Adoption Support Group

Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, Burke, VA

7-8:30PM meeting biweekly

Curriculum: The Connected Child by Dr. Karyn Purvis and related material

Facilitated by Ben and Sandi Glass

http://www.FairfaxAdoptionSupport.com

We are the parents of 9 children, 4 of whom are adopted from China. Over the years we have discovered that there are child rearing issues unique to adoptive and (we believe), foster children. Children from hard places, we have learned, cannot be raised using the same techniques, attitudes and strategies that we used (and continue to use) with our biological children.

We also found that there is very little in the way of support for parents once they bring their children into their homes.  Family and friends who have not traveled this path don’t understand all of the complex issues these children face.  Even professionals - physicians, psychologists, school personnel and social workers - while well meaning, often don't have the experience to fully understand.

We are putting together a support group so that Northern Virginia families who are traveling the adoption and foster care journey can meet on a regular basis and network with others who DO understand.  We hope to provide a loving, supportive and authentic community that will encourage families along their adoption journey.  This group is for families experiencing difficult times, as well as for families who have successfully navigated the same pathways – who will be able to share their wisdom and insight.  We also welcome those considering or waiting to adopt.

Our hope is that this group will be able to provide not only support, education and understanding, but also compile a list of local adoption competent professionals as a resource for families in need of additional help.  As adoptive parents ourselves we have witnessed not only the many blessings of adoption, but also the very real challenges.  We know how difficult and sometimes exhausting they can be.  We also know that while the adoption journey is not easy, it is worth it!   Wouldn’t it be nice to walk the journey with friends who understand?

The group will be facilitated by Ben and Sandi Glass, we are not doctors or specialists, just adoptive parents who have navigated these waters for 8 years and see a need for community support.  We have found the book “The Connected Child” by Dr. Karyn Purvis to be extremely helpful and will start by studying material developed in conjunction with this book.

If you or someone you know is interested in joining us, please come!  You can let us know you’ll be there by visiting http://www.FairfaxAdoptionSupport.com or by email to sanglass(at)cox.net.