[Jody M]

Hi Kelly! Thanks for writing and sorry for my delay in responding- my adoptive sister died after a long illness and I was in Florida helping my adoptive mom with her memorial. Regarding starting an adoption support group at your church as I did, I will share how I came to begin mine.
First, I had attended adoption triad support groups while living in Indiana for a couple years. So I had been experienced observing others facilitators lead the group- my backround is a BA in Psychology and a Human Services Certificate with an emphasis on Crisis Pregnancy and Adoption. When I moved to Illinois I found no local adoption groups close by that focused on adoption, or adoption search and reunions for those from the closed adoption era. So, I first put some ads in the newspaper saying " Adoption triad support forming in the western Suburbs of Chicago area for adult adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents. A group for sharing adoption experiences, emotional support, and education. And I included a phone number and my first name for inquiries. After 12 persons responded positively and showed interest, I asked my church pastor and trustee board if I might be able to use a church room, monthly for the group- they said yes. When persons called me I had a spiral notebook to record their name, address, phone number and e-mail and information regarding days/times that were best for them to meet in the evenings. After reviewing those I picked a time best suited for the majority and posted the information in the local newspapers ( free of charge for support groups). I called the persons and believe I sent postcards sharing about the first meeting. I have collected adoption books for many years so I had a small lending library and wonderful copies of Fact Sheets found on Adoption Information Clearinghouse website- they have LOTS of great 5 page fact sheets that they allow to be copied with great overview articles on many topics of adoption. For the meeting I set up chairs in a circle and also supplied coffee and light refreshments, (later members donated these items each meeting) I took a voluntary offering in an envelope passed around the group- and there is no pressure to contribute. The money covered paper goods, name tags and coffee supplies and sometimes some new adoption books for the library. My group has been meeting 9 years and I have LOVED leading it and meeting new persons all the time touched by adoption.
Hope this is helpful and if you have any more questions, let me know!
Blessings, Jody Moreen