-Note- Encompass Adoptees encourages critical thinking about all books and resources - Book discussions do not imply agreement with all portions of a book, nor does it indicate any endorsement of the author/s, their programs or therapy.

This is a casual discussion group meant to support adoptive, kinship, and fostering parents and to build relationships between parents and their adopted children of all ages through the community, conversation, and educational materials. This group offers a safe place to share and ask questions openly and honestly about relinquishment and adoption/foster care related issues.

This is co-facilitated by Julie Richards, a trauma therapist and parent of both adopted and birth children; and by Heather Gonzales King, an adult adoptee who is in graduate school studying art therapy and counseling. Both are committed to increasing their understanding through the insight and perspective of other triad members. Each month we discuss a chapter in a book or a podcast. We do this in an attempt to cover a variety of related topics, to increase our knowledge and awareness of the information that is out there, and maximize our resources for the future. 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!

We had a great time reading the Primal Wound and Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew - Our new book is The Science of Parenting Adopted Children (Again- Encompass Adoptees encourages critical thinking about all books and resources - Book discussions do not imply agreement with all portions of a book, nor does it indicate any endorsement of the author/s, their programs or therapy. )

• Meets every 2nd Thursday of the month (except holidays)

• 7-9 pm via Zoom- contact us to receive the link to join

We have read The Primal Wound, Adoption Therapy and are starting a brand new book this month!— We are pretty excited about our next book written by an adult adoptee and therapist Pamala Cordano which just came out this year— 10 Foundations for a Meaningful Life (No matter what’s happened)

These meetings are designed for adult adoptees, kinship alum & foster alum, facilitated by adult adoptees, to support one another and offer a safe place to share, discuss, and gain words for better understanding &/or expressing our adoption experiences.

Each week we will discuss topics from the book. Time is given for individual sharing, but no one is required to do so- We encourage each person to participate, or just listen, however they wish.

• Hosted by Encompass Adoptees

• Chapter 3

• 7-9 pm, Every 1st Thursday of the month

• At 122 S Terrace Ave, Unit 1, Columbus (on the corner of Terrace and Olive)

• Parking is available on the street on Terrace and along the side of the building on Olive.