This is a casual discussion group meant to support adoptive, fostering, & kinship parents and to build relationships between parents and their adopted/fostered children of all ages through community, conversation, and educational materials. It is facilitated by Heather Gonzales, who is an adult adoptee, is the Founder and Director at Encompass, works at Buckeye Ranch as a community counselor for youth and their families, and will be working as a counselor with the Center for Integrated Counseling and Wellness, specializing in working with adoptees and their families. An adoptive parent helps co-facilitate each group- Sarah Cutright, adoptive parent of two intercounty, transracial adoptee teens, will co-facilitating the in-person group; and Deborah Gnann, mom of two intercounty, transracially adopted young adults, and is the founder and director at COFAF (Coalition of Adoptive Families) will be co-facilitating the online group. All facilitators are committed to increasing their learning and understanding through the insight and perspective of other triad members, This group offers a safe place to share and ask questions openly and honestly about relinquishment and adoption-related issues. Both groups will be discussing the same topics and you are free to join either or switch back and forth as needed.
Each month we discuss part of a book or topic. We do this in an attempt to cover a larger variety of related issues, to increase our knowledge and awareness of the information that is out there, and to maximize our resources for the future. Although not required, sharing personal experiences and asking questions are encouraged. There is No requirement to come to all discussions or to have read the chapter beforehand, so please join us and feel free to choose the chapter topics that interest you!
NOTE- Encompass Adoptees encourages critical thinking that takes into account all triad members in regards to all books and resources. Book discussions or reading lists in no way imply agreement with all portions of a book, nor does it indicate any endorsement of the author/s, their programs, techniques, etc. Individual opinions and personal experiences with these items can be shared and discussed during the group meetings, and questions are encouraged.
Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month (except Dec for the holidays)
In-Person group meets 7-9 pm - Childcare is offered for those in need, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. (This is not a youth mentoring program -it is intended only for families with childcare needs- For those seeking social resources for youth please see our youth and teen programs.) Snacks or a light meal will be provided. -Childcare and food are provided through funding given by Ohio KAN.
Parking is available on the street on Terrace and along the side of the building on Olive. Located at At 122 S Terrace Ave, Unit 1, Columbus (on the corner of Terrace and Olive)
Online/ Zoom group meets 11:30 am- 1 pm- Please email us or pre-register in order to get the zoom link. After you have come once, and the group is able to verify new members are adoptive parents( to ensure a safe space for all attending), you can request to be added to the email list that receives the new link and password each month.
Currently reading What Happened to You: Conversations on trauma, Resilience, and Healing, by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
This Program is Hosted, Developed, and Facilitated by Encompass Adoptees and is currently Funded and Sponsored by Ohio KAN
