with her!

Reply
Pamela Ross
8/3/2020 06:04:20 am

I need a phone number for ALMA? I tried to register and after filling out the form it wouldn't send it. I need help.

Reply
Pam Hasegawa link
8/3/2020 07:31:28 am

Hi Pam,

Have you been able to reach the NJ attorney whose name and contact information Tom McGee gave you in the past year or so?

When I hear back from you on this I will let you know how to reach an other ALMA volunteer besides me :-)

Pam



Reply
Pamela Ross
8/3/2020 08:17:43 am

I did hire the attorney with a letter from my doctor stating that I have vital health history I need to send to my daughter. The attorney Ann Edens of Chester, NJ. at Eden's Law Firm wasn't able to locate the county courthouse which did the adoption when my daughter was about a year old. She wasn't adopted in Morris County, NJ. where she was born. The adoption agency, NJ. Children and Families were located in Morristown, NJ. at the time of the adoption. Ann's agency was able to eliminate 10 of the 21 counties in NJ. But it was very costly to continue with affidavit and orders. The agency was reluctant because they weren't sure we would be able to get an answer. There is the possibility she was adopted out of state. My feeling is that one of the counties along the coast where I was living at the time might be a possible place to search because my address at the time of the adoption was in Tuckerton, NJ. I have another reason that area is of interest to me as well. All the counties have different laws and requirements to petition the court. Three coastal counties that didn't respond to the attorney are Burlington, Monmouth and Atlantic. The attorney felt that I should contact the ACLU. I filed a complaint but I feel they are very busy right now. I don't know if I will get an answer. Because I have moved back to my home in VA. after 8 years in Fl. taking care of family I'm closer to NJ. I have lived here for about 30 years. I'd like to join the NJ. support group for birth parents.

Reply
Pamela Ross
8/3/2020 08:47:36 am

answer by e-mail?

Reply
Pamela Ross link
8/5/2020 12:03:25 pm

I wanted to continue my subscription. It was cancelled by mistake.

Thank you.
Pam

Reply
Bianca link
12/15/2020 08:04:06 pm

This is a great ppost

Reply



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