Looking for Guatemalan Adoption Group

We have recently relocated to Berkeley and looking for a Guatemalan adoption group or any group of parents with adopted children. We previously lived in NYC where a group met often and the leaders were well-versed in all issues and most countries. It was also a great place to connect with other parents and meet children who were born in the same country. Our lovely five year old girl happens to be from Guatemala and we brought her home two months before she turned one. thank you! Mom of Guatemalan child. Mom of Guatemalan child

East Bay Birth Mother Support Group?

Does anyone know of a birth mother support group in the East Bay? I've tried to attend the Pacer meetings in Orinda, but they meet so irregularly. I just started a Meetup group (http://www.meetup.com/East-Bay-Birthmother-Meetup-Group/) so if anyone happens to know of a birth mom who would want to connect please pass along the information.

I've really struggled to manage my pain around the adoption. It was supposed to be an open adoption, but after the papers were finalized I didn't hear from the family for over six years. I was promised monthly visits and regular pictures. Within the past two years the relationship has changed (the family divorced) and I can send my daughter monthly letters, but I still haven't seen her since her 1st birthday (almost 10 years ago).

I know that I would be able to manage my pain better if I could process it with other birth mothers. I have tried therapy and EMDR, but both have helped very little. I am married now and have a beautiful seven month-old son. Sometimes my pain is triggered when I look at my son and I have to attempt to ignore it.

If anyone has suggestions on a support group in the East Bay or is willing to pass along my information to another birth mother I would really appreciate it. At this point I feel as though I am processing this alone. This might sound bad, but I feel like no one really understands my pain. Thanks!

The first is to contact Ellen Roseman of Cooperative Adoption (ellen@coopadopt.com) ... she is an advocate for birth parents and may be able to assist you in mediating the issues at hand regarding the switch in terms of your adoptive placement ... as an Adoption Facilitator in Northern California she has educated both adoptive and birth families on open adoption ... we worked with Ellen on both of our daughter's adoptions and wouldn't be where we are today without her guidance. Her number is 415-453- 0902.

My second suggestion is to contact the organization On Your Feet which is an organization just for birth parents offering support, mentoring and scholarships their website is www.onyourfeetca.org Lastly our younger daughter's birth mother lives in the East Bay and if you want to contact me I can connect you.

I applaud your reaching out for help as you do not need to be alone ... I hope you contact the people I've suggested they will be supportive of you and your situation and please don't hesitate to contact us as well. Regards, Lisa

Support group for adopted 11-year-old daughter

I am looking for a support group or camp for my 11 year old daughter whom was adopted as an infant through a domestic adoption. I am looking in Berkeley or El Cerrito area. I heard about Virginia Keeler Ross' group but it is a difficult time of day for our family and it is very expensive. Does anyone know of other groups? I think a group would be better than individual because she keeps on talking about being different than everyone due to her adoption. If there are no other groups could anyone comment on Virginia's group? Was it helpful for your child? By the way she is the same race as my husband and I are (Pact would not be appropriate). Thanks A

My older daughter (now 13) did the Keeler-Wolf + Soble girl groups for a year, and would have continued if not for soccer conflict. If you would like to talk more about either or both these groups--which are quite different--send e-mail and we can follow up by phone or e-mail.

Mary Ellen Hill's website: www.mehstories.com Monday-Friday, 9a-3p, $350 Ages 6-12, six children maximum enrollment

Session 8August 8-12 + Adoptees Connecting Camp (ACC) This session is for children who want to share and explore their adoption in a supportive and playful way with other adopted children. Each camper will have many opportunities to celebrate their particular life journey as an adopted person through various art forms: writing, drawing, painting, collage, reading, drama and puppets. Mary Ellen was adopted as an infant and has been exploring adoption in various ways for many years. lori

Adoptive Parents Support Group for challenging kids

I am looking for a SUPPORT GROUP for parents of adopted children with challenging behavioral problems. Specifically, my child is a preschooler (five years old) with reactive attachment issues and sensory integration disorders.

Any existing support groups out there in the general East Bay area (Oakland, Berkeley & beyond)? Maybe a psychotherapist or counselor-led group? Hoping for low or no fees.

Also, know of any effective OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS who specialize in sensory integration therapy for children? Parent desperately seeking support!

Recommended:

Leah 

Replying to the question about resources for adoptive parents. My good
friend Jonathan Pannor offers these workshops and I've been meaning to
post this. He is a wonderful person (I'm his friend and haven't been in
his groups) and has adopted a child himself. His father is also an
expert on adoptiona and pioneered open adoption. 

Creating Healthy Families Through Adoption
Two Part Educational Workshops for Parents of Children Ages 0-5 Years
Old

This special program is for couples, single parents and adult family
members who have adopted children and are beginning to deal with some of
the
early issues of adoption.  Groups will include time for discussion and
questions.

Jonathan Pannor, LCSW, is a clinical social worker in private practice
in the Bay area.

Cost: $100.00 Per Person

For information about this workshop and workshops for parents of
children of all ages PLEASE CALL (415) 777-4008

http://home.earthlink.net/~jonpannor/

Jonathan Pannor, LCSW
Support Groups for Adoptive Parents
and Caregivers of Elderly Family Members
jonpannor AT earthlink.net
http://home.earthlink.net/~jonpannor/
(415) 777-4008