[Jody M]

Hi to all!! I am Jody, a reunited adoptee and for the past 10 years I have attended adoption triad support groups in the states we have lived- IL, OH and IN. And for the past 8 years I have been a facilitator for these groups. Sharing with adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents in an open setting is so wonderful! Before I attended these groups I never had openly shared with another adoptee. And so when I heard them share, I heard some of my identical feelings and unspoken thoughts echoed. And I also learned what adoption is like from the perspective of the birth mom and the adoptive parents. So eye-opening to learn and share and encourage one another. If you do not attend a local adoption group- find one (The Adoption Information Clearing House I believe has a list and the Blue Book of Adoption Groups and Searchers also lists many) Or think of starting one in your area. Many of my very good friends I have met from these groups- and it is so fun finding adoption journey mates to share with!!
Jody, from Chicagoland area
adoption@wideopenwest.com

[bajohnson]

Jody,
You mentioned two places to find out about Adoption support groups, do you know how I can access these?
Thanks,
Beth

[Jody M]

Hi Beth- thanks for writing and inquiring. I can look up this information in the next couple days- but try Adoption Information Clearing House in a search engine like google - I am sure that one will come up. And the "Blue Book" used to be published yearly updating everyone on adoption search groups, searchers, and support systems for the triad. Curry Wolfe headed up that project- I will look for her e-mail but you imight also try putting The Blue Book, Curry Wolfe in a search engine. Or type in adoption support groups on a search engine and lists also come up. E-mail me I can look up your state/area in the directories I have. Blessings to you and hope you can find a local group or start one! That is what I did when I moved back to IL. over 5 years and found no group local. Jody
adoption@wideopenwest.com
www.adoptionblessingsnewsletter.com

[bajohnson]

Jody,
Thanks, I'll give her a whirl. I am just about the worst when it comes to search engines. I think I'm cursed. Just kidding, but it always comes up, not found. I will try, thanks for your help.
Beth
Ps I'm in the wonderfully bizarre state of Minnesota. Monday it was 90 degrees and right now it is snowing and 34. BRRRRR!
: )