Call us at 386-747-7811 or 866-221-6562 for caring and confidential answers to your questions.  We are here to help.

A Licensed Child Placing Agency & Home Study Provider

The Adoption & Family Support Center, LLC, 709 Hills Blvd., Port Orange, Florida  32127

Toll Free: 866-221-6562 Main Number: 386-760-5804

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PLACEMENT FROM THE HEART SUPPORT GROUP

   

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After nearly 20 years as an adoption social worker it was clear to me that birth parents share a common story.  Although they come from every conceivable religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic background, they are joined by this event.  Once you place your child for adoption, your life changes in ways that others who have not walked in your shoes can only imagine.  The Placement From The Heart Support Group is truly a labor of love.  I wanted to foster a group that would support these brave and unselfish individuals who through their sacrifices allowed others to be parents.  Who through their loss, gave their sons and daughters the life they felt that they alone could not provide.  I knew that although I had counseled over 900 birth parents, that my help was not enough for some. They needed each other’s support, a kind of kinship, which only another birth parent can provide. 

In 2009, I was fortunate enough to work with a handful of women whose passion was inspiring. They each wanted to utilize their placement experience to help others.  Although still grieving, these selfless birth mothers have dedicated their time to creating Placement from the Heart. I am now in awe as I step back and the teacher becomes the student.  How blessed I am to be a part of something so exceptional. 

These women began sharing how therapeutic talking to another birth mother was.  One young woman said that she was a bit hesitant at first to share such personal information with a total stranger.  But as she began to share more and more, she realized that her new friend knew exactly how she felt.  Because they were both birth mothers, she did not have to worry that she would be judged or disliked because of her adoption choice.  She said that she felt really free to feel all of the stages of grief that she was feeling without risk.  She was sure that her new friend would not tell her something insensitive like “if it is so hard, why did you place your child to begin with?” 

Unfortunately, this negative reaction was a typical negative reaction that this birth mother got whenever she shared her sadness with her friends or family members.  She felt like she had to pretend to be happy about her decision 24/7 in order not to have to defend herself every time she missed her child; a natural part of grieving.  While talking to another birth mother, she said that talking to birth mothers like herself made her feel sane.  After sharing some of the ways she felt with the group, she no longer felt like she was going crazy.  Now, there was another person who knew exactly the way she felt.  We all agree that this is the best part of the support group.  Everyone here knows what you have been through and has a sense of respect that can only come from shared experiences.  The group provides a feeling of safety and a sense that you are among friends.  Once you can express how you feel, the healing begins and continues as you help others with their journey.

Placement From The Heart Support Group has regular support group meetings once per month in the Central Florida area.  We also host a variety of social, spiritual and educational events throughout the year.  Our meeting sites and dates are publicized on our facebook and MySpace pages and on the Adoption & Family Support Center’s website.  Our meetings are free, confidential and members of birth families and their friends are invited to join us.  CLICK *HERE* TO VIEW TIME, PLACE and DATE(S)

The group is first and foremost founded on the belief that the choice to make an adoption placement is a positive one.  We believe that birth parents are to be honored and cherished for their courageous decision. 

Although not an easy path, together we will guide, mentor and empower each member to achieve their own unique sense of peace. As a group, we will support you with tears and laughter, joy and sorrow, from placement through acceptance.   You are not alone!

Information contained on this site is not intended to be legal advise.  We suggest calling an attorney to obtain legal counsel.

PLACEMENT FROM

THE HEART SUPPORT GROUP